18-year-old player "Airen" crowned new champion. Digest video of the 4th SASSEN National Championship released

The All Japan SASSEN Association announces the release of the digest video of the "4th SASSEN National Championship," held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Tunnel Tokyo, now available on the official YouTube channel.

18-year-old champion "Airen" wins title on her 18th birthday

The championship featured three divisions: Individual Competition (Children), Team Competition, and Individual Competition (General). Over 120 athletes participated—more than ever before. In the General Individual Competition, 18-year-old player "Airen" advanced to the finals, defeating last year's champion "Akaike" in a fierce match to become the new champion of the 4th SASSEN National Championship.

A roughly two-minute digest video captures the split-second decisions, distance control, speed, tactics, and electric atmosphere generated by competitors from across Japan.

About the digest video

The newly released digest video offers a brief yet comprehensive view of the 4th SASSEN National Championship, showcasing the venue atmosphere, intense matches, and dramatic moments from each division. Particularly in the General division, the victory of an 18-year-old challenger over the defending champion created a uniquely compelling story only possible at a national championship.

Even for those who have never experienced SASSEN, the video conveys the sport's thrilling pace and energetic crowd.

About the 4th SASSEN National Championship

The 4th SASSEN National Championship was held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Tunnel Tokyo in Shinagawa City, Tokyo.

The event featured three categories: Individual Competition (Children, for ages 12 and under), Team Competition (teams of four), and Individual Competition (General, for ages 13 and above).

With over 120 athletes—the highest number in history—fierce competition unfolded among participants of all ages from across the country.

[Competition Results]

Individual Competition (Children)

Champion: Sou-chan

Runner-up: Kei

Third place: Harumi

Team Competition

Champion: Byoutou

Runner-up: Team Straight MAN

Third place: Steel Ball Run

Individual Competition (General)

Champion: Airen

Runner-up: Akaike

Third place: Soushinossoushi

MVP: Soushinossoushi

Premium rice "Nita Rice" from Okuizumo Town awarded as prize for Team Competition

For this championship, the SASSEN Izumo Branch participated as a supplier sponsor, and with support from Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture, premium rice "Nita Rice," one of Western Japan's top rice brands, was awarded as the prize for the Team Competition.

Nita Rice is a premium Koshihikari rice cultivated in Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture. Okuizumo Town is renowned for its mythology, traditional tatara steelmaking, and status as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site, preserving traditional water management and sustainable agriculture. This initiative promoted both SASSEN, Japan's next-generation sport, and the appeal of regionally rooted specialty products through the national championship.

About SASSEN

SASSEN is Japan's next-generation digital sword-fighting sport that uses sensor-equipped swords and a dedicated app to digitally determine match outcomes. The app instantly detects hits, creating a fair and transparent competition that satisfies players, spectators, and referees alike.

As an inclusive new sport enjoyable for children and adults regardless of age, gender, or athletic experience, SASSEN is expanding nationwide through tournaments, trial events, school programs, corporate training, and community events.

Future developments

The All Japan SASSEN Association will leverage the momentum from this national championship to further promote SASSEN. Moving forward, the association will continue to spread the appeal of SASSEN—Japan's homegrown next-generation sport—through events, tournaments, school programs, corporate training, and community activities across Japan.

Stay tuned for announcements about the next championship.

Video information

4th SASSEN National Championship Digest Video

YouTube: https://youtu.be/INvLOtLzZjE?si=SOyoR6BYIOpj8Tyg

Event Overview

Event name: 4th SASSEN National Championship AllJapanSASSENChampionship2026

Date and time: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 10:00–18:00

Venue: Tunnel Tokyo

1-1 Nishishinagawa 1-chome, Shinagawa City, Tokyo

9th Floor, Sumitomo Realty & Development Ohsaki Garden Tower

Organizer: All Japan SASSEN Association

Official event website: https://sassen.jp/ajsc2026/