In August 2026, the 55th National Junior High School Handball Championship, part of the Reiwa 8 National Junior High School Athletic Meet, will be held in Okayama Prefecture. This tournament is organized by the Japan Junior High School Athletic Federation and the Japan Handball Association, and will be hosted by the Okayama Prefecture Handball Association. To deliver all matches live nationwide, the Okayama Prefecture Handball Association is launching a crowdfunding campaign. The Japan Handball Association also supports this initiative as an organizing body. To connect the final "Zenchu" to the future This tournament will be the last National Junior High School Handball Championship held as part of the National Junior High School Athletic Meet. It is a special stage for junior high school students aiming for the national championship, and many Japanese national team players who compete globally have strived to reach this stage. This historic national tournament will reach a milestone with its final event in Okayama Prefecture. Review of "Zenchu" and preparation of future playing environments The discontinuation of handball from the National Junior High School Athletic Meet was announced by the Japan Junior High School Athletic Federation in June 2024. Due to factors such as the declining birthrate, teacher workload, and hosting costs, some sports, including handball, will cease to be held at the National Junior High School Athletic Meet starting in 2027. This is a significant decision for handball, as junior high school club activities have largely been responsible for its popularization and talent development. The Japan Handball Association views this change as an opportunity to reconsider the future of handball and is proceeding with a "10-Year Plan for Playing Environment Improvement" aimed at enhancing playing opportunities and reorganizing national tournaments, focusing on the playing environment for children from elementary to junior high school age. As part o