#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Weight Training #Kansai Championships

Okayama University Weight Training Club's Triumph

On September 15, 2025, the Okayama University Weight Training Club made history by winning the Kansai University Men's Bodybuilding Championship and Men's Physique Championship for the second time in a row. The event took place at the Hannan University GYC Hall in Osaka Prefecture, bringing together 15 universities and a competitive field of athletes.

In the body building category, Mitsu Hamano, a third-year engineering student, secured an impressive second place, while Yu Mori, a fourth-year engineering student, finished in third place. In the Men's Physique competition, it was Yu Mori again who shone the brightest, taking home first place. The event drew 26 bodybuilders and 36 physique competitors who showcased their hard work and dedication on stage.

The competitions were intense, comprising a series of prescribed poses performed in rounds, with winners determined by a panel of judges. Bodybuilding participants displayed their physique in predetermined poses during the preliminaries, while the finals challenged them to present a free pose to their chosen music. For the Men's Physique event, competitors were evaluated not just on their poses, but on overall physique shape, composition, costumes, and even hairstyle.

Notable awards included Mori winning the Chest and Abdominals category, and Hamano receiving the Best Poser award. Following the competition, Mori expressed his commitment, stating, “I focused on improving my weaknesses in my legs and back since last season. I wanted to return the support of my fans with results at this tournament.” Meanwhile, Hirota Ooshiro, who placed fourth in bodybuilding, shared the challenges endured during preparation: “I worked hard on my weight loss and strengthening my back and arms. It was tough, but I pushed through for my supporters.” Hamano reflected on the rigors of training and the culmination of six months of dieting, saying, “This was the pinnacle of all my training efforts.”

The Okayama University Weight Training Club has consistently shown outstanding performances at every competition they enter, showcasing not only their athletic abilities but also their dedication and determination. The club's achievements serve as an inspiration to the university community and beyond, and their future endeavors are highly anticipated.

Individual Results for Okayama University:

• - Bodybuilding: 2nd Place - Mitsu Hamano, 3rd Place - Yu Mori, 4th Place - Hirota Ooshiro
• - Men's Physique: 1st Place - Yu Mori, 9th Place - Hirota Ooshiro
• - Category Awards: Best in Chest and Abdomen - Yu Mori, Best Poser - Mitsu Hamano.

Celebrations and Future Prospects

The awards ceremony after the event honored the impressive contributions of each athlete. The moment captured attendees' passion as they cheered for their teammates. Given their continuous growth and success, the Okayama University Weight Training Club is on a promising trajectory, and they are determined to maintain their winning streak in future competitions.

Stay tuned for more incredible feats from Okayama University's athletes as they strive for excellence!