Ryuga Tanaka claimed the men’s 73-kilogram title at the Judo World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, securing gold on his tournament debut and marking the first time a Japanese judoka has won the division since Shohei Ono in 2019, according to competition records published on October 6, 2026.
How Tanaka Secured the Gold Medal in Baku
Ranked 19th in the world and entering the tournament outside the seeded spots, Tanaka capitalized on early exits by Paris Olympic medalists and top contenders. In the final match against Mahmadbekov of the UAE, who placed third last year, Tanaka scored a yuko with a sharp right o-uchi-gari over 40 seconds into the golden score extra period.
“I was able to express what I wanted to do right there in the match,” Tanaka told reporters afterward, reflecting on a tournament performance where his standing techniques repeatedly broke open the draw.
Building on Japan’s 73-Kg Tradition
Tanaka’s victory re-establishes Japanese dominance in a weight class historically anchored by three-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shohei Ono. From 2010 through 2017, Japanese competitors claimed six consecutive world titles in the 73-kilogram category. Tanaka’s breakthrough ends a six-tournament drought for the nation in this specific bracket.
Tanaka won back-to-back Grand Slam Tokyo crowns in 2024 and 2025, alongside victories at the All Japan Weight Class Championships and Kodokan Cup. Keiji Suzuki and the coaching staff selected Tanaka for the world squad based on his explosive single-technique finishing power, despite his lack of prior senior titles on the international tour earlier in the year.
Looking Ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Cycle
Ahead of the Baku competition, Tanaka shaved his hair short in preparation for the global stage. Standing 173 centimeters tall, the Saga Prefecture native represents the next wave of Japanese lightweight contenders alongside his older brother Ryoma Tanaka, who won the 66-kilogram world title in 2024.
“Even if I get scouted and analyzed, I will throw them and win,” Tanaka said regarding his tactical outlook. “I will not let my judo framework waver from here on.”
The International Judo Federation calendar continues with upcoming Grand Prix stops ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualification cycle.
