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 30th year. Since its establishment, a total of 90 athletes have participated in competitions worldwide. The club has actively engaged in teaching judo at home and abroad, and in welcoming foreign judo competitors, with the goal to develop and popularize this sport.
In 2020, COVID-19 changed world affairs very quickly. The Tokyo Olympics were postponed until the following year. Many other scheduled events were cancelled or postponed. Shortly after that, some domestic events gradually resumed with no spectators. The Empress Cup All Japan Women’s Judo Championships took place in December and Wakaba Tomita won it for the first time. In the final, she faced Akemi Hashimoto, another participant from the Komatsu Women's Judo Club. Neither contestant backed down throughout the great 15-minute match. Wakaba Tomita also won the Kodokan Cup All Japan Women’s Weight Category Championships for two consecutive years. Tomita made a leap forward in 2020.
The Komatsu Women’s Judo Club has continued to coach the Komatsu Kids Judo Club in Tokyo, while also directing and coaching judo classes around the world, including Japan, aiming to popularize this sport and train the next generation of judoka.
In 2020, no judo classes were held due to the situation faced by society. Aside from this exceptional situation, we organize judo classes every year in the places in Japan and overseas where Komatsu’ production bases are located, with more than 100 children usually participating overseas. Judo classes at the fairs of our domestic plants also encourage the participation of children who have had no experience in the sport.
