Ryoma Sugino Claims Gold in High-Stakes 66kg Final at 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships
The intensity of high school judo reached its peak at the Nippon Budokan on March 27, 2026, as Ryoma Sugino secured the gold medal in the men’s 66kg division. In a clash that lived up to the pre-tournament hype, Sugino of Chiba Keizai University Affiliated High School overcame a formidable challenge from Seito Kihara of Tokai University Sagami High School to claim the title at the 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships.
The final was a tactical battle of endurance and precision. Sugino managed to break the deadlock at the 5:09 mark, scoring a waza-ari—a score in judo that denotes a throw that lacked the full power or control for an ippon (instant win) but is sufficient to secure a lead. For those unfamiliar with the scoring, a waza-ari is a significant advantage that forces the opponent to accept aggressive risks to equalize, a pressure that Kihara was unable to overcome before the clock ran out.
The victory cements Sugino’s status as one of the premier lightweights in the high school circuit, representing Chiba Prefecture with a performance defined by composure and technical execution.
Breakdown of the 66kg Podium
While Sugino took the top spot, the 66kg division showcased the depth of talent across Japan’s top sporting schools. Seito Kihara’s silver medal performance highlighted the strength of the Kanagawa Prefecture program, specifically Tokai University Sagami, which has long been a powerhouse in the sport.
Rounding out the podium were Koki Shibazaki of Adachi Gakuen High School (Tokyo) and Sanato Chaen of Saga Commercial High School (Saga), both earning third-place finishes. The diversity of the podium—spanning Chiba, Kanagawa, Tokyo, and Saga—underscores the competitive parity currently existing in the 66kg weight class.
Comprehensive Results Across Men’s Divisions
The individual competitions, held on March 27, featured a rigorous schedule across multiple weight classes. The 60kg division saw Ryunosuke Koga of Minami Chiku High School take first place, while the heavier divisions were dominated by athletes from Osaka and Aichi.
In the open weight category, the gold went to Kiyomasa Matsubayashi of Tokai University Sagami High School, giving the Kanagawa-based school two major podium finishes in the men’s brackets.
| Weight Class | 1st Place (Winner) | School / Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| 60kg | Ryunosuke Koga | Minami Chiku (Fukuoka) |
| 66kg | Ryoma Sugino | Chiba Keizai Univ Affiliated (Chiba) |
| 73kg | Genki Fujinaka | Jomu (Osaka) |
| 81kg | Seiya Yoshida | Taisei (Aichi) |
| Open Weight | Kiyomasa Matsubayashi | Tokai Univ Sagami (Kanagawa) |
Women’s Division Highlights
The women’s individual competitions were equally competitive. In the 48kg division, Iori Tomita of Hiroshima Minami High School secured the gold medal, defeating Moena Takehara to take the top spot on the podium.
Tournament Context and Legacy
The 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships served as a critical benchmark for the next generation of Japanese judoka. Held at the historic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, the event is widely regarded as the most prestigious title for high school athletes in Japan, often serving as a springboard for those aiming for university scholarships or national team consideration.
The tournament structure split the action between the individual events on Friday, March 27, and the team competitions on Saturday, March 28. This format tests not only the individual technical skill of the athletes but likewise the depth and cohesion of the school programs.
For global followers of the sport, the results from this championship provide a glimpse into the future of the 66kg and open weight categories. The ability of athletes like Sugino and Matsubayashi to perform under the bright lights of the Budokan suggests a strong pipeline of talent heading into the senior ranks.
Key Takeaways
- Ryoma Sugino dominated the 66kg class, winning the final with a waza-ari at 5:09.
- Tokai University Sagami proved its depth, securing both a silver in 66kg and gold in the Open Weight division.
- Regional Diversity: Winners hailed from Chiba, Fukuoka, Osaka, Aichi, and Kanagawa, showing a wide distribution of elite talent.
- Women’s Success: Iori Tomita established herself as the leader of the 48kg division.
With the individual championships concluded, the focus now shifts to the broader implications for these athletes as they move toward the end of their high school careers. Official updates and full brackets can be tracked via the All Japan Judo Federation.
What did you suppose of Sugino’s tactical approach in the final? Let us know in the comments below.
