Judgment Day Looms: Will Japan’s Judo Dominance Come to an End in Four Years
Shigeki Maruyama and Hidehiko Yoshida Discuss Judo Strategies and Future Goals
On the TOKYO FM radio program “ACN presents Shigeki Maruyama MOVING SATURDAY,” professional golfer Shigeki Maruyama sat down with Hidehiko Yoshida, a gold medalist in the men’s 78kg judo category at the Barcelona Olympics. Their conversation continued from the previous episode, focusing on Japan’s performance in judo at the Paris Olympics.
Japan’s Judo Performance at the Paris Olympics
Maruyama asked Yoshida about his expectations for Japan’s judo team at the Paris Olympics. Yoshida replied that he had expected five gold medals, but only Hifumi Abe was able to secure a victory. Maruyama noted that the world’s level of judo is improving, and Yoshida agreed, stating that the rules of judo do change, but not always in Japan’s favor.
The Importance of “Throwing to Win” in Judo
Yoshida emphasized the need for Japanese judokas to focus on “throwing to win” in order to succeed in the sport. He noted that when matches are close, the key to winning is to throw one’s opponent with a decisive “bang!” Maruyama agreed, stating that this approach is more exciting for spectators and aligns with the traditional spirit of judo.
Yoshida’s Goals as a Judoist
Maruyama asked Yoshida about his goals as a judoist, and Yoshida replied that he wants to produce more athletes who will win gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships. He also hopes to expand the base of judo athletes and increase support for the sport through donations and corporate sponsorships.
The Need for Greater Support for Judo in Japan
Yoshida and Maruyama discussed the need for greater support for judo in Japan, including tax deductions for donations to sports organizations. Yoshida expressed his hope that Maruyama would become the chairman of a sports organization, and Maruyama agreed to start expressing his opinions and advocating for change.