The 6th National Brass Band Ensemble Championships recently took place at the Salvation Army's Yamamuro Gumpei Memorial Hall in Tokyo. The competition attracted 15 ensembles who performed in front of a large and appreciative audience.

Championship winners

The octet Saitama Premier Brass retained the Championship Section title, performing 'New Horizons Mission' by Misawa, ahead of the 12-piece Brass Zodiac who performed 'Divertimento' by Philip Sparke. Third place went to the octet Brass Band TSB playing 'A Fugal Overture' by Gustav Holst.

In contrast, there was delight for the octet from Showa Gakuin High School who won the Youth title for the first time at their sixth attempt playing 'Danza Struttura' by Tamura.

In the Junior Section, Hanahata-Nishi Primary School was awarded first place after performing 'Rakuichi-Rakuza No.2' by Tamura.

The adjudication team consisted of Prof. Takeo Yamamoto, Prof. Tsutomu Kako, Masayo Umino, Makoto Sekiya and Tamao Araki. The next contest will be held on 24th February 2026.

With thanks to Makoto Sekiya (Vice-President of Japanese Brass Band Directors Association).

Results:
Championship Section:

1. Saitama Premier Brass
2. Brass Zodiac
3. Brass Band TSB

Youth Section (under 19):

1. Showa Gakuin High School Windband
2. Koshigaya-Kita High School Wind Band
3. Tokai University Suwa High Scholl Wind Band

Junior Section (under 13):

1. Hanahata-Nishi Primary School Brass Band

Best Instrumentalist Award: Hina Yahagi (Baritone) — Hanahata-Nishi