For his late father, to win one match at the All Japan Championships—. Takuya Horikawa (29), a competitor at the All Japan Judo Championships (Nippon Budokan) opening on the 26th and affiliated with the Sapporo Prison, carries in his heart his father Yasuhiro, who passed away last year. Toward his beloved father, who built the guiding path for him as a judoka, he holds feelings of gratitude as he challenges the nation’s highest stage.
■ Father Yasuhiro was an era in Hokkaido
Horikawa is from Sapporo. He started the sport in the third grade of elementary school, influenced by his father, who was a judo athlete belonging to the Hokkaido Prefectural Police. Yasuhiro won the Hokkaido Judo Championships twice in a row in 1987 and 1988, and also had experience advancing at the All Japan Championships. Boasting a physique weighing over 140 kg, he established an era in the Hokkaido judo world. …
All Japan Championships
The All Japan Championships, also known as the All-Japan Judo Championships, is an annual judo competition held in Japan, first established in 1948. It is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, determining the national champion in the open weight division. The tournament has a rich history of showcasing legendary judoka, such as the iconic Yasuhiro Yamashita, and remains a key fixture for showcasing the highest level of Japanese judo.
All Japan Judo Championships
The All Japan Judo Championships is an annual tournament that determines the top male judoka in Japan, first held in 1948. Considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport, it has historically featured legendary champions like Yasuhiro Yamashita and Kosei Inoue. The competition showcases the highest level of judo technique and spirit, deeply rooted in Japan’s martial arts tradition.
Nippon Budokan
The Nippon Budokan is a renowned indoor arena in Tokyo, Japan, originally built for the judo competitions of the 1964 Summer Olympics. Its distinctive octagonal design was inspired by the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Hōryū-ji Temple, blending modern function with traditional Japanese architecture. Today, it is famous worldwide as a major concert venue, having hosted legendary performances by artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Sapporo Prison
Sapporo Prison, originally established in 1881, was one of Japan’s first modern correctional facilities, designed to house political prisoners and convicts sent to develop Hokkaido. Its distinctive red-brick architecture, influenced by Western design, now houses the Historical Museum of Hokkaido and a museum dedicated to the prison’s history. Today, the site stands as a cultural property, offering insight into the harsh conditions of early Hokkaido settlement and Japan’s penal system.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, was historically inhabited by the Ainu people before large-scale Japanese settlement began in the late 19th century during the Meiji era. The region developed rapidly through agriculture, mining, and industry, and today is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, national parks, ski resorts, and distinct local cuisine. It also hosts the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, drawing millions of visitors to its capital city.
Hokkaido Prefectural Police
The Hokkaido Prefectural Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for public safety across Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Established in 1886, it evolved from earlier Meiji-era police systems to maintain order during the region’s development and colonization. Today, it operates with a central headquarters in Sapporo and multiple stations, handling everything from traffic control to criminal investigations.
Hokkaido Judo Championships
The Hokkaido Judo Championships is an annual martial arts competition held in Hokkaido, Japan, showcasing the region’s strong judo tradition. The event has deep roots in the history of Japanese judo, as the sport was developed in the late 19th century and quickly spread across the country, including to the northern island of Hokkaido. It serves as a key platform for local athletes to compete and advance in the sport, reflecting the enduring cultural importance of judo in the region.
All Japan Championships
The All Japan Championships are a series of national competitions held across various sports in Japan, most prominently in judo and figure skating. The All Japan Judo Championships, established in 1948, determine the country’s top judoka and serve as a key qualifier for international events. These championships are highly prestigious, reflecting Japan’s deep cultural connection to martial arts and athletic excellence.
