Rising Star Hikaru Yoshioka Secures 2028 LA Olympics Spot, While High School Junior Natsumi Tsunoda’s Protégée Makes History at V Kodokan Cup
Judo Kodokan Cup Day 1: Hikaru Yoshioka Wins First Title in 48kg Class
Seven classes were held for women at the Judo Kodokan Cup, with Hikaru Yoshioka (Tokai University) emerging victorious in the 48kg class. Yoshioka, last year’s runner-up, faced Mizuki Kondo in the final, a rematch of the previous year’s final. At 2 minutes and 50 seconds into extra time, Yoshioka secured a waza-ari with a supporting foot, winning her first title and saying, “I’m happy to win my first victory, and I’m relieved to be able to live up to expectations as the No. 1 seed for the second time.”
Yoshioka, born and raised in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, attended Yachiyo High School in her hometown. She cites Natsumi Tsunoda, who won a gold medal in her class at the Paris Olympics, as an inspiration. Yoshioka has set her goals, saying, ”I’m grateful to have seniors that I can chase after. I want to chase after them and surpass them.”
Coach Maki Tsukada, who coached the team for four years at Tokai University, was appointed as the coach of the Japan women’s national team in October. Yoshioka’s victory was a way to return the favor to her mentor, who was watching from the Hinadan.
Regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Yoshioka held back, saying, “I’m not in a position to say the word Olympics yet.” However, her victory has put her name forward as a candidate for the Olympic team. Looking to four years from now, Yoshioka said, “I want to do my best so that I can be coached by Coach Tsukada again on the national team.”