Rowers claim eighth straight men’s eight at Five Universities’ Regatta, win five other categories
The Institute of Science Tokyo Rowing Club won their eighth straight men’s eight title at the 69th Five Universities' Regatta, held on April 26 at the Toda Boat Course in Saitama Prefecture. The Institute’s rowers also finished first in the men’s coxed four, men’s single scull, women’s double scull, senior alumni eight, and young alumni eight categories.
The Five Universities' Regatta, which has its roots in a 1919 feud between the rowers of Tokyo Higher Technical School — the predecessor of Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) — and Tokyo School of Foreign Languages, has been held every year since 1958, with the exception of 2020 and 2021. In 2026, participants included rowers from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, the National Defense Academy, and Science Tokyo.
This was the second Five Universities’ Regatta to include medical and dental sciences students from Science Tokyo following the merger between Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Tech in October 2024.
Men’s eight — 1st place
In this category, eight rowers — four on each side — propel the boat with sweep oars while one cox steers. Each rower holds one oar with both hands. The eight, often called the crown jewel of rowing, has been the main focus of the Science Tokyo Rowing Club.
This year’s winning crew is:
- Reito Yusa, 4th year, Mechanical Engineering
- Naoki Shiojiri, 3rd year, Chemical Science and Engineering
- Kenta Ishibashi, 3rd year, Chemical Science and Engineering
- Yuki Mizukoshi, 3rd year, Industrial Engineering and Economics
- Taiji Koiwa, 1st-year master’s student, Materials Science and Engineering
- Yosuke Okuda, 4th year, Chemical Science and Engineering
- Yuta Morohashi, 2nd year, Systems and Control Engineering
- Keitaro Hori, 2nd year, Industrial Engineering and Economics
- Kosei Kumota, 3rd year, Computer Science
Comments from crew leader Yosuke Okuda
I am very happy that we were able to defend our title at the Five Universities’ Regatta.
This result was made possible not only by our own efforts, but also by the support of so many people around us. We still face many challenges and aim to continue growing without becoming complacent. We will remain humble, keep striving for even higher levels, and continue to value our daily practices while dedicating ourselves to improving in every aspect.
We look forward to your continued support.
Men’s coxed four — 1st place
In this category, four rowers propel the boat with sweep oars, one oar per rower, while one cox steers the boat.
This year’s winning crew is:
- Yura Kitadate, 1st year, School of Environment and Society
- Asahi Hara, 2nd year, Life Science and Technology
- Taisuke Kuwayama, 2nd year, Architecture and Building Engineering
- Tomohiro Masaki, 2nd year, Industrial Engineering and Economics
- Kentaro Yaguchi, 3rd year, Materials Science and Engineering
Comments from crew leader Kentaro Yaguchi
Despite being extremely busy with orientation events and classes, I am thrilled that the entire team pulled together to overcome the rigorous training and achieve victory, the best possible result.
This competition was very important to us, and we were able to confidently pass the baton to those continuing with rowing next year. We will continue to face strong opponents in various future events, but we will keep taking on these challenges head on. We appreciate your continued support.
Men’s single skull — 1st place
In this category, a single rower uses two oars to propel the boat. Unlike in the eight or the coxed four, there is no cox on board, so the rower must control both the pace and direction of the boat.
This year’s men’s single scull winner is:
- Takao Yamaguchi, 3rd year, Medicine
Comments from Takao Yamaguchi
I participated in a solo race and would like to express my gratitude for this valuable opportunity. My daily practice is a process of self-reflection. I conduct small experiments, and using both my own senses and video footage, try to understand how my movements affect the boat.
I will continue to place importance on this mindset of constant reflection, not only in my training, but also in my studies and daily life.
Women’s double scull — 1st place
In this category, two rowers, each with two oars, propel the boat. Unlike in the eight and the coxed four, there is no cox on board, so the rowers must control both the pace and direction of the boat.
This year's winning team is:
- Haruka Takahashi, 2nd year, Life Science and Technology
- Akane Mendori, 2nd year, Medicine
Comments from crew leader Haruka Takahashi
I am thrilled that we won our first Five Universities’ Regatta. We have been training together for a year, and I think we were able to demonstrate the results of our efforts. We have developed a shared understanding of how to row and how the boat feels.
Moving forward, we plan to address the new challenges we have identified and continue to train hard so that we can achieve good results at the All Japan Intercollegiate Sailing Championships and the All Japan Rookie Championships.
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- The Institute of Science Tokyo Rowing Club is supported by the Science Tokyo Fund.