Greetings to JAPAN Forward readers. Please allow me to update you on a recent highlight for Japanese and international judo.
On September 13, I joined a National Day event celebrating France’s rich history and culture at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The day was replete with judo demonstrations by Olympic medalists and exchange opportunities with children. I was honored to participate in the celebration.
The lineup of athletes was truly extraordinary. Japan brought three legendary champions: Shinji Hosokawa (gold medalist, men’s 60-kg division, 1984), Tadahiro Nomura (gold medalist, men’s 60 kg, 1996, 2000, 2004), and Ryoko Tani (gold medalist, women’s 48 kg, 2000, 2004). France brought two national heroes of its own: Teddy Riner (gold medalist, men’s over-100 kg, 2012, 2016, 2024) and Clarisse Agbegnenou (gold medalist, women’s 63 kg, 2021).
Japanese Olympic medalists Shinji Hosokawa, Tadahiro Nomura, and Ryoko Tani took part, joined by France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou. (©NPO JUDOs by Kosei Inoue)
How France Values Judo
Judo was chosen for this event because the French understand it transcends mere sport. They recognize it as a pathway for personal growth, carrying profound cultural and educational value that nurtures both mind and spirit.
In the main program, the Olympic medalists offered more than technical demonstrations. Before showcasing their skills, each athlete shared the deeper lessons judo had taught them — friendship, self-control, courage, humility, and respect. This format showed how judo is truly understood, not as technical competition or pursuit of victory, but as a way to develop wisdom and spiritual growth.
While Japan and France remain fierce rivals in Olympic and world championship competition, we also stand as close partners, united by judo’s universal values. It was particularly meaningful that Shinichi Nakamura, president of the All-Japan Judo Federation, and Stéphane Nomis, president of the French Judo Federation, deepened their friendship at a reception the day before the event.
Each medalist was given a theme during the demonstration. I spoke on the theme of “Respect.” (©NPO JUDOs by Kosei Inoue)
Shared Ideals, Expo Goals and the Spirit of Judo
The Expo venue buzzed with people from across the globe. Each exhibition expressed the theme “Future Society for Our Lives” in its own unique way.
Master Jigoro Kano, judo’s founder, envisioned that through judo training, people would understand and help each other to create a richer society. He expressed this ideal in the phrase jita kyōei — “mutual welfare and benefit.” What I witnessed at the Expo embodied this philosophy perfectly, aligning beautifully with the Expo’s own ideals.
The experience also reminded me how precious and fragile peace truly remains. Without it, neither the Expo nor the safe practice of judo would be possible.
This year, 2025, marks 80 years since the end of World War II. Spending time with French judoka and children gave me a profound opportunity to renew my commitment to lasting peace.
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Kosei Inoue, President, Certified NPO JUDOs
井上康生 理事長, 認定NPO法人 JUDOs
Learn more about the sport of judo and Kosei Inoue, former Olympic gold medalist and former national men’s team judo coach who now serves in key positions for All Japan Judo Federation, on the website of JUDOs, a certified Japanese NPO. And find further columns by and about Kosei Inoue in English on JAPAN Forward and SportsLook.
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