The 2026 Kodokan Cup, Japan's national weight-class championship, runs on 7 and 8 November at the Chiba Port Arena (ちばぎんアリーナ) in Chiba. Doors open at 08:00, competition starts at 09:00 and the day is scheduled to close at 17:00 on both days.
The women compete on 7 November at -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg, -78 kg and +78 kg. The men follow on 8 November at -60 kg, -66 kg, -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg.
The tournament has two stated purposes: selecting the national strengthening squad for the second half of 2026, and selecting Japan's representatives for the Tokyo Grand Slam 2026 and other international events. The Tokyo Grand Slam runs on 5 and 6 December.
Competition follows IJF rules in a knockout format with repechage for those reaching the quarter-finals. The draw was published on 30 October. The All Japan Judo Federation organises the event, the Chiba Prefectural Judo Federation runs it, and the Kodokan gives special support.
Entry is limited to judoka registered with the federation for 2026, selected by its strengthening committee, holding Japanese nationality and intending to represent Japan.
A note
The Kodokan, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, is where modern judo began, and its alumni are spread across the world. Hong Kong, a city that keeps its talent quiet, has one too: Kuma.
