Judo’s Okada Aims for Asian Games Gold After National Title Win

Japanese judoka Rikuto Okada has set his sights on Asian Games gold after capturing his first national title in the men’s 90kg division at the All-Japan Selection Weight Class Championships in early April.

The 23-year-old from Tsukigata, Hokkaido, representing Asahi Kasei, secured his maiden national championship victory in Fukuoka earlier this month, earning selection for Japan’s team at the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, set to open in September.

Speaking to local media following his triumph, Okada expressed determination to deliver results for his hometown. “I want to continue producing results for my beloved Hokkaido,” he stated, emphasizing his connection to the region where he began his judo journey at age five.

Okada’s path to the national title included a significant victory in the final against a formidable opponent, marking his breakthrough at the senior level after years of domestic success. His winning technique, the ouchi-gari (major inner reap), has been a hallmark of his competitive style since his youth career in Hokkaido.

The Asahi Kasei judoka’s resume already features impressive international credentials. According to verified records, Okada claimed gold at the 2025 Judo Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar in the 90kg division, followed by a bronze medal at the 2026 Grand Slam in Tashkent earlier this year. He as well earned bronze at the 2025 Grand Prix in Linz, Austria.

His competitive trajectory shows steady progression through the Japanese junior and university ranks. Okada won the national junior championship in his first year at Kokushikan University after enrolling in 2021, followed by runner-up finishes and eventual senior national success in his fourth year.

Before joining Asahi Kasei in 2025, Okada compiled an impressive amateur record that included multiple national age-group titles. He captured the national elementary school championship in the over-45kg division during fifth grade and achieved a triple crown in high school by winning the national high school championship, Koshihiki Flag tournament, and Inter-High school sports festival in his second year.

Looking ahead to the Asian Games in Nagoya, Okada maintains a clear objective. “I want to definitely win gold at the Asian Games and build momentum from there,” he affirmed, viewing the continental championship as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of representing Japan at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The judoka’s immediate focus remains on preparation for the September competition in Nagoya, where he will compete against Asia’s top 90kg judokas. His training camp with Asahi Kasei’s judo program continues as he refines his technique and strategy for the continental stage.

For Okada, representing his hometown of Tsukigata adds extra motivation. The small community in Hokkaido has followed his career closely since his early days at the Tsukigata Elementary School judo club, where he first began training.

As the Asian Games approach, Okada joins a growing contingent of Japanese judokas targeting medal success in Nagoya. The 90kg division has traditionally been competitive for Japan, with Okada seeking to add to the nation’s legacy in the weight class.

His next competitive appearance will be at the Asian Games in September, where he aims to translate his national title form into continental gold. Until then, Okada continues his preparation with the Asahi Kasei judo team, focusing on the specific challenges posed by Asian continental competition.

The judoka’s journey from a Hokkaido elementary school judo club to national champion and Asian Games contender reflects the systematic development path that has produced numerous Japanese judo medalists over the decades.

For continued updates on Okada’s preparation and the Japanese judo team’s Asian Games campaign, readers can follow official announcements from the All Japan Judo Federation and Asahi Kasei’s sports division as the September event approaches.