Japanese judo stars Hifumi Abe and Uta Abe are set to headline the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, with domestic broadcaster CS Nippon announcing an emergency schedule adjustment to air the tournament’s second-day block live.
Live Broadcast Secured for Baku Block
CS Nippon confirmed that its sports channel, Nittere G+ (Nippon Television G+), will provide live coverage of the championship’s second-day final block on Monday, October 5, starting at 22:45 local venue time. The sudden programming revision ensures Japanese viewers can watch the action unfold in real time as the nation’s premier athletes take to the tatami in pursuit of world titles.
A Heavyweight Clash in the Men’s 66kg Division
The men’s 66-kilogram category stands out as one of the tournament’s most anticipated weight classes, featuring both Olympic champion Hifumi Abe and reigning world champion Tsuyoshi Takaoka. Both competitors train under Park24 and enter the competition with distinct championship pedigrees. Hifumi Abe, who captured gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games and established himself as a dominant force in international judo, aims to reclaim the global crown. Meanwhile, Takaoka arrives in Baku looking to defend his world title, setting up a compelling domestic rivalry on the international stage.
Uta Abe Seeks Redemption at 52kg
In the women’s 52-kilogram division, Uta Abe is scheduled to face the world’s top contenders in her quest to recapture the global title. Like her brother Hifumi, she represents Park24 and remains a focal point of Japan’s international delegation. Her campaign in Baku marks another chapter in her elite career following years of leadership in the lightweight ranks.
Full Tournament Coverage and VTR Schedule
Beyond the live broadcast on October 5, Nittere G+ will air taped final blocks covering all eight days of competition, ranging from the lightweight divisions through the heavyweight classes and concluding with the mixed team event on Tuesday, October 20. The complete delayed broadcast schedule includes:
- October 15, 20:00: Women’s 48kg and Men’s 60kg (VTR)
- October 17, 18:00: Women’s 57kg and Men’s 73kg (VTR)
- October 17, 20:00: Women’s 63kg and Men’s 81kg (VTR)
- October 18, 18:00: Women’s 70kg and Men’s 90kg (VTR)
- October 18, 20:00: Women’s 78kg and Men’s 100kg (VTR)
- October 19, 18:00: Women’s +78kg and Men’s +100kg (VTR)
- October 20, 20:00: Mixed Team Championship (VTR)
Broadcast Access and Viewing Options
Viewers across Japan can access the coverage via Sky Perfect! (CS257), Sky Perfect! Premium Service (Ch. 608), J:COM, regional cable networks, Hikari TV, and au Hikari. CS Nippon noted that broadcast dates and content remain subject to change depending on tournament developments.
