The 2026 All-Japan Judo Championships will take place on Sunday, April 26 at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, as confirmed by multiple official sources including the Kodokan and All Japan Judo Federation.
The tournament, which determines Japan’s top male judoka in the open-weight division, begins at 10:00 a.m. Local time with doors opening at 9:00 a.m., according to pre-event information published by the Kodokan.
This year’s championship features a field of recommended athletes and regional qualifiers who advanced through ten district tournaments across Japan.
Among the invited competitors are reigning champion Kogo Ogawa, runner-up Hisayoshi Harasawa and notable veterans Ryuji Nagayama, Takeshi Takeoka, and Sanshiro Murao, all selected based on their performances and rankings.
The Nippon Budokan, located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward near Kudanshita Station, serves as the historic venue for Japan’s premier martial arts events and has hosted the All-Japan Championships for decades.
Ticket sales began with a presale period ending March 31 at 11:59 p.m., followed by general sales starting April 1 at 10:00 a.m. Through Ticket Pia, with Seven-Eleven stores accepting purchases using P-code 866-139.
Organizers have confirmed that no same-day tickets will be available if advance sales reach the predetermined limit, a policy clearly stated in both presale and general sales announcements.
Seating options and prices include arena SS seats at 20,000 yen, S seats at 8,000 yen, A seats at 7,000 yen, first-floor B seats at 5,000 yen, and second-floor general admission.
The event is organized by the Kodokan and All Japan Judo Federation, with support from Asahi Shimbun, NHK, and the Nippon Budokan Foundation, and special sponsorship from Toyo Suisan Company.
Live coverage will be provided through multiple channels: real-time results via SEIKO SportsLink, official streaming on the “All Judo TV” YouTube channel, and televised broadcasts on NHK BS starting at 1:00 p.m. And NHK General TV at 4:00 p.m. Local time.
The open-weight format means competitors face opponents regardless of size differences, creating unique strategic challenges as athletes must adapt techniques typically used within their regular weight classes.
This annual tournament represents the pinnacle of domestic judo competition in Japan, drawing elite athletes who usually compete in specific weight divisions but come together once a year to determine the nation’s absolute best.
As the event approaches, attention turns to how the invited stars will match up against the regional qualifiers who earned their spots through rigorous district-level competition.
The bracket structure follows a single-elimination format, with pairings determined in advance and published by the All Japan Judo Federation in late March.
For international fans unable to attend, the official YouTube stream offers accessible English-friendly coverage through the All Judo TV channel, which typically provides commentary and analysis during major judo events.
With the championship set to unfold over a single day, the schedule is designed to accommodate multiple rounds efficiently, beginning with early matches and progressing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
Historically, the All-Japan Championships have produced memorable moments and showcased the depth of talent in Japanese judo, with past winners often going on to represent Japan at World Championships and Olympic Games.
As April 26 nears, preparations continue at the Nippon Budokan, where staff finalize logistics for what is expected to be a well-attended showcase of Japan’s premier martial art.
The event serves not only as a national title decider but also as an important benchmark for athletes aiming to maintain or improve their standing ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Fans seeking the most accurate and up-to-date information are encouraged to consult the official websites of the Kodokan and All Japan Judo Federation, which provide verified updates on schedules, participants, and results.
Following the conclusion of the championships, the next major checkpoint for Japanese judo will be the announcement of selected athletes for upcoming international tournaments later in the year.
What aspects of this year’s All-Japan Judo Championships are you most looking forward to seeing unfold? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
