Isao Inokuma (right) competes in the heavyweight division final against Canada's Doug Rogers at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Inokuma captured one of Japan's three judo medals in the sport's Olympic debut that year. (©Sankei)
Japan has always been a powerhouse in the sport of judo, consistently delivering stellar performances at the Olympic Games. Over the decades, the Japanese judo team has demonstrated remarkable prowess, achieving numerous medals and setting new benchmarks in the sport.
From its impressive showings at the 1964 Tokyo Games to its remarkable achievements in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, Japan's judo team has maintained its reputation as a global powerhouse.
Each Olympic cycle has presented new challenges and opportunities, allowing the team to showcase its technical prowess, strategic depth, and resilience. For example, the journey from London to Paris has been marked by stellar individual performances, strategic innovations, and a constant drive for improvement.
Japan's Dominance in Olympic Judo: 1964-2008
Japan's judo journey in the Olympics began at the 1964 Summer Games, where the sport made its Olympic debut. The Japanese team made a strong impression by winning three gold medals in the first three weight categories, only losing in the open category to Anton Geesink of the Netherlands. This initial success established Japan as a dominant force in Olympic judo.
Despite not featuring in the 1968 Mexico City Games, judo returned to the Olympics in Munich in 1972, where Japan secured seven medals (five gold, one silver, one bronze). Japan continued to excel and consistently secured top positions on the podium.
From 1972 to 2008, Japan's judoka accumulated an impressive number of medals across various weight classes.
Notable achievements include Yasuhiro Yamashita's gold in the open category at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, which he won despite a significant injury. In LA, Japan claimed five medals overall.
Ryoko Tani became one of Japan's most decorated Olympians, winning silver in Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996. She also secured gold at the 2000 Sydney Games and 2004 Athens Games. In total, Japan won three gold medals in Barcelona, two in Atlanta, four in Sydney, and two in Athens.
Tadahiro Nomura made history by becoming the first judoka to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the men's 60-kilogram division (1996, 2000, and 2004).
London 2012: A Comeback Success
The 2012 London Olympics marked a period of transition and success for Japan's judo team. Bouncing back from a relatively disappointing performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (four gold medals), the team showcased its renewed strength.
Kaori Matsumoto's gold medal in the women's 57-kg division was a significant highlight, showcasing her skill and determination. Tani's bronze in the women's 48-kg division added to her illustrious career as one of judo's most decorated athletes.
On the men's side, Riki Nakaya won silver in the 73-kg division, while Masashi Nishiyama earned a bronze medal in the 90-kg weight class. Unfortunately, it was the first time the Japanese men's team did not secure a gold medal.
"The London Olympics were a turning point," said Tani in a September 2012 interview, shortly after the Games. "It showed that we could achieve greatness even amidst changes and challenges."
Dominant Performances in Rio
Rio was another successful outing for Japan's judo team. Shohei Ono's gold in the 73-kg final stood out as one of the highlights of the Games. He was joined by other medalists such as Haruka Tachimoto, who won gold in the women's 70-kg division, and Mashu Baker, who clinched gold in the men's 90-kg division.
"My focus was unwavering," Tachimoto remarked. "Every technique, every move, was aimed at bringing home the gold."
In addition to these golds, Japan also secured several silver and bronze medals. Misato Nakamura earned a bronze in the women's 52-kg division, while Matsumoto took home bronze in the women's 57-kg final. The men's team added to the tally with bronze medals from Naohisa Takato in the 60-kg final and Hisayoshi Harasawa in the over-100-kg weight class.
Tokyo 2020: Gold Rush
Hosting the Olympics for the second time, Japan had high expectations for its judo team at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The team did not disappoint, delivering an outstanding performance that further cemented Japan's dominance in the sport.
In the men's categories, Takato won gold in the 60-kg final, while Hifumi Abe added another gold in the 66-kg division. Shohei Ono's victory in the 73-kg weight class was particularly memorable, as he successfully defended his title from the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The women's team also shone brightly, with Uta Abe winning gold in the 52-kg final. Chizuru Arai secured gold in the 70-kg final, and Akira Sone won gold in the over-78-kg class.
Strong Showing in Paris
The judo competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics was held at the Champs-de-Mars Arena. Japan's judo squad continued its tradition of excellence, securing eight medals across various weight categories.
In the men's events, Hifumi Abe won gold in the 66-kg final, while Takanori Nagase took home gold in the 81-kg final. Shoichiro Murao earned a silver medal in the 90-kg division. Japan also secured bronze medals through Ryuju Nagayama in the 60-kg final and Soichi Hashimoto in the 73-kg weight class.
Abe reflected on his victory, saying, "Winning gold in Paris is a dream come true. It's a testament to the hard work and the support I receive from everyone back home."
On the women's side, Natsumi Tsunoda clinched gold in the 48-kg category, while Haruka Funakubo secured a bronze medal in the 57-kg final.
"The competition was fierce, but I was well-prepared," Tsunoda commented. "Every match was a step toward my goal, and standing on the podium was an unforgettable moment."
In the mixed team event, Japan secured a silver medal, falling just short of gold to the dominant French team. This event, which debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has quickly become a favorite among spectators. It showcases the depth and versatility of the Japanese and French teams.
Consistency, Innovation, and Future Goals
Across the past four Olympic Games, Japan's performance in judo has been marked by both consistency and evolution. Japanese judoka have consistently maintained a dominant presence, frequently topping the medal charts.
Japan's success can be attributed to its relentless focus on technical mastery and rigorous training regimens. Techniques like the seoi-nage, uchi-mata, and osoto-gari, executed with precision, have been central to their victories.
A blend of young talent and experienced judoka has been crucial. The emergence of young stars like the Abe siblings, Hifumi's younger sister, and the consistent performances of veterans like Shohei Ono have ensured a balanced and formidable team.
However, this was the second time the gold medal eluded Japan in the team event. During a press conference on August 4, Hifumi Abe shared his thoughts on how Japan could overcome France in future competitions, stating: "We need to recognize that the French team was exceptionally strong. [And] we must conduct even more in-depth research and training than before and thoroughly reassess our strategies to reach new heights."
As we look ahead to future Olympic Games, Japan will undoubtedly continue to produce world-class judoka who will inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.
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Author: Daniel Manning
