#Japan #Tokyo #Matsuo Kenjiro #AFLO Sports #World Sports Photography Awards

AFLO Sports Photographer Kenjiro Matsuo Achieves International Recognition

Kenjiro Matsuo, a distinguished member of the AFLO Sports photography team, has recently garnered significant acclaim by winning a gold medal at the prestigious World Sports Photography Awards 2026 in the Athletics category.

His awarded piece, titled "Tokyo Rocket," captures a defining moment during the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo in 2025. This spectacular photograph showcases Olympic athlete Momoko Ueda, renowned for her prowess in javelin throwing, as she launches her throw with breathtaking intensity and precision. The award committee praised the photograph for its compelling composition and the remarkable ability to freeze a fleeting moment infused with competitive tension.

Matsuo expressed his joy and gratitude regarding this recognition, stating, "I feel incredibly honored to have received this award. If I were to articulate this shot, I would say it captures 'breaking through the roof of the National Stadium.' Athletes constantly push beyond their limits at competitions, and I aim to reflect that ongoing challenge through my photography. I will continue to confront everyday occurrences and preserve these moments through my lens. Thank you to Momoko Ueda for her incredible throw during the Tokyo 2025 World Championships."

A Double Victory for AFLO Sports

In addition to Matsuo's outstanding achievement, another photographer from AFLO Sports, Naoki Nishimura, has made waves by being selected as a finalist in three categories: Racquet Sports, Rugby, and Urban & Extreme Sports. Although Nishimura did not secure a win, his recognition as a finalist in such competitive categories is a significant testament to his talent and dedication.

About the World Sports Photography Awards

The World Sports Photography Awards stand as one of the most prestigious and largest global platforms celebrating outstanding sports photography. This esteemed competition aims to honor superb photography that captures the drama, energy, and emotion inherent in sports. For its seventh installment in 2025-2026, the awards received a record-breaking number of submissions, with over 4,100 photographers contributing more than 23,100 works. The award winners and finalists are celebrated on the official World Sports Photography Awards website and its social media platforms, showcasing the best of what sports photography has to offer.

For a complete list of award winners and finalists, you can visit the official websites:

• - Award Winners
• - Finalists.

AFLO Sports: Capturing the Spirit of Sports

Founded in 1997 by lead photographer Koji Aoki, AFLO Sports was born from the vision of creating a "Creative Photographer Team." The team gained immediate prominence when they served as the official photo team for the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics.

For almost 30 years, AFLO Sports has worked hand in hand with the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), capturing images that depict the spirit and achievements of Olympic and Asian Games athletes, alongside various international sporting events and promotional visuals.

The team's extensive portfolio includes a diverse range of sporting events, delivering high-quality sports photography to broadcasting companies, publishers, and digital media worldwide. AFLO Sports continues to engage with both domestic and international sports, ensuring that the world of sports is documented with professionalism and artistic flair.

Explore AFLO Sports Online

AFLO Sports maintains an active online presence where they share their work and connect with sports enthusiasts. For more information and to see their latest coverage, visit:

• - Official Website
• - Instagram
• - X (Formerly Twitter)

About AFLO Inc.

AFLO Inc. is a leading stock photo service in Japan, offering over 100 million high-quality images, illustrations, videos, and artworks. They provide creative content suitable for various media, including advertisements, magazines, books, and online platforms, and cater to professionals across multiple fields by supplying the latest news, sports, and entertainment content.

With a customer service center operating 24/7, AFLO Inc. ensures that users have immediate access to the content they need, making it a go-to resource for all photographic needs.

Company Information:
AFLO Inc.
104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Tsukiji 4-1-17, Ginza Ohno Building 5F
CEO: Koji Aoki
Website