The 8th Kawabuchi Saburo Cup Josai International University Youth Soccer Tournament was held

Takuma Tsuruoka (Tokigane FC) takes the player's oath

Participating players receive instruction on FIFA 11+ from faculty and students from the University's Department of Physical Therapy

Players chasing the ball in the snow

Scene from the final match

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the 8th Kawabuchi Saburo Cup Josai International University Youth Soccer Tournament was held at the PRINCE TAKAMADO MEMORIAL SPORTS PARK Chiba Togane Campus.
This year's tournament, held for the first time in six years, was managed and refereed by the university's soccer club as usual. Despite the unfortunate weather, with snow falling from the morning, the 13 teams blew away the cold and performed well in their quest to reach the top of the tournament. At the opening ceremony, the previous year's champions, Tokigane FC (Togane City), handed back the Kawabuchi Saburo Cup. Faculty and students from Department of Physical Therapy also tried out a new approach, conducting a 10-minute workout featuring a selection of running exercises from FIFA 11+ to prevent injury before a match. To commemorate the tournament, an open lecture was also held, and participants listened intently to topics important for children during their development, such as preventing sports injuries and nutrition.

 

Taking notes while attending a public lecture

Participants listening intently

 

In the final, AC Colorectal Jr. (Oami Shirasato City), participating for the first time, defeated Mizuho FC (Oami Shirasato City) 1-0 to win their first championship.
For this tournament, Kamo Shoji Co., Ltd. (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture), which operates the soccer shop KAMO, provided the match balls. In addition, Adidas Japan Co., Ltd. (Minato Ward, Tokyo) presented cleats to the best player and soccer balls to the outstanding players as prizes.

Match Results

Winner: AC Colorectal Jr. (Oamishirasato City)
Runner-up: Mizuho FC (Oamishirasato City)
3rd Place: FC Lazo (Togane City)
Tokigane FC (Togane City)

• Tournament bracket

Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player Award: Sosuke Maruyama (AC Colorectal Jr.)
Outstanding Player Award: Takahiro Nishimoto (Mizuho FC)
Fighting Spirit Award: Shin Yamaguchi (FC Lazo)
Takuma Tsuruoka (Tokigane FC)

AC Caracter Jr. players won their first championship

Sosuke Maruyama (AC Colorectal Jr.) won the MVP award