Youngster Hifumi Abe blazed to secure his second straight national invitational weight class championship on Saturday, posting three straight ippons in the men's 66-kg category.
Abe defeated Kengo Takaichi in the final by big outer reap and all but secured his place in the world championships in Budapest this summer, having triumphed in the last three selection trials for the tournament both home and abroad.
"Abe looked really reliable, while I also felt he has many areas he can improve in," said national team coach Kosei Inoue. "The important period starts now toward the 2020 Olympics."