White Birch Academy Wins Three Weight Classes at 53rd Tokachi High School Judo Spring Tournament
White Birch Academy’s judo team delivered a strong performance at the 53rd Tokachi High School Judo Spring Tournament held on April 19, 2026, at the Otaru Town Comprehensive Gymnasium and Martial Arts Hall in Hokkaido, Japan. The squad secured second place in the team competition while capturing gold medals in three individual weight classes, highlighting their depth and preparation for the upcoming Hokkaido High School Athletic Federation Tokachi Sub-Branch tournament.
According to the official tournament results reported by White Birch Academy, the team finished as runners-up in the team event, losing 1-2 to Obihiro Agricultural High School in the final. This marked a solid showing for the academy’s judo program, which continues to be a competitive force in regional high school sports.
Individually, White Birch Academy athletes dominated in three weight divisions. Sugawara Yuta, a third-year student in the Academic Course from Minamihiro Junior High, won the men’s under-60kg category. Daisho Genji, also a third-year Academic Course student from Shimizu Junior High, claimed gold in the under-73kg division. Ishiwata Kazuto, another third-year Academic Course athlete from Memuro Nishi Junior High, took first place in the under-90kg class.
Additional podium finishes included Ito Shoma, a first-year General Course student from Shibetsu Junior High, who earned silver in the under-66kg category. Kimura Aozora, a third-year Business and Marketing Course student from Obihiro Eighth Junior High, placed second in the under-90kg division. In the women’s competition, Mizuki Sawa, a third-year Academic Course student from Obihiro Shoyo Junior High, finished as runner-up.
Bronze medal honors went to Yamaguchi Sosuke, a first-year General Course student from Kitami Kosei Junior High, who placed third in the under-60kg division. The team’s performance underscored their strength across multiple weight classes and courses of study, with Academic Course students contributing significantly to the medal count.
Looking ahead, White Birch Academy’s judo team will use this tournament as preparation for the Hokkaido High School Athletic Federation Tokachi Sub-Branch competition. The coaching staff emphasized the need for continued refinement and training to build on this success, expressing gratitude for ongoing support from the school community and local fans.
The tournament, held annually in Otaru Town, serves as a key qualifying event for regional high school judo competitors in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region. White Birch Academy’s consistent performance in recent years reflects their commitment to developing student-athletes through disciplined training and competitive experience.
As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, fans and supporters can follow White Birch Academy’s judo program through official school channels for updates on training, competitions, and athlete development throughout the season.
