Given their history in the sport, it is normal for you to expect Team Japan to do exceptionally well in Judo. The country has also maintained its reputation in the sport by constantly topping the scoreboards in various championships, including the Olympics. However, at the Tokyo Summer Games, Japan was challenged in their own country by the French.

This challenge was interesting because not only did France win over the host country in a sport they have such a good grip on, but also because this rivalry continued down the road and can still be seen in full effect, creating shockwaves in Paris.

Why is Japan vs France the biggest rivalry in Judo?

France won gold in the mixed-team judo category by defeating the host country at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. The Europeans took an early 2-0 lead over the land of the rising sun after Clarisse Agbegnenou won by ippon over Chizuru Arai in the 70kg weight class. Another win by ippon came from Alex Clerget in the 90kg weight class against Shoichiro Mukai.

Next year in 2022, the French-Japanese rivalry was put on display yet again when Audrey Tcheumeo of France triumphed over Umeki Mami of Japan, earning her a 5th Paris Grand Slam title in the 78kg weight category in her homeland.

Japan also won a tough competition against France and secured gold at the Doha World Championships Senior 2023, giving the sports rivalry another twist. And now, continuing further, there have been several developments between the two countries at the Paris Olympics as well and it’s sure to put you on the edge of your seats so keep your eyes peeled, fellow afficionados.

What happened between Japan and France at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Sarah-Leonie Cysique showed her prowess as a judoka by winning over her Japanese opponent Haruka Funakubo within nine seconds by ippon. This was some insane power play at the hands of the former Olympic silver medalist. While this happened during one of the matches of the under 57kg weight category in the women’s division, one male French judoka was having his own taste of victory.

Joan-Benjamin Gaba made his Olympic debut this year only to take down the former world champion Soichi Hashimoto in the 73kg weight category. Despite being a newbie to the Olympic atmosphere, the French judoka put on a good show for the fans.

Natsumi Tsunoda kept her country’s pride at the Paris Olympics on 07/27 and won the gold medal in the women’s under 48 kg judo event. Hifumi Abe, the older half of the Abe siblings, defended his spot as the gold medalist in the 66kg weight category and probably avenged his sister.

It seems like this rivalry will be carried forward and may be considered historical if France continues the streak of taking the fight against Japan on the tatami.