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Amano Akiko, the only Japanese judge in judo at the Tokyo Olympics, judges her main business with fireworks “preparation” and “rhythm”: Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web

In December of last year, Ms. Amano Akiko (right), who is the referee in the judo men’s 66 kg class Tokyo Olympics national team final match, at the Kodokan in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Amano at the Tokyo Olympics, which is about to openAnkiko(Akiko)Mr. (50) is the only referee from Japan in judo. In December of last year, he has been active as a leading female referee, having experienced the referee of the men’s 66 kg class Japan national team deciding match by Hifumi Abe (Park 24) and Joshiro Maruyama (MIKI HOUSE). He also has the face of the 15th generation owner of the fireworks lock shop (Edogawa-ku, Tokyo) that has been around since the Edo period, and says that the referee and the fireworks master have in common “preparation” and “rhythm”. (Masanori Moriai)

After more than two years of selection by the International Judo Federation (IJF), he was selected as one of the 16 people to judge at the Tokyo Olympics. This is the second Olympics since the 2008 Beijing Games. “The Olympics have a different spirit from the athletes. If you can show a match that is said to be’watching with peace of mind’,” he says plainly.

After playing an active part as a player, he became a referee in 1995. From the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, judo girls became an official event, and “there were few women at that time, and many competitions called out to raise them.” Taking advantage of the chances of the transitional period, I refined my technique.

Ms. Amano Akiko (middle) who is the referee in the men's 66 kg class national team deciding match between Hifumi Abe (right) and Joshiro Maruyama (left)

Ms. Amano Akiko (middle) who is the referee in the men’s 66 kg class national team deciding match between Hifumi Abe (right) and Joshiro Maruyama (left)

The Abe-Maruyama match is highly evaluated. While anticipating the technique, I moved to a position where it was easy to see, “first, first.” 24 minutes from the start of the game. Maruyama bent his body to return the Ouchi mowing that Abe released at the outside of the venue. Without hesitation, Abe declared “waza-ari”. “The last scene looked like slow motion. I didn’t regret the players, and I tried to make them play a game that would allow them to move forward in their lives.” It was unobtrusive, complemented the players, and judged calmly.

His main business is a locksmith fireworks master known for “Kagiya” and “Tamaya”. Due to the influence of the Corona disaster, all the fireworks festivals last summer were canceled. Thinking that “it is our mission to keep a record of what we did at that time and pass it on to the next generation,” we launched fireworks to pray for the end in limited places such as Edogawa Ward.

Taken by Mr. Amano = Mr. Kunihiko Takaoka, who spearheads the scene dyed red by fireworks

Taken by Mr. Amano = Mr. Kunihiko Takaoka, who spearheads the scene dyed red by fireworks

Fireworks are next to danger. About 100 craftsmen are involved in the Edogawa Ward Fireworks Festival and the Ichikawa Citizens’ Cool Fireworks Festival, which are held simultaneously at the Edogawa Riverbed. “If something happens, it can affect human life, so be prepared. It’s similar to a referee,” he said.

The sound of firing from the cylinder. The sound of fireworks opening. Echo sound. Afterglow. We are particular about sound and rhythm. “Sometimes I’m impressed by the time, and sometimes I get bored. Sometimes I discourage players at the timing of” waiting “in judo, and there are rhythms that make it possible to attack,” he finds in common.

The Tokyo Olympics will start on the 23rd. Judo will start on the 24th of the following day. “The main character is the player. It is the best compliment for me to be told that I had a good match.” So that the players can fight without regrets. Be prepared to go up to the tatami mat.

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