Yashio Sports Festival 2026 Held With Natsumi Tsunoda

Paris Olympic gold medalist Natsumi Tsunoda demonstrated her signature Tomoe Nage throw for elementary school students during the Yashio Sports Festival 2026, held across four municipal venues on October 12, 2026, yashion.jp reported.

Yashio Festival Opens Four Venues for Public Sports Access

The municipal event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sports Day, utilizing Yashio Junior High School, Yashio Mesena, Eito Arena, and the Yashio City Hall Circle Plaza. Organized jointly by the Yashio City Sports Association, the Yashio City government, and the Yashio City Board of Education, the festival offered free admission across all programs designed to introduce residents to various athletic disciplines.

Alongside specialized martial arts and racket sports instruction, the schedule featured kendo, table tennis, and molkky demonstrations. A dance team also performed a stage presentation inside the Yashio Mesena hall, drawing families to the public facilities.

Tsunoda Teaches Basic Judo Mechanics at Eito Arena

At Eito Arena, the judo program drew elementary school children with no prior experience in the sport. Tsunoda, who claimed the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is known for her mastery of joint locks and throwing techniques, led the morning session.

Rather than focusing purely on advanced competition, Tsunoda instructed participants in fundamental movements and dojo etiquette, using live demonstrations to engage the young beginners. The session culminated with her executing her trademark Tomoe Nage throw in front of the participants.

Takahashi Leads Badminton Drills at Yashio Junior High

Across town at the Yashio Junior High School gymnasium, former Japan national team player Sayaka Takahashi coached a separate afternoon clinic. Takahashi, who joined the national team in 2013 and competed in international tournaments, directed drills aimed at experienced badminton players.

The afternoon session incorporated competitive game scenarios rather than standard instructional drills, requiring participants to use shuttlecocks actively during tactical exercises.