Natsumi Tsunoda on Her Future Prospects and the New Outlander PHEV

Natsumi Tsunoda, the 32-year-old judoka who won the women’s 48kg gold medal at the Paris Olympics, attended the Mitsubishi Motors New Outlander PHEV Launch Commemoration Event in Tokyo. She shared her thoughts on her current situation and future prospects after the Paris Olympics.

Tsunoda, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, currently owns a gasoline-powered Outlander. She enjoys driving so much that she often drives herself to training sessions, even to distant locations like Sendai. Recently, she made a reservation for a new car, impressed by the quietness of the new Outlander PHEV after a test drive. It seems she has found a new driving companion.

When asked about her own “evolution and challenges,” Tsunoda replied, “I’m still trying to figure out what I can do.” After the Olympics, she seems to be feeling a sense of accomplishment, having experienced a lot. She expressed her enthusiasm for an upcoming open tournament next year, where she hopes to compete against bigger fighters in the lightweight division.

Yosuke Eguchi surprised Tsunoda by mentioning the tournament, and she turned his encouragement into strength, saying, “Thank you! I’ll do my best.” With renewed determination, she took a new step forward in her journey.