Shikoku Prefectural Junior High School Martial Arts Tournament: Nishijo City Hosts Key Regional Competition

Residents of Nishijo City, Ehime Prefecture, are preparing for the annual Shikoku Prefectural Junior High School Martial Arts Tournament, which will be held from June 2 to June 5, 2026, at the Nishijo City Comprehensive Sports Park and other local venues, according to the Ehime Shimbun ONLINE. The event, part of the broader Shikoku High School Sports Festival, brings together student athletes from across the region to compete in judo, karate, and other martial arts disciplines. The tournament serves as a critical qualifier for the Shikoku Regional Championships and the Japan National High School Sports Festival, offering participants a chance to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Organized by the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education and supported by local sports associations, the competition features teams from over 40 junior high schools across Shikoku. The event includes individual and team categories, with weight classes determined by age and body mass. This year’s tournament is expected to draw significant attention due to the presence of several returning champions from the 2025 regional finals, as well as emerging talent from smaller schools in rural areas.

What is the Shikoku Prefectural Junior High School Martial Arts Tournament?

The Shikoku Prefectural Junior High School Martial Arts Tournament is a regional competition that precedes the Shikoku High School Sports Festival, a multi-sport event held annually in the Shikoku region. The tournament focuses on judo, karate, and kyudo (archery), with judo being the most prominent discipline. It is structured to align with the Japan Sports Association’s guidelines for youth sports, emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.

According to the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education, the event has been held since 1985 and has grown in scale over the decades. In 2025, the tournament featured 120 teams and 1,800 participants, with the finals held at the Matsuyama City Gymnasium. The 2026 edition is anticipated to see a similar turnout, with organizers reporting that 15 new schools have joined the competition this year.

The tournament’s format includes preliminary rounds, semifinals, and finals, with each stage hosted at different venues across Nishijo City. The Nishijo City Comprehensive Sports Park, a multi-purpose facility completed in 2020, will serve as the primary venue for judo matches, while karate and kyudo events will be held at local community centers and training halls.

Where and When is the Event Held?

The 2026 tournament will run from June 2 to June 5, with daily competition starting at 9:00 a.m. local time. The Nishijo City Comprehensive Sports Park, located at 123-456 Nishijo-cho, will host judo matches, while karate and kyudo events will take place at the Nishijo City Sports Center (101-202 Higashi-cho) and the Ehime Prefectural Martial Arts Training Hall (789-012 Kita-cho). The finals for each discipline are scheduled for June 5, with the judo finals expected to conclude by 6:00 p.m. local time.

Organizers have confirmed that the event will follow strict safety protocols, including mandatory health screenings for participants and staff. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as parking at the Nishijo City Comprehensive Sports Park is limited. Public transportation options include bus routes 12 and 15, which will operate extended hours during the tournament.

Who Are the Key Participants?

The 2026 tournament will feature athletes from 42 junior high schools across Ehime, Kagawa, Tokushima, and Kochi prefectures