The Emperor’s Cup: Japan’s All-Japan Basketball Championship
The Emperor’s Cup: Japan’s All-Japan Basketball Championship
Older than the pro league by decades, the Emperor’s Cup is Japanese basketball’s grand open knockout — where B.League clubs, company teams and universities all chase one trophy.
The Emperor’s Cup All-Japan Basketball Championship is the sport’s historic national cup, with roots going back to 1922. It is a single-elimination knockout, usually held in March, that brings together the country’s best — B.League clubs, corporate teams and top universities — to crown Japan’s overall champion. A women’s national championship runs in parallel. ⚠ Format and the exact women’s competition name can vary — check the latest.
1. The big picture
Japanese basketball’s grand, open knockout.
The Emperor’s Cup is the basketball equivalent of football’s open national cup.1 Because professional, corporate and university sides meet in one bracket, it carries a unique prestige and the chance of upsets.
2. A century of tradition
First contested around 1922, the Emperor’s Cup is one of Japanese basketball’s oldest competitions.1 Run as a knockout, typically in March, it gathers teams recommended from across the game — the leading professional, corporate and university sides — to decide the nation’s best.
3. Why it matters
In the B.League era the cup remains a coveted prize that sits alongside the league title, giving clubs a second major target each season.1 A women’s national championship is held in parallel, completing Japan’s domestic cup picture. ⚠ Confirm the current format and participants.
4. Why it matters
- It’s historic. A national cup dating back about a century.
- It’s open. Pros, company teams and universities all enter.
- It’s prized. A major target alongside the B.League title.
In five lines
- The Emperor’s Cup is Japan’s All-Japan basketball championship.
- Its history dates back to around 1922.
- It is a single-elimination knockout, usually in March.
- B.League clubs, corporate teams and universities take part.
- A women’s national championship runs in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the All-Japan Basketball Championship?
Japan’s open knockout basketball cup (the Emperor’s / Empress’s Cup), open to professional, corporate and university teams.
Who can enter?
Clubs across levels — not only the B.League — which makes upsets possible.
When is it played?
Around the turn of the year into spring, depending on the season’s schedule. ⚠ Confirm current dates.
Follow the national teams
Explore the players and history behind Japan’s rise in world sport.
Sources & notes
- Emperor’s Cup All-Japan Basketball Championship — since ~1922; single-elimination knockout (usually March); B.League/corporate/university teams; women’s national championship in parallel. Japan Living
- Wikipedia
A history feature dated 16 June 2026. Results are historical; squads and fixtures change — flagged ⚠ items should be confirmed against official sources.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月17日 | 初回公開 |
| 2026年6月19日 | 情報を更新 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月19日
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