Edogawa University Men's Basketball Team Wins First National Championship at 4th All-Japan University Freshman Basketball Tournament

Edogawa University's men's basketball team triumphed in the final of the 4th All-Japan University Freshman Basketball Tournament (Freshman Intercollegiate Championship), defeating Toho University 94-87 on Sunday, July 12, at Matsuyama City General Community Center, securing their first-ever national championship.

The team earned their qualification by overcoming Kanagawa University in a fierce match at the Kanto Regional Tournament, entering the national stage as the 5th-place team from Kanto. After advancing from the group stage, they defeated Tokai University—the Kanto regional champion—in the first round of the knockout tournament. They then advanced to the final by defeating Waseda University, the Kanto runner-up, in the semifinals, before overcoming Toho University, champions of the inaugural tournament. By defeating one powerhouse after another, they etched a historic milestone in the team's legacy. Additionally, Bonu Road Prince Chinonso (2nd year) was awarded the Most Valuable Player, while Arashi Kawanoha (2nd year) received the Outstanding Player Award.

Comment from Arashi Kawanoha (Captain of the freshman team, 2nd year, Faculty of Business and Social Studies, Shosei High School) "Winning the national championship was a victory achieved by every single member of our team, so I am truly overjoyed. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, and we will continue striving to improve. We sincerely appreciate your continued support."

Comment from Coach Takaharu Kumikawa "I am extremely pleased that we were able to achieve victory in the Freshman Intercollegiate Championship. This championship is the result of each player sincerely dedicating themselves to daily practice, trusting one another, and fighting until the very end without giving up. I am truly proud of our athletes and student staff who have worked hard to balance academics and athletics. This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support from university staff, parents, alumni, and everyone who has consistently cheered us on. I express my deepest gratitude to all of you. This achievement is merely a milestone toward our goal of promotion to Division 1 of the Kanto University Basketball League. We will not rest on this victory but will continue preparing diligently for the Kanto League. We kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement."

Comment from Department Head Takuro Aoki (Professor, Faculty of Business and Social Studies, Department of Sociology) "Becoming the 'No. 1 university in Japan' was a goal set by Professor Emeritus Norihiko Kitahara. While this is not the full All-Japan University Basketball Championship with all four grades participating, we have taken a step closer to that goal. I would like to express my renewed gratitude to all stakeholders, parents, and alumni."

Comment from Vice President Isao Hirooka (Director of Athletic Department, Professor, Faculty of Business and Social Studies) "On May 30, Professor Norihiko Kitahara, who laid the foundation of our team, passed away. The players competed wearing mourning armbands. I believe he is smiling down on us from heaven. I pay my deepest respect for the outstanding results that have blossomed from our rigorous daily training."

【Match Results】 ◎ Final: Edogawa University 94-87 Toho University ◎ Semifinal: Edogawa University 91-85 Waseda University ◎ Quarterfinal: Edogawa University 96-69 Tokai University ◎ Group Stage Match 2: Edogawa University 111-62 Ehime University ◎ Group Stage Match 1: Edogawa University 93-62 Seisa Dohto University

Official website of the All-Japan University Basketball Federation

Official website of the Kanto University Basketball Federation

Edogawa University Men's Basketball Team