Judo: Murao Sanshiro Eyes All-Japan Glory as Tokyo Prepares for Weight-Class Showdown

With the All-Japan Judo Championships set to begin on April 26 at Nippon Budokan, reigning Paris Olympic silver medalist Murao Sanshiro declared his intent to compete with full determination, signaling a pivotal moment in his return to Japan’s premier domestic judo stage after an eight-year absence.

Speaking at a pre-event press conference held at the Kodokan in Tokyo on April 25, Murao emphasized the personal significance of the tournament, describing the All-Japan Championships as a long-held dream and one of the titles he most desires to win. His remarks underscored the emotional weight of competing on a stage he first admired as a young athlete.

“The All-Japan Championships have always been a dream stage for me,” Murao said. “Even though I’m targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the 90kg division, this tournament still makes me aim for to participate and win.”

Murao, who earned silver for Japan in the men’s 90kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is seeking his first All-Japan title in the open-weight division. A victory would mark a historic achievement, as no athlete has won the 90kg category at the All-Japan Championships since Kato Hiroyoshi in 2012 — a gap of 14 years. Before Kato, the last 90kg champion was Seki Shinobu in 1972, meaning a win for Murao would break a span exceeding five decades.

Reflecting on his preparation, Murao noted that since winning the Grand Slam Tokyo in November of the previous year — which secured his spot at the World Championships in Baku — he has deliberately trained with heavier opponents in mind. “My strength has improved,” he stated. “Since I’ll be facing bigger opponents repeatedly, the key is avoiding unnecessary fatigue. I need to win by ippon, by throwing cleanly. I want to approach every match carefully from the first round.”

His focus on efficiency and decisive victories highlights a tactical shift toward conserving energy even as maximizing offensive impact — a strategy shaped by the physical demands of competing in the open-weight category against significantly larger judokas.

Also addressing the media was Shinohara Kotaro, a three-time All-Japan University champion and senior to both Murao and Arai at Tokai University. Shinohara, returning to the All-Japan Championships after a three-year hiatus, did not mince words when discussing his ambitions toward his senior teammates.

“It might sound harsh, but I’m going to knock them down,” Shinohara said, directing his comment at Murao and Arai. He described the All-Japan stage as a lifelong aspiration, recalling how his father once told him, “It would be amazing if you could compete here.”

Shinohara added that he has meticulously prepared for rule variations, particularly those involving foot techniques and views the championship as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of winning the judo triple crown. “My final aim is to achieve the judo triple crown. I’m going for the title with everything I’ve got.”

The presence of Murao, Shinohara, and defending champion Kagawa Daigo — who stressed that the tournament would ultimately be decided by mental strength and the desire to win — set the stage for a highly anticipated competition. Kagawa framed the event as a battle of wills, suggesting that the athlete with the strongest determination to prevail would emerge victorious.

The All-Japan Championships, held annually to determine Japan’s top judoka regardless of weight class, continue to serve as a critical benchmark for elite performance. For Murao, the tournament represents not only a chance to reclaim domestic prominence but also an opportunity to validate his growth since transitioning to international competition.

His return to the All-Japan stage after competing as a high school student at Kirika Gakuen in 2018 symbolizes a full-circle moment in his career. Now a seasoned international medalist, Murao carries the expectations of a nation eager to see its Olympic performers succeed on home soil.

As the judo world turns its attention to Nippon Budokan for the opening matches on April 26, the convergence of Olympic experience, university pride, and veteran resilience promises a compelling narrative. The outcomes will not only determine Japan’s national champion but also offer early indicators of form ahead of the upcoming World Championships and the Los Angeles Olympic cycle.

For global judo enthusiasts, the All-Japan Championships remain a vital window into the depth and direction of Japanese judo — a tradition where legacy, ambition, and the pursuit of ippon continue to define the sport’s highest ideals.

The competition begins tomorrow at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Fans can follow updates through the All Japan Judo Federation’s official channels.