prepare for a inspiring evening as the University Sports Association (UNIVAS) hosts the UNIVAS AWARDS 2025-26 on March 2, 2026 at Shinagawa Intercity Hall. Broadcasting live on UNIVAS’ official YouTube channel, this year’s ceremony promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, celebrating the incredible achievements of student-athletes, alumni, coaches, and organizations that have contributed to the promotion of university sports.

Record-breaking Applications and Prestigious Winners

With an unprecedented 213 applications submitted, this year’s Awards received the highest number of entries from universities and competitive organizations nationwide. After rigorous screening, nine individual awards and four group awards were selected for the Grand Prize and Excellence Awards.

The coveted Alumni Award went to Tatsu Nakajima, President and Group CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to university sports.

Get to Know Our Inspiring Guests

Natsumi Tsunoda: Judo’s Golden Girl

• 2023 Grand Slam Tokyo 48kg class champion
• 2023 World Judo Championships (Doha) Women’s 48kg Class Winner
• 2024 Paris Olympics Judo women’s 48kg class 1st place/mixed team competition 2nd place

Yumi Tanaka: Hurdling Herself to Greatness

• 2023 World Championships (Budapest) 100mH Japan Representative
• Advanced to 100mH semi-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics
• 2025 World Championships (Tokyo) 100mH Japan Representative

The Great Enabler: Tatsu Nakajima’s Shakakachi BOON BOON PROJECT

“Shakakachi,” as Nakajima is fondly known, has initiated the “BOON BOON” project, providing multifaceted support to university athletic clubs. Through this initiative, Nakajima aims to empower and inspire university students to grow through sports, just as he did as a university rugby player himself.

“Shakakachi” is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s (SMBC) nickname, and “BOON BOON” is a combination of “BOON,” meaning “blessing,” and “Bunbu” and “Ryodo.” The project has already supported 45 organizations and 2,579 university athletic clubs across Japan.

Join the Celebration

Discover More about UNIVAS

Founded in 2019, the University Sports Association (UNIVAS) aims to enhance the learning environment, foster safe and exciting sports experiences, and boost the overall value of university sports.

Learn more about UNIVAS and the impact they make: univas.jp