Naoto Takato Reflects on Tokyo Olympics and Future in Judo

“Maybe my time is over.”

Naoto Takato (Park 24), a men’s 60kg judo champion who won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, said that such a thought came to his mind as he stepped off the tatami mat after finishing his competition. On the 3rd, in the final of the international Grand Slam (GS) Tokyo tournament, he lost in overtime to Tatsuki Nagayama (SBC Shonan Beauty Clinic), who was competing for a spot on the Paris Olympics team. However, the expression on his face was filled with a sense of fulfillment. (Yotaro Watanabe)

◆At one point, I “didn’t like” doing judo.

Naoto Takato (left) and Tatsuki Nagayama praise each other for their good fight after competing in the men’s 60 kg final at the Tokyo Grand Slam tournament, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on the 3rd.

30 years old from Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture. He has been active since his junior days with a style that allows him to perform imaginative techniques, and won the 2013 World Championship in his first appearance. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and won his fourth world championship last year, leading the way in the lightest weight class. He competed with Nagayama, who was three years his junior at Tokai University, for the right to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, and continued to stand in his way as a high wall.

This year has seen a change in the power relationship between the two. While Takafuji’s form has declined, Nagayama has won two international tournaments, including the Masters Tournament, the second most prestigious tournament after the World Championships, and is in hot pursuit in the Paris Olympics selection race. Takato, who finished third in the same Masters tournament, said that at one point he “didn’t like” doing judo.

However, before I knew it, I was watching other players’ matches. “It’s like love, isn’t it? If you can feel that way when times are tough, then you really love judo. It’s the only thing you have.” He was in top physical and mental condition for the GS Tokyo, which will be the decisive stage, and exuded his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s like the Tokyo Olympics selection race. If I don’t participate (in the Olympics), then who will?” Ta.

◆”For me, the Olympics are everything. I can’t shake that.”

True to his words, Takafuji was excited. In the quarterfinals, Italy was the first to take a waza-ari, but they caught up with 9 seconds left and won by ippon in overtime. In the semi-finals, he won with an advantage and faced Nagayama in a direct showdown. The players who knew each other’s moves went into overtime without being able to decide on each other’s techniques. In the end, he was rolled down onto the tatami mat with one pon on his back, and the battle at the top came to an end.

“Judo is fun. I feel lucky to have been able to participate in international competitions for over ten years.” Although we have surrendered our top position, the things we have accumulated will not fade away. At the same time, he expressed a sense of relief, saying, “I’m glad I was finally able to compete head-to-head with (Nagayama). It liberated me. I definitely want him to win at the Olympics.” He seemed to have entrusted the heavy responsibility he had carried as a leading figure to his juniors.

As for his future plans, he joked with a smile, “Keep it a secret,” and said, “There are so many things I want to do. But for me, the Olympics are everything. I won’t waver from that.” Takato, who has been at the top for many years, cannot be denied no matter what choice he makes. However, as a reporter covering judo, I would like to see more of Takafuji’s dynamic action on the tatami. (Yotaro Watanabe)


2023-12-13 10:29:15
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