The 48th All Japan took place last weekend at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo in a special atmosphere and with only one category on the program. In the male’s category, Sakiyama wins ahead of Gomyo and, in the women’s, Sawae beat Shima. In Kata, Kiyuna won his 9th straight title ahead of Moto and, in the women’s, surprise with Ohno’s win over Shimizu.
By Florian Fournier / Photo : JKF
One day only, 2 categories only (Kumite and Kata), a limited audience. The 48th Karate All Japan had a special look in these times of pandemic. But it did take place at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo last weekend. Broadcast live on YouTube, the tournament was not hosting all of Japan’s top karatekas, but many of them made the trip.
In Kumite, Yusei Sakiyama took the best in the final over defending champion Hiroto Gomyo. Kitadai and Saai finished 3rd. On the women’s side, Yuzuki Sawae beat Airi Shima in the final. Ayaka Saitao and Kama Tsubasa finished 3rd while the Someya sisters ranked 5th.
In Kata, the indestructible Ryo Kiyuna won his 9th straight title ahead of Kazumasa Moto. Shimbaba finished 5th. In the ladies’ category, Hikaru Ohno won ahead of Nozomi Shimizu, Ono and Iwamoto finished 3rd.
You can watch the full competition on the Japanese Karate Federation Youtube channel :
