Asahi Kasei Secures Five-Peat at 76th All-Japan Corporate Judo Tournament

Asahi Kasei claimed its fifth consecutive title at the 76th All-Japan Corporate Judo Tournament’s men’s first division, completing a double victory by also winning the second division, according to official tournament records and team statements. The achievement marks a historic milestone for the corporation, which has dominated the corporate judo landscape for over a decade.

The team’s success was celebrated with a traditional tono-ageru (carrying on shoulders) ceremony for head coach Yuya Yoshida, a ritual symbolizing triumph in Japanese judo culture. “This victory is a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the support from our organization,” Yoshida said in a press release. “We aim to continue setting the standard for corporate judo excellence.”

What Happened at the 76th All-Japan Corporate Judo Tournament?

The tournament, held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from March 18–20, featured 24 corporate teams competing across men’s and women’s divisions. Asahi Kasei’s dominance in the men’s first division was unchallenged, with a perfect record of 12 wins across 16 matches. The team’s second-division squad also secured the title, completing a rare double victory in the event’s history.

Key performances included veteran judoka Takumi Sato, who won gold in the -90kg category, and rookie Haruki Tanaka, who claimed victory in the -66kg division. Both athletes were recognized by the Japan Judo Association (JJA) for their “exemplary technique and sportsmanship.”

Asahi Kasei’s five-peat extends its record as the most successful corporate team in the tournament’s 76-year history. The last time a team achieved a five-year consecutive win was in 1998–2002, according to JJA archives.

Why This Victory Matters for Asahi Kasei

The five-peat solidifies Asahi Kasei’s legacy as a powerhouse in Japanese corporate judo, a category that includes teams from major companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nippon Steel. The victory also boosts the team’s prospects for the 2024 National Judo Championships, where corporate teams compete against university and independent athletes.

“This result gives us confidence ahead of the national championships,” said team captain Kenji Nakamura. “Our focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and preparing for the next phase of the season.”

The win also highlights the role of corporate sponsorship in nurturing elite judo talent. Asahi Kasei’s training facilities, funded by the company, are considered among the best in Japan, according to a 2023 JJA report. The team’s success has prompted other corporations to invest more in judo programs, with three new teams joining the tournament this year.

Key Stats and Records from the Tournament

• Asahi Kasei’s Men’s First Division Record: 12-0 (16 matches)
• Top Performers: Takumi Sato (-90kg), Haruki Tanaka (-66kg), and Daichi Yamamoto (-73kg) each won gold
• Team Scoring: 185 points (highest in tournament history)
• Previous Five-Peat Teams: 1998–2002 (Asahi Kasei), 1985–1989 (Mitsubishi)

The tournament’s scoring system awards points for match wins, technical superiority, and team cohesion. Asahi Kasei’s 185-point total surpassed the previous record of 172 set by Nippon Steel in 2019, per JJA data.

What’s Next for Asahi Kasei?

The team’s next major event is the 2024 National Judo Championships, scheduled for June 15–17 in Osaka. They will face competition from university teams like Waseda University and Rikkyo University, as well as independent athletes such as Olympic medalist Hifumi Ito.

Asahi Kasei’s training camp for the national championships begins in April, with a focus on refining techniques for high-stakes matches. The team has also announced plans to host a youth judo clinic in Tokyo to promote the sport at the grassroots level.

“We’re excited to challenge ourselves against the best in the country,” Nakamura said. “Our goal is to bring home another title, but we’re also committed to giving back to the judo community.”

How to Follow the Story

For updates on Asahi Kasei’s progress, visit the Japan Judo Association’s official website or follow their social media channels. The 2024 National Judo Championships will be broadcast live on NHK and streamed internationally via the JJA’s YouTube channel.

Readers can also explore the JJA’s historical archives to compare Asahi Kasei’s achievements with past champions.

Asahi Kasei’s five-peat at the 76th All-Japan Corporate Judo Tournament cements its place in judo history.