Summer is the peak time for judo tournaments in Japan, giving athletes opportunities to test their skills and development during various competitions.
Japan won its sixth consecutive mixed-team judo championship in Doha after beating France in a thrilling, hard-fought final a year ahead of the Paris Olympics.
In Doha, Japanese judoka collected five gold medals and 11 individual medals in 10 weight classes at the World Judo Championships.
May's world championships will shine the spotlight on 2024 Olympic judo medal hopefuls. Prior to that, a trip to Europe was a good learning experience.
Part 11 of 14 parts The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward wanted to know more about what it is that attracts men and women...