Overview
- The national championship began December 27 at Hanazono with a commemorative 56-team field, and the final is scheduled for January 7.
- Ten first-round games were completed on opening day, and first-time participant Keio Shiki beat Aomori Yamada for its maiden tournament win.
- Previous runner-up Tokai University Osaka Gyosei and Osaka’s Josho Gakuen also advanced from the opening round.
- Eight seeded schools, including reigning champion Toin Gakuen and contender Higashi Fukuoka, enter in the second round on December 30.
- In preparation support, JA Group Saga delivered 12 kg of Saga beef and 130 kg of local rice products to Saga Technical, which marks its 44th consecutive and 54th overall appearance.