At the 75th National High School Inter-High School Judo Championships in the women’s 52kg division, sophomore Momoka Takeda defended her national title in dominant fashion, sweeping every opponent by ippon on her way to the gold medal. Takeda capped off her run through the bracket by defeating reigning high school champion Rio Shirogane in the final match, securing consecutive titles in one of the tournament’s most anticipated weight classes.
Takeda’s Dominant Route to the 52kg Final
Throughout the competition, Takeda left little doubt about her form. Competing in the women’s 52kg category, the second-year judoka secured victory in every single round via ippon—the highest score a martial artist can achieve in a match, ending the contest immediately through a clean throw, hold-down, choke, or armlock. That flawless finishing record carried her past a rigorous field of challengers into the championship bout, where the highest stakes of the tournament awaited.
The Championship Clash Against Shirogane
In the final, Takeda faced Rio Shirogane, the reigning high school championship titleholder known for tactical resilience and deep tournament experience. The matchup pitted explosive youth against established supremacy in the division. Takeda maintained her aggressive rhythm, ultimately breaking through Shirogane’s defenses to seal the win by ippon. The victory not only preserved Takeda’s undefeated tournament streak but also successfully defended the crown she claimed during her freshman campaign.
Implications for the National Circuit
Securing back-to-back titles cements Takeda’s status as the athlete to beat in domestic high school judo. For Shirogane, the silver medal marks a hard-fought runner-up finish in a division featuring the country’s elite young talent. Both competitors remain focal points on the national calendar as regional qualifiers and upcoming autumn championships approach.
Tournament organizers and coaches will look toward the upcoming All-Japan junior circuits for the next confirmed checkpoint where these top-tier athletes could cross paths again. Share your thoughts on this final matchup or join the discussion in the comments below.
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