Yui Fujiwara Selected to Represent Japan at 2026 IBSA Judo World Championships in Tbilisi
Visually impaired judoka Yui Fujiwara has secured her selection to the Japan national team for the upcoming 2026 IBSA Judo World Championships, scheduled to run from September 25 to September 27, 2026, in Tbilisi, Georgia. The tournament will take place at the Hualing Tbilisi Sea Plaza, bringing together adaptive athletes from around the globe.
Tournament Details and Global Stage
The 2026 IBSA Judo World Championships gather competitors in blind and visually impaired judo categories. Competition dates span three days, starting September 25 and concluding September 27, 2026, at the Hualing Tbilisi Sea Plaza venue in the Georgian capital. Fujiwara will compete in the women’s J2W 52kg division.
Athletic Career and Notable Results
Born on November 24, 1992, in Gifu, Japan, Fujiwara represents both the NPO Japan Blind Judo Federation and the Kakamigahara Judo Association.
Her competitive milestones include a fifth-place finish representing Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2021 IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Baku, captured gold at the 2022 IBSA Judo Tokyo Open, and claimed bronze medals at the 2023 IBSA Grand Prix stops in Egypt and Astana. Domestically, she finished second at the 2023 All Japan Blind Judo Championships before capturing the national title at the 39th edition of the tournament in 2024. Most recently, she secured a silver medal representing Japan in the women’s J2W 52kg category at the August 2025 IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Giza.
Corporate Support and Inclusive Society Initiatives
Fujiwara joined Colopl, Inc. in April 2025 as part of the company’s athletic support program. Colopl operates under its core mission of “Entertainment in Real Life,” utilizing sports-related social contribution activities to back athletes competing on the international stage. The corporation maintains an official Colopl Athletes Page highlighting the backgrounds and competitive journeys of its rostered athletes.
Through providing an environment where athletes can focus on training, corporate programs aim to foster an inclusive society where individuals can succeed regardless of disability. Colopl, established in October 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo’s Minato ward under Representative Director, Senior Executive Officer and CEO Takashi Miyamoto, continues to balance its primary mobile and consumer gaming operations with community athletic support.
What Lies Ahead
With selection confirmed, Fujiwara’s preparation now centers on the September trip to Tbilisi. Official tournament brackets, match schedules, and updates regarding the Japanese delegation will be published through the Japan Blind Judo Federation as the championship dates approach.
