Kottan The Idol-Aspiring Judoka Falls in Chiba Third Round
Judo athlete Kokoro Fujishiro lost in the third round of the 52-kilogram division at the Kodokan Cup All-Japan Weight Class Championships on November 7 at Chiba Port Arena, dropping a waza-ari decision via kosoto-gari to Hibiki Shiraishi.
Tears After a Tough Transition From Nagoya
Fujishiro entered the tournament aiming for the title following her bronze medal performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where she delivered the division’s first medal in two tournaments. Defeat in Chiba brought immediate tears from the 25-year-old Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance competitor. “I am frustrated to lose both internationally and domestically,” she said. “I hadn’t been able to switch my mindset away from the Asian Games.”
Fujishiro Blends Idol Identity with Competitive Judo Drive
Outside of competition, Fujishiro gained widespread recognition under the moniker “Kottan the idol-aspiring judoka,” maintaining active X and Instagram accounts where she regularly posts photographs in idol-style costumes and Lolita fashion. “I think through me, people who weren’t interested in judo or didn’t know these kinds of judo athletes existed took notice,” Fujishiro said. With her characteristic steady gaze, she held a small stuffed toy named Yuki-chan—a childhood talisman she keeps for dreams and hope—while explaining her desire to keep displaying entertaining judo that new fans will follow without losing interest.
The Difficult Road to The Los Angeles Olympics
The 52kg division features reigning Olympic and world champion Uta Abe, making the path to the 2028 Los Angeles Games exceptionally steep. Grand Slam Tokyo allots up to four quota spots per weight class, keeping selection possibilities open through past international achievements and coaching committee evaluations. “If I am chosen, I want to deliver results to repay everyone who supports me and show them I can still do it,” Fujishiro said. “I want to polish my signature techniques so I don’t fade away.”
Qualification Pathways Through December
The selection timeline for the 2028 Olympic team runs through the December 2027 Grand Slam in Tokyo, where winners of the 2027 World Championships can secure early nomination. Current frontrunners in the one-per-gender-class race stem from the Baku World Championships held in October. Competitors at the Kodokan Cup generally occupy second- and third-tier standing, as reigning world and Asian Games champions are exempt. Securing a spot for the December Grand Slam requires advancing through the Kodokan Cup and overcoming established top-tier rivals.
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