Judo Star Minami Aono Wins Second National Title for Fukuoka Police
Fukuoka Police judoka Minami Aono secured her second national championship title in the women’s 63kg division at the All Japan Selection Weight Class Championships, held on April 5, 2025, at the Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka City. The 25-year-old officer defeated her opponent in the final via ippon using her signature inner thigh throw, ouchi gari, after a hard-fought 12-minute match.
Aono, who graduated from Fukuoka University before joining the Fukuoka Police Force in 2023 as a specialized judo training officer, has been training six days a week while balancing her police duties. Her victory marks a significant comeback after a two-year gap since her first national title, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
On April 17, 2025, Fukuoka Police Chief Sumito Sumito presented Aono with a certificate of recognition at the police headquarters, praising her achievement and the support from local fans that contributed to her success. Aono expressed her gratitude, stating that the home crowd’s encouragement was instrumental in her victory and that she aims to continue improving through daily training to aim for another championship.
Looking ahead, Aono has publicly stated her ambition to compete in the Olympic Games and win a gold medal, reflecting her long-term commitment to excellence in judo. Her recent success adds to her growing list of international achievements, including a silver medal at the 2025 Baku Grand Slam and bronze medals at the 2024 Astana and Tokyo Grand Slams, as well as the 2024 Linz Grand Prix.
As a dual-sport athlete who also competes in wrestling, Aono has demonstrated versatility throughout her career, earning accolades such as second place in the Junior Queens Cup and third place at the Asian Cadet Championships during her high school years. Her journey began at age five under the influence of her father, and she has overcome early setbacks in national middle school and high school competitions to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
The Fukuoka Police Force continues to support its specialized training officers in achieving excellence in their respective sports, with Aono’s victory highlighting the effectiveness of their sports development program. Her success not only brings pride to her hometown of Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture but also inspires aspiring athletes across Japan to pursue excellence in judo while serving their communities.
For more updates on Minami Aono’s journey and other judo competitions, fans are encouraged to follow official announcements from the Fukuoka Police Force and the International Judo Federation.
