On Sunday, March 29, 2026, local time, the Japan national team secured a bronze medal in the men's epee World Cup team event held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Japanese team, entering this tournament ranked No. 1 in the world, defeated Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) 45-35 in the quarterfinals. Although they narrowly lost to Italy 42-45 in the semifinals, they went on to defeat Kazakhstan 44-42 in the 3rd place match, securing the bronze medal.

Members of the Japanese national team who won the bronze medal. From left: Ryu Matsumoto, Satoshi Komata, Koki Kano, Ikuo Furuta.

Player introductions for the 3rd place match.

Ryu Matsumoto (right) attacking his opponent.

Players exchanging high-fives in joy after securing victory.

Athlete Comments ・Koki Kano (Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.) "I'm genuinely happy to have won a medal after a long time. It was a series of tough matches, but we secured 3rd place as a team. The competitions will continue, so I want to carry this momentum forward."

・Satoshi Komata (Honma Corp.) "Thank you for all your support. I'm relieved to have won a medal since the World Championships. I will continue to work hard to improve my level and aim for even better results. Thank you for your continued support."

・Ryu Matsumoto (Iino Bussan Co., Ltd.) "Thank you for your support. I'm happy to win our first medal in a team event this season, as we hadn't won one before. The entire Japanese team won this medal. Although it was 3rd place this time, we will continue to fight with the goal of always winning."

・Ikuo Furuta (Nakano Construction Co., Ltd.) "I am very happy to have contributed to winning our first medal of the season. I believe it is the result of the entire team fighting together until the end. I will work hard to improve my own skills and achieve good individual results. Thank you for all your support."

Tournament Results

https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tableaus/scores/A553362ECF8C4B9CBA7072C69F62717E/8E6418C4EC9640889CCB4B1AAB4D7489?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Images

Please download and utilize them. When using, please include the credit "© Japan Fencing Federation".

Contact for inquiries regarding this matter Japan Fencing Federation Public Relations: Maezawa E-mail: shuzai@fencing-jpn.jp

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event