Founded in 1991 as part of social contribution activities during the 70th anniversary of the company founding, the Komatsu Women's Judo Club is celebrating its 33rd year. Over this period, including alumnae, about 90 athletes have competed in tournaments worldwide. The club has actively engaged in promoting and developing judo by welcoming foreign athletes and providing judo instruction both domestically and internationally.
In 2023, fierce competition continued in domestic and international tournaments to earn a spot in the Paris Olympics. Miku Takaichi, in the 63 kg weight class, represented Japan at the World Judo Championships in Doha, Qatar, in May 2023 but was eliminated in the third round. In August, she won a silver medal at the Masters Tournament by defeating Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Clarisse Agbegnenou of France. However, the competition for the 63 kg Olympic spot continued until the Grand Slam Tokyo in December. At the Grand Slam Tokyo, Takaichi secured her place in the Paris Olympics by winning crucial matches, including the quarterfinals and finals, through her strong groundwork. As a result, two athletes represented their countries at the 2024 Paris Olympics: Lien Chen-ling in the 57 kg weight class representing Taiwan and Miku Takaichi in the 63 kg weight class representing Japan, both for their third Olympic appearance.
At the Asian Games, Lien Chen-ling won a historic gold medal as the first Taiwanese judoka to achieve this feat. Additionally, Wakaba Tomita secured her fourth consecutive victory in the over 78 kg class at the All-Japan Judo Championships by Weight Category.
The Komatsu Women’s Judo Club continues to coach the Komatsu Kids Judo Club locally and hosts judo classes worldwide, including in Japan, to promote judo and foster the next generation of judoka.
Due to societal conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, judo classes could not be held for a while. However, in October 2023, we were able to resume these classes at the Shonan Plant Fair. Children with no prior experience participated with their siblings and families, enjoying judo enthusiastically with our athletes. In November, we also held a judo class in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, where we built strong bonds with local children through judo. We will continue our efforts to promote judo in the future.
