Fukuoka Police Officer Aono Wins Judo Title Again, Honored by Chief

Fukuoka Prefecture police officer Aono Minami stood tall on April 17, 2026, as she received recognition from her department’s highest official for her latest national judo triumph. The 25-year-old judoka, serving as a special training officer in the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Education Division, had just secured her second All-Japan Selection Weight Class Championship title in the women’s 63kg division.

Chief Sumitomo Kazuhito presented Aono with an award certificate at police headquarters following her victory at the tournament held in Fukuoka City on April 5. This marks her second career title in the prestigious competition, having previously won in 2024 before taking third place in 2025.

The path to victory required extra resilience, as Aono’s final match extended into golden score overtime. It was there that she deployed her signature technique – the uchi mata (inner thigh throw) – to secure the ippon victory that earned her the championship.

“The support from everyone around me gave me the strength to win,” Aono told reporters after the ceremony. “I identify challenges in my daily training and desire to prepare thoroughly so I can aim for another victory in my next match.”

Aono’s judo journey began early in life. Originally from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, she started attending a local dojo at age five. After graduating from Fukuoka University, she joined the Fukuoka Prefectural Police in 2023, where she now balances her duties as a police officer with elite athletic training.

Beyond domestic success, Aono has her sights set on the international stage. She mentioned her ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she hopes to win a gold medal in women’s judo. Before that, she plans to compete at the National Police Judo Championship scheduled for September 2026.

Her recent achievement continues a pattern of excellence for police-affiliated judokas in Japan, where law enforcement agencies often support athletes pursuing both public service and sporting excellence. The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have particularly invested in judo as both a practical skill for officers and a competitive sport.

As Aono looks ahead to future competitions, her immediate focus remains on maintaining the discipline and preparation that brought her this latest success. The victory serves as both a personal milestone and an inspiration for other athletes within the police force who strive to balance duty with athletic ambition.

Her next confirmed checkpoint is the National Police Judo Championship in September 2026, where she aims to add another title to her growing resume while continuing her pursuit of Olympic qualification.

What does this victory imply for Aono’s Olympic aspirations? Her consistent performance at the national level keeps her firmly in contention for Japan’s Olympic judo team selection process, which typically evaluates athletes based on their results in designated qualifying tournaments over a two-year period.

For readers inspired by stories of athletes excelling while serving their communities, consider sharing this piece to highlight the unique intersection of public service and sporting excellence that defines competitors like Aono Minami.