The Judo Grand Slam Tokyo 2026, a marquee event on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Judo Tour, will feature 56 athletes from Japan competing across all weight classes.
The tournament is scheduled for December 5 and December 6, 2026, serving as a critical checkpoint for the national team as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach. The event affects the 2027 Astana World Judo Championships. Any athlete who claimed victory at the October 2026 Baku World Judo Championships and secures another win in Tokyo will automatically qualify for the Astana tournament in June 2027.
To foster local engagement, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is providing a special invitation program for residents, students, and employees based in the city. The initiative allows for a total of 40 people—20 per day—to receive complimentary access to the tournament. This effort is part of the city’s broader “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” specifically targeting the expansion of sports participation and support, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Sports Promotion Division.
Attendees must follow specific venue and entry rules
The competition will occupy the venue for both days from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (JST), though attendees are permitted to arrive or depart mid-session. The invited guests will be provided with stand-level unreserved seating. Because this is a government-supported initiative, all attendees selected through the lottery process must complete a brief survey during their visit.
Applicants must be residents, students, or employees within Tokyo to qualify. The application process is restricted to one entry per person, with a maximum of two tickets available per successful applicant. Shared email addresses cannot be used for multiple applications. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026, with winners notified via email by December 2.
Important details for attendees
Ticket exchanges will take place on-site on the day of the event, with specific instructions to be included in the winning notification emails. Attendees are advised to ensure their email filters are configured to accept correspondence from [email protected]. The venue will not offer parking, and organizers strictly advise using public transportation.
While children of preschool age may enter for free if they sit on a guardian’s lap—limited to one child per ticketed adult—any child requiring their own seat must have a paid ticket. The All Japan Judo Federation said that opening times and the start of preliminary rounds remain subject to change, and spectators should monitor the official tournament website for real-time updates.
The path to Los Angeles 2028
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics two years away, the performance of the 56 Japanese representatives will be closely scrutinized for future national team selections. Questions regarding the competition or the invitation process should be directed to the Grand Slam Tokyo 2026 Secretariat at the All Japan Judo Federation.
Inquiries concerning the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s support for international sporting events can be sent to the International Sports Division of the Sports Promotion Bureau.
