Golden Score belongs to the new wave at Japan’s weight category nationals

The 2026 All-Japan Weight Category Judo Championships had a clear theme: the next generation is not waiting in line. Across multiple divisions, finals were pushed into Golden Score, and the youngest names on the card kept finding the decisive moment when it mattered most.

In the -60 kg final, Sei Sato, a third-year Meiji University student, took gold against Ryuju Nagayama of Park 24. The turning point came via Uchi-mata-gaeshi for Waza-ari, a clean, confidence-filled answer in a match that had no room for hesitation.

Golden Score felt less like extra time and more like a proving ground.

The -66 kg title also required extra judo. Shinsei Hattori, a fourth-year Tokai University student, edged Taikoh Fujisaka of Park 24 with Kosoto-gake for Yuko in Golden Score. At -73 kg, the scoreboard kept swinging even before penalties sealed it. Ryuga Tanaka, a fourth-year Tsukuba University student, struck first with Kosoto-gari for Yuko. Yudai Tanaka of Park 24 responded with Uchi-mata for Waza-ari and added De-ashi-barai for Yuko, putting himself in a strong position. Ryuga refused to fade, landing Uchi-mata for Waza-ari to level the contest. In the end, Ryuga got the win when Yudai picked up a third Shido in Golden Score.

At -81 kg, Sotaro Fujiwara of Asahi Kasei secured gold by throwing Kaito Amano of Japan Elevator Service Co with Kouchi-gari for Yuko in Golden Score.

On the women’s side, Mitsuki Kondo, a fourth-year Tokai University student, claimed -48 kg gold by beating Wakana Koga of JR East with Ouchi-gari for Yuko in Golden Score. Park 24’s Rin Takeuchi won -52 kg after Hikari Yokota, a fourth-year Tokai University student, withdrew injured during Golden Score. In -57 kg, Akari Omori of JR East came out on top in an all-JR East final against Moa Ono, with a Soto-makikomi attack scored Yuko.

A day of tight margins, bold attacks, and titles landing in young hands.

Source: JudoInside