At the IJF General Assembly held in Budapest in June 2025. From left, head sport director Vladimir Barta (Czech Republic), sport director Hedvig Karakas (Hungary), IJF President Marius Vizer (Austria) and sport director Kosei Inoue. (©NPO JUDOs)
In Japan, the arrival of summer break signals the start of the national tournament season. Back in my junior high and high school days, I too competed in national tournaments, going head-to-head with athletes from across the country. Once again in 2025, we can expect passionate judo matches from young judoka nationwide.
To all junior high and high school judoka: Face difficulties with courage, aim high, and give your all in every match.
New Challenges with the IJF
Recently, I've taken on a few new challenges of my own.
One is my appointment as a sport director of the International Judo Federation (IJF). In June, I was elected to the IJF Executive Committee at a board meeting in Budapest. From here on, I'll be working with the global judo family in this new capacity.
As sport director, I will oversee the Olympic Games and IJF-hosted events, such as the World Judo Championships and Grand Slam tournaments. I will also collaborate with organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, and continental federations, like the Judo Union of Asia. Additionally, I plan to work closely with national judo federations to strengthen international ties.
The International Judo Federation currently has 205 member countries and regions. That number surpasses the 193 United Nations member states as of July 2025. It means even more nations are connected through judo than through the UN. This fact alone shows just how widely judo is embraced and its essential significance across the world.
I believe my role is to help create an environment that enables athletes to perform at their best. Through this work, I hope to further enhance the global appeal and deeper value of judo.
My primary workplace in this role will be at IJF-hosted events around the world. And I hope to see you at one of these venues!
Different Roles, One Mission: Giving Back Through Sports
Meanwhile, I've also been entrusted with new responsibilities here in Japan.
I now serve as an executive board member of both the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).
At the AJJF, I intend to take a broad view of judo development nationwide and devote myself to its continued growth and promotion. President Shinichi Nakamura has asked me to "ensure strong collaboration with the IJF," and I will dedicate myself fully to this mission.
At the JOC, I will take on athlete development. I have experienced the Olympic Games firsthand — as an athlete, a coach, and a head coach. In 2024, I also served as deputy chef de mission for the Japanese team at the Paris Olympics.
Drawing on these experiences, I aim to help raise athlete performance with the goal of winning Olympic medals. At the same time, I will work to create a safe, supportive training environment where coaches and staff can focus on their work. I'll support the next generation and help shape a training system that leverages the latest technology. Through these efforts, I hope to build a vibrant and inspiring TEAM JAPAN — one that earns the support and cheers of people across the country.
Each of these roles comes with great responsibility, but to me, they are all connected. No matter the title, my mission remains the same.
As a judoka, I want to give back to society by sharing the knowledge and insights I've gained through my judo journey. Through sports, I hope to contribute to a better society and a more peaceful world — transcending nationality, race, and religion. With this purpose in my heart, I will devote myself to each role, one step at a time.
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(Read the column in Japanese.)
President, Certified NPO JUDOs
Author: Kosei Inoue
Learn more about the sport of judo and Kosei Inoue, former Olympic gold medalist and former national men's team judo coach who now serves in key positions for All Japan Judo Federation, on the website of JUDOs, a certified Japanese NPO. And find further columns by and about Kosei Inoue in English on JAPAN Forward and SportsLook.
