Day 1 in Tokyo delivered top-level judo as Koga, Murao, Abe, Sulamanidze, Omori, Endovitskii and Kaju all claimed gold. With several all-Japan finals and world champions in action, the event opened in spectacular fashion. A powerful start to the 2025 Tokyo Grand Slam.
Welcome to Japan, the home of Judo. It’s day one of the Park24 Group 2025 Tokyo Grand Slam in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
With 6 reigning world champions today, the stage was set for an incredible day of action.
At -48kg, Sachiyo YOSHINO faced Wakana KOGA In the first all-Japan final. A yuko score into a hold down gave Koga, Japan’s first Gold medal of the tournament.
She was awarded her medal by IJF Vice President Mr Obaid AL ANZI.
The -90kg final saw local hero and current world champion Sanshiro MURAO take the gold medal against teammate Goki TAJIMA. MURAO held nothing back, scoring ippon to claim gold.
He was awarded his medal by IJF Vice President Dr Laszlo TOTH.
At -52kg Uta ABE had a closely fought contest against teammate Nanako TSUBONE. A yuko score saw ABE clinch the victory.
IJF Ambassador, Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa awarded the medals.
The -100kg final saw Ilia SULAMANIDZE of Georgia face home favourite Dota ARAI of Japan. A beautifully executed Seoi otoshi earned gold for the Georgian.
The medals were awarded by Georgia Minister of Sport Mr Shalva GOGOLADZE.
In another all Japan final Akari OMORI overcame Momo TAMAOKI in a closely fought technical battle for -57kg glory.
She was awarded the gold medal by IJF EC Member & Kodokan President Mr Haruki UEMURA.
At +100kg Valerii ENDOVITSKII of Russia produced an incredible buzzer beater against home favourite Hyoga OTA of Japan to snatch a dramatic victory.
He was awarded his medal by IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser AL TAMIMI.
Haruka KAJU won the last all-Japanese final of the day. A well timed transition after a yuko score into a hold down showed just why Kaju is the current world champion at -63Kg.
She was awarded the gold medal by IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir BARTA.
Day 1 delivered! From start to finish! We’ll see you tomorrow for Day 2.