A Striking New Look in Tokyo
The lecture, themed "Telling My Judo Life," marked another step in Yamashita's return to public academics.
Candid Truths from a Wheelchair
Addressing students and officials from a wheelchair, Yamashita opened the session by noting that he prepared honest remarks after reviewing the attendee list, inviting any and all questions without reservation.
“I couldn’t even wipe my own runny nose,” Yamashita told the audience, describing his physical condition with characteristic candor while maintaining a powerful and dignified presence throughout the two-hour event, which concluded with a dialogue alongside federation official Okinaga Yoshihisa.
Challenging Pity Through Color
The most striking element of the appearance was Yamashita’s transformed visual presentation. Sporting bright golden hair, he addressed the audience’s immediate surprise during the question-and-answer session.
“People I haven’t seen in a while get this atmosphere of ‘Oh, how unfortunate’ or ‘How pitiful,’ and they look hesitant about what to say,” Yamashita explained regarding the change. “I’m fine from the neck up, and I don’t feel like I’ve changed that much from before. I want people to talk to me just like always. If that’s the case, isn’t it fine if they look at me and think, ‘Yamashita, why?’ and maybe even crack a smile?”
Family Roots and Humility
Yamashita credited his wife and children with the suggestion, noting they recommended the color to brighten the overall atmosphere. He added that the experience prompted personal reflection on his past approach, stating that he used to push his own opinions forward exclusively, but now wants to listen humbly to the perspectives of others.
Demonstrating his enduring humor, Yamashita fielded a question about whether middle and high school students might copy the look by claiming they were following his example. “That would… make me a little troubled,” he said with a laugh, drawing amusement from the auditorium.
Worth a look
