Local Honjo High School Makes Great Strides at the 53rd Miyazaki Prefectural High School Comprehensive Sports Tournament, 48th Fencing Competition! Leo Otsuka Achieves Impressive Third Consecutive Title in Men's Individual Sabre

■ Overview

On June 5 (Friday) and June 6 (Saturday) of Reiwa 8, the 'Reiwa 8 53rd Miyazaki Prefectural High School Comprehensive Sports Tournament, 48th Fencing Competition' was held at Kunitomi Arena.

Honjo High School's fencing team, competing with the expectations of the local community, fully demonstrated the results of their daily training. In the individual sabre events, which featured intra-school matchups, third-year students from both the men's and women's divisions prevailed in hard-fought battles to claim victory.

■ Competition Results & Highlights

[Men's Individual Sabre] Leo Otsuka Achieves Third Consecutive Title! Goal: 'Win the Inter-High Championship'

In the men's individual sabre, Leo Otsuka from Honjo High School delivered an outstanding performance to secure victory, accomplishing the remarkable feat of three consecutive titles in the same event. In a post-match interview, Otsuka stated, 'My goal is to win the Inter-High championship, so this is just a stepping stone,' expressing his strong aspirations and setting his sights on the national stage.

Furthermore, Chikara Eto, also from Honjo High School, took second place, giving the school a one-two finish.

[Women's Individual Sabre] Akane Imahashi Wins! Hina Nakano Takes Second

In the women's individual sabre, Honjo High School continued its surge. Akane Imahashi brilliantly captured the championship title. Following in second place was Hina Nakano, earning both a spot at the National High School Comprehensive Sports Tournament to be held in Shiga Prefecture.

■ Main Results of Honjo High School Fencing Team

Men's Individual Sabre

○ Winner: Leo Otsuka (advancing to Kyushu and National tournaments) * Third consecutive tournament title
○ 2nd Place: Chikara Eto (advancing to Kyushu and National tournaments)
○ 3rd Place: Tetsuo Hamaguchi (advancing to Kyushu tournament)

Women's Individual Sabre

○ Winner: Akane Imahashi (advancing to Kyushu and National tournaments)
○ 2nd Place: Hina Nakano (advancing to Kyushu and National tournaments)
○ 3rd Place: Miku Inoue (advancing to Kyushu tournament)

Men's Team Foil

○ 1st Place: Miyazaki Minami High School
○ 2nd Place: Honjo High School

[Contact Information]

Kunitomi Town Office, Social Education Division, Social Sports Section
Phone: 0985-75-0757
Official Website: https://www.town.kunitomi.miyazaki.jp/