#Japan #Tokyo #HADO #Meleap #AR Sports

The HADO JUNIOR CUP 2025: A Celebration of AR Sports

On November 15, 2025, the 2025 HADO JUNIOR CUP took place, organized by Meleap, a company based in Tokyo, Japan. This exciting international tournament for elementary and middle school students featured teams from Japan, China, and South Korea. It showcased the next generation of sports through the innovative use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, providing thrilling matches and fostering international friendship.

Tournament Overview

The cup included two main events: the HADO Division and the HADO WORLD Division. Participants really brought their A-game, demonstrating the impressive skills that HADO requires.

HADO Division

In the HADO Division, where players utilize energy balls and shields projected onto the field, Korean teams showcased extraordinary teamwork and tactics, ultimately sweeping the top three positions. The teams from Korea exhibited incredible synergy, leaving rivals behind. Although the Japanese team did not secure any medals, their courageous plays earned them a place in the top eight, thrilling the audience with their dynamics on the field.

HADO WORLD Division

The advanced HADO WORLD Division required a higher level of skill and strategic gameplay. In this category, the Chinese teams claimed first and second place, overwhelming their opponents with superior coordination and precise skills. The Korean team also shone brightly by earning the third position, highlighting the distinctive strengths of each participating nation.

Expanding International Participation

Previously, Japan hosted national tournaments for elementary and middle school students each year. However, this event marked the second time an international competition was held specifically for this age group. The inaugural event took place last year between Japan and South Korea, but this year, China joined in, allowing for a rich collaboration among these three countries.

The organizers aim to expand participation beyond these countries, aspiring for HADO to become an international fixture for the junior generation in Asia and beyond. The HADO JUNIOR CUP promises to offer opportunities for communication across generations and borders, emphasizing values such as the spirit of challenge and teamwork.

Upcoming Junior Tournament in Japan

On December 13, 2025, there is another exciting event scheduled in Japan: the HADO Junior National Championship 2025. Here are the details:

• - Date: December 13, 2025
• - Time: 13:30 - 17:00 (subject to variation based on the number of participating teams)
• - Venue: HADO ARENA Odaiba Branch
• - Participants: Open to elementary school students with HADO experience

This tournament has been taking place annually since 2022 and is the largest gathering for junior HADO players across the nation. Participants from various local HADO Junior Academies will compete, making it a thrilling event for spectators and participants alike. More details can be found on the HADO official website: HADO Event News.

Understanding HADO

HADO combines traditional physical sports with digital tech, creating a new sport genre known as TechnoSports. Players wear headsets and sensors to engage in battles using energy balls and shields. HADO's simple rules encourage high levels of strategy, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and decision-making skills among participants, regardless of their athletic ability. It is designed as a “next-generation sport” where everyone can challenge themselves on equal footing. Currently, HADO is being played in 39 countries worldwide, continually bridging gaps between age and ability.

For further information about HADO and its activities, visit Meleap Official Website.

About Meleap

Meleap aims to create a society where everyone can enjoy physical activity, achieving both mental and physical well-being through engaging AR activities like HADO. Their mission is to deliver magical experiences fueled by technology, ensuring that people of all ages can enjoy engaging activities. The company is dedicated to expanding the possibilities of entertainment and sports while fostering joy and excitement in social interactions.