TOKYO – In a stunning finale that defied expectations, Tajima Gouki secured his first All-Japan Open weight championship with a daring sacrifice throw in the dying moments of the final against his longtime rival Murata Sanshiro.
The victory came after what appeared to be heading toward a judges’ decision, with Tajima launching a last-second sutemi-waza – specifically a korobi-goshi variation often referred to as a sacrifice throw – that sent Murata tumbling to the mat for a decisive waza-ari score.
“I didn’t suppose it would come down to that,” Tajima said afterward, his voice still trembling with emotion. “But when I saw the opening, I had to go for it.”
The win marks a significant milestone: Tajima becomes the first male judoka weighing 90 kilograms or less to claim the All-Japan Open title since Kato Hiroyoshi achieved the feat in 2012, ending a 14-year dominance by heavier weight classes in judo’s most prestigious open-weight tournament.
Tajima, 28, entered the competition as the reigning 2024 World Championships silver medalist in the 90kg division, while Murata arrived as the defending Olympic silver medalist and current world champion in the same weight class. Their head-to-head history had favored Murata, who had defeated Tajima in their previous three encounters, including the 2023 World Championships final.
The turning point came with approximately 12 seconds remaining in the match. After enduring sustained pressure from Murata throughout the contest, Tajima dropped low and executed a sudden taotoshi-style entry into a korobi-goshi, using his own momentum to throw Murata backward. The technique landed cleanly, earning the waza-ari that proved insurmountable under judo’s scoring rules.
“It was pure instinct,” Tajima explained. “I had nothing to lose. I saw a gap and went for it with everything I had.”
The emotional weight of the victory was evident as Tajima fell to his knees immediately after the score was confirmed, tears streaming down his face. “Beating Murata meant more than winning the title itself,” he admitted. “After losing to him three times in a row, especially at the World Championships last year, this win felt like validation.”
Murata, typically composed in defeat, acknowledged the brilliance of his opponent’s technique. “He caught me perfectly,” Murata said. “I was focused on maintaining control, but he executed the throw with perfect timing.”
The All-Japan Open weight championship, held annually at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, brings together Japan’s elite judokas regardless of weight class to determine the nation’s absolute champion. This year’s event took place on April 26, 2026, drawing competitors from across the country’s top corporate teams and university programs.
Tajima represents Park24, a corporate team known for its strong judo program, while Murata competes for JES Elevator. Both athletes are considered frontrunners for Japan’s Olympic team selection for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where they will likely compete in the 90kg division.
Reflecting on their rivalry, Tajima offered an unexpected metaphor. “It feels like a long-distance relationship,” he said with a faint smile. “We don’t see each other often in competition, but when we do, it’s intense. And honestly? I kind of enjoy the tension.”
The victory also positions Tajima on the verge of a rare accomplishment in judo: the “triple crown” of winning the World Championships, Olympic Games, and All-Japan Open title. Having already captured the 2024 World Championships gold medal in the 90kg division, Tajima now needs only an Olympic gold to complete the set.
For Murata, the loss extends his bid for redemption after falling short in the 2024 Paris Olympics final, where he won silver. The two athletes have repeatedly pushed each other to higher levels, with their matches often serving as benchmarks for the 90kg division’s evolution.
In the bronze medal matches, Shinoda Michihiro of Tokai University and Ota Hyoga of Asahi Chemical shared third place. Earlier in the tournament, notable upsets included former world champions in lighter weight classes falling early: 66kg world titleholder Takeda Tsuyoshi lost to Shinoda in the third round, while 60kg world champion Nagayama Ryuju was defeated in his opening match.
The All-Japan Open title carries particular significance in Japanese judo culture, often seen as a true test of a judoka’s adaptability and spirit since competitors must overcome significant size and strength disadvantages when facing much heavier opponents.
Tajima’s triumph now adds him to a short list of lighter-weight judokas who have conquered the open-weight category through technique and determination rather than sheer mass. His success may inspire a new generation of athletes to believe that weight class need not limit ambition in judo’s ultimate test.
Looking ahead, both Tajima and Murata are expected to continue their preparations for the 2028 Olympic cycle, with their rivalry likely to remain a central storyline in Japanese judo for years to come.
As Tajima stood on the podium, the TBS Cup – symbolizing the All-Japan Open championship – held aloft, he summarized the moment simply: “I finally got to fight him. And I finally beat him.”
The next major checkpoint for both athletes will be the selection tournaments for Japan’s 2028 Olympic team, expected to begin in late 2027.
What did this victory mean for Tajima personally after his string of losses to Murata?
How does Tajima’s win change the historical context of lighter-weight competitors in the All-Japan Open?
What technique did Tajima use to secure the victory, and when did he execute it?
