The 2025-26 League H regular season continues with seven men’s matches scheduled for May 14, 16, and 17 in Round 25. The most anticipated showdown features fifth-placed Daido PX Tokai hosting seventh-placed Osol Saitama on Saturday, May 16, at 15:00 local time at Tokai City Gymnasium.
Both teams are locked in a fierce battle for a playoff spot, with only the top six advancing. Daido PX Tokai enters the match with a record of 14 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses (30 points), but suffered a 30-38 defeat to BK Kariya last round. Desperate to avoid a losing streak, they rely on their explosive backcourt trio: Japan national team center backs Fujisaka Naoki and Kani Daiki, along with right back Kawahara Shuto, who have combined for 356 goals this season. Their attack, when in rhythm, is among the league’s best. On defense, young goalkeepers are stepping up—21-year-old Notsuyama Sho shines in field goal stops, while 23-year-old Tanaka Seiya impresses with 7-meter throw saves. Notably, goalkeeper Tomomo Naoya and left back Ozawa Hajime have announced their retirement at the end of the season.
Osol Saitama holds a 13-3-7 record (29 points) and drew at home against Daido PX Tokai earlier this season. A road win here would boost their playoff hopes. Their backcourt talent matches Daido’s, featuring center backs Matsuoka Hirotaka and Fujita Hibiki (known for sharp penetrations), right back Ide Yuto and left back Nishiyama Naoki (dangerous long-range shooters), and physical, high-movement players like right wing Yamazaki Yuma and pivot Kubota Reo, who bring intensity to both attack and defense. Right back Aburakuma Takuma and pivot Kagawa Sojiro have also announced their retirements after this season.
Other Round 25 fixtures include:
– Zeekstar Tokyo vs. Toyota Motor East Japan Regalo Miyagi (Thursday, May 14, 19:00, Higashin Arena, Sumida City)
– Golden Wolves Fukuoka vs. Toyama Dreams (Saturday, May 16, 13:00, Itoshi City Sports Park Multi-Purpose Gym)
– Fukui Eiheiji Blue Thunder vs. Albamos Osaka (Saturday, May 16, 14:00, Hokuriku Electric Power Fukui Gymnasium Flare)
– Red Tornado Saga vs. Akitakata Wakunaga Handball Club (Saturday, May 16, 14:00, SAGA Plaza)
– Earth Friends BM Tokyo-Kanagawa vs. Brave Kings Kariya (Saturday, May 16, 16:00, Ota City General Gymnasium)
– Ryukyu Corazon vs. Toyoda Gosei Blue Falcon Nagoya (Sunday, May 17, 15:30, Okinawa Prefectural Budokan Arena)
Individual milestone watch:
– Hiroki Shinda (Zeekstar) needs 4 goals for 800 career goals
– Cho Hyun-jang (Zeekstar) needs 8 goals for 800
– Naoto Demura (Toy
