On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School American Football Team “Panthers” won the championship at the Japan-Korea Friendly Flag Football Tournament (Junior High School Division) held at Gunwi Stadium in Daegu, South Korea!

This tournament was held for the first time this year to promote international exchange and skill development between Japan and South Korea, in celebration of flag football becoming an official sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It was organized by the Korea American Football Association (KAFA).

Three selected teams from Japan (Fukuoka, Kanagawa, and Kyoto) and three from South Korea participated, making it a valuable opportunity for international bonding and skill improvement through joint training and friendly matches.

The Ritsumeikan Uji Panthers achieved the following results and earned the title of the first-ever champions by winning the final match.

> Preliminary Round - Group A

Ritsumeikan Uji JHS ○ 47 – 14 ● Samsung Falcons (Korea)

Ritsumeikan Uji JHS ○ 21 – 14 ● Shonan Seabreeze (Kanagawa)

> Final Match

Ritsumeikan Uji JHS ○ 34 – 20 ● Yiwu Ligers (Korea)

Additionally, second-year student and quarterback Hiroto Kuroda was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for his outstanding performance!

■ Participating Teams

• Japan National Teams
  • Muscle Itoshima (Fukuoka)
  • Ritsumeikan Uji Panthers (Kyoto)
  • Shonan Seabreeze (Kanagawa)
• Korea National Teams
  • Yiwu Ligers
  • Samsung Falcons
  • Soje Eagles

Having experienced victory on an international stage, the players returned to Japan with new confidence and ambitions. Through not only the matches but also cultural exchange and local experiences, they gained a deeper appreciation for the power of sports to connect the world. We sincerely thank everyone who supported the event and made this experience possible.