SAMURAI 2026 fitness competition announces 33 finalists

The SAMURAI 2026 physical fitness competition, organized by the SUMI Group including LAVA International, has announced that 33 finalists have been determined following 11 qualifying rounds held across four cities in Japan.

With 17 spots remaining for the final 50 contestants, the competition will hold its final three qualifying rounds in Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo. A losers' bracket rematch is scheduled for October 5, 2026, to determine the final 8 participants. The grand finale will take place on October 12, 2026, at the BumB Tokyo Sports Culture Center, where competitors will vie for a 10 million yen grand prize.

The competition is open to Japanese nationals aged 18 and older, regardless of professional experience or occupation. The specific challenges for the final event remain undisclosed but are expected to test endurance, strength, mental fortitude, and judgment.