Overview
- Quarterfinals concluded on Jan. 3 with Higashi Fukuoka beating Tokai Univ. Sagami 21–17 after Sagami lost the ball from a late maul and conceded possession.
- Tokai Osaka Gyosei fell 22–32 to Toin Gakuen, ending its attempt to win the tournament as a no-seed, despite a sustained multi-phase try by flanker Shoma Yonetani reflecting its trademark no-ruck style.
- The semifinals on Jan. 5 at Higashi Osaka’s Hanazono Rugby Stadium feature seeded matchups: Higashi Fukuoka vs Kyoto Seisho and Osaka Toin vs Toin Gakuen.
- Title context shapes the round, with Toin Gakuen pursuing a third straight championship, Higashi Fukuoka seeking its first crown in three tournaments, and Osaka Toin targeting a first in seven tournaments.
- Scouting notes point to Higashi Fukuoka’s strike-running backs and turnover-hunting defense, Kyoto Seisho’s sharp tackling and breakdown resilience led by fly-half Satoshi Okamoto, Osaka Toin’s rugged pack and sturdy defense, and Toin Gakuen’s skillful, composed game under captain hooker Shogo Dozono.