Teru Sone Reclaims Gold at 2026 All Japan Selected Judo Championships

Teru Sone is back on top. The 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist secured a hard-fought victory in the women’s +78kg category at the 2026 All Japan Selected Judo Weight Category Championships, ending a seven-year drought to claim her fourth career title.

The tournament, which served as the final selection event for the World Championships in Baku this October, concluded its final day of competition on April 5 at the Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka, Japan. Sone, representing Park24, cemented her status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division by overcoming a grueling final against Miki Mukyuki of V-Technology.

A Gritty Path to Gold

The women’s +78kg final was a tactical battle that pushed both athletes to their limits. Sone and Mukyuki remained deadlocked through regulation, forcing the match into an overtime period. Sone eventually prevailed in the extension, securing the win and her first victory in this specific championship since 2019.

#柔道2026年全日本選抜柔道体重別選手権大会 最終日✨
女子78kg超級 素根輝 選手 椋木美希 選手 …
— teamjapanjoc (April 5, 2026)

For Sone, the victory is more than just a trophy. it is a validation of her resilience. While she has remained a global threat since her Olympic triumph, this fourth title marks a significant return to domestic dominance in a category known for its physical demands and unpredictability.

Broadening the Podium: Other Key Results

While Sone stole the headlines, the final day in Fukuoka saw several other athletes break through or reclaim their territory across seven different weight classes.

In the women’s divisions, Misuki Sugimura (Park24) captured her first-ever title in the 78kg category. Nami Aono (Fukuoka Prefectural Police) returned to the top of the 63kg podium for the second time in her career, while Moeka Kuwagata (Park24) secured her second title in the 70kg class, her first in three years.

The men’s side saw a wave of first-time champions. Kanta Nakano of Asahi Kasei claimed the +100kg title after defeating teammate Shuga Ota in the final. The loss was particularly stinging for Ota, who saw his quest for a fourth consecutive title come to an end. Other first-time winners included Riku Okada (Asahi Kasei) in the 90kg category and Yuta Kasai (Toyota Tsusho) in the 100kg division.

Note for global readers: The “Selected Weight Category” format is a prestigious domestic event where only eight athletes per weight class are invited based on their rankings and performance, making the path to the final incredibly steep.

The Road to Baku: World Championship Representatives

The primary stake of this tournament was the selection of the Japanese squad for the World Championships taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in October. According to the All Japan Judo Federation, the following athletes have been selected to represent Japan:

Men’s Representatives

• 60kg: Ryuki Nagayama (Park24)
• 66kg: Takeshi Takeoka, Hifumi Abe (both Park24)
• 73kg: Ryoga Tanaka (Tsukuba University)
• 81kg: Yuhei Oino (Asahi Kasei)
• 90kg: Sanshiro Murao (JES Elevator), Goki Tajima (Park24)
• 100kg: Michihiro Arai (Tokai University)
• +100kg: Kanta Nakano (Asahi Kasei)

Women’s Representatives

• 48kg: Wakana Koga (JR East)
• 52kg: Uta Abe (Park24)
• 57kg: Akari Omori, Momo Tamaki (both JR East/Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance)
• 63kg: Haruka Kage (V-Technology)
• 70kg: Shiho Tanaka (JR East)
• 78kg: Beni Ikeda (Komatsu)
• +78kg: Mao Arai (ALSOK), Teru Sone (Park24)

Mixed Team Representatives

• Men’s 73kg: Shuji Uchimura (Japan Self-Defense Forces)
• Men’s +90kg: Yuta Nakamura (Asahi Kasei)
• Women’s 70kg: Rin Maeda (Kantaihei)

Analysis: What This Means for Japan

The results from Fukuoka suggest a blend of established veteran leadership and emerging talent. The return of Teru Sone to the top of the podium provides Japan with a psychological edge in the heavyweight division heading into the international circuit. Meanwhile, the rise of first-time winners like Kanta Nakano indicates a shifting of the guard in the men’s heavyweight ranks.

With the final selections now locked in, the Japanese team will focus on peaking for the October events in Baku. The inclusion of multiple representatives in several weight classes allows the coaching staff flexibility in their strategy as they aim to maintain Japan’s global dominance in the sport.

Next Checkpoint: The Japanese national team will now enter a focused training camp in preparation for the World Championships in Baku this October.

Do you think Teru Sone can translate this domestic momentum into a World Championship gold in Baku? Let us recognize in the comments below.