Yamamoto An Takes Athlete’s Oath at 41st Empress Cup All-Japan Women’s Judo Championships
TOKYO, Japan – The 41st Empress Cup All-Japan Women’s Judo Championships kicked off with a traditional opening ceremony at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on April 5, 2025. Yamamoto An, representing the Tokai region and serving with the Shizuoka Prefectural Police, delivered the athlete’s oath, underscoring the tournament’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
The Empress Cup, Japan’s premier domestic competition for female judoka, serves as a critical stepping stone for athletes aiming to represent Japan on the international stage, including the upcoming 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Olympic Games. This year’s edition features 256 competitors across seven weight classes, from under-48 kilograms to over-78 kilograms, reflecting the depth of talent in Japanese women’s judo.
According to the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF), the opening ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time (JST), which corresponds to 01:00 UTC. The ceremony included the raising of the Japanese flag, a moment of silence for past champions, and a demonstration of judo techniques by junior athletes from local Tokyo dojos.
Yamamoto An, a two-time national champion in the under-57 kilogram class, spoke on behalf of all competitors. Her oath emphasized respect for opponents, adherence to judo’s moral code, and the pursuit of excellence through disciplined training. “We pledge to compete with integrity, to honor the spirit of judo, and to strive for victory through hard work and mutual respect,” she said, her words echoing in the historic Budokan arena.
The tournament follows a single-elimination format with repechage brackets for bronze medal matches. Weight class finals are scheduled for April 6, 2025, with the open-weight category final set for April 7, 2025. Daily sessions start at 9:30 a.m. JST (00:30 UTC) and conclude around 5:00 p.m. JST (20:00 UTC).
Security measures at the Nippon Budokan include bag checks and coordination with local police, though specific threat levels were not disclosed by organizers. Ticket sales for the event were managed through the AJJF’s official website, with general admission priced at 1,500 yen per day and reserved seating at 3,000 yen.
As Japan’s top female judoka continue their preparations for global competitions, the Empress Cup remains a vital platform for assessing form, testing recent techniques, and fostering the next generation of leaders in the sport. Yamamoto An’s role as oath-taker highlights her standing within the judo community and her commitment to upholding the values that define Japanese martial arts.
The competition continues through April 7, with live results and updates available on the All Japan Judo Federation’s official website and through NHK Sports broadcasts. Fans worldwide can follow the action via the AJJF’s live streaming service, which offers English commentary for international viewers.
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