Gunma, Japan : At the conclusion of a fiercely contested women’s all-around final at the 80th All-Japan Artistic Gymnastics Championships, 15-year-old Misa Nishiyama emerged as the new national champion, signaling a generational shift in Japanese women’s gymnastics.
In a competition held on 18 April 2026 at Takasaki Arena, Nishiyama secured the gold medal with a total score of 110.332, edging out a field of experienced competitors with a composed and dynamic performance across all four apparatus.
Nishiyama’s triumph was built on standout routines, particularly in vault and uneven bars where she posted some of the top marks in the field. Her performance capped a remarkable ascent this season, following her leadership in the qualification round where she topped the standings with 55.566 points across four events.
Behind Nishiyama, Rina Kishi, a strong and consistent presence on the domestic scene, finished second, showcasing her experience with solid execution throughout. Veteran gymnast Aiko Sugihara completed the podium in third, adding another high-level result to her distinguished career.
The final standings in the women’s all-around were:
Misa Nishiyama – 110.332
Rina Kishi – (runner-up score)
Aiko Sugihara – (third-place score)
Nishiyama’s victory is significant not only for her age but also for the broader implications for Japan’s elite gymnastics. As a former Junior World floor exercise champion, she has already demonstrated international potential, and her breakthrough at the senior national level underscores her rapid development and readiness for greater challenges.
The All-Japan Championships form a key part of the selection process for Japan’s squads at next season’s international events, including the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, making this result particularly impactful for future team compositions.
With this national title, Nishiyama has firmly established herself as a leading figure in Japanese women’s gymnastics and a contender to watch on the world stage.
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