Japan dominate Day 2 with spectacular performances in Tokyo

Welcome to day 2 of the PARK24 Group Tokyo Grand Slam 2025. The stage was set for a dramatic finish to the competition.

At -60Kg Hayato KONDO of Japan claimed the first gold of the day with an ippon that took the entire stadium by surprise.

Harvest Group CEO Mr Almaz ALSENOV, was on hand to award his medal.

The -70Kg category saw current world champion Shiho TANAKA of Japan come up with a hold down to secure her a yuko and the gold medal.

This is a very important competition to win because all the Japanese people are watching.

The medals were awarded by IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa ALLAN.

At -66Kg, Hifumi Abe’s day had been tough, in the quarterfinals, going a wazari down, he snatched victory in the final seconds. Followed by an exhausting seven-minute golden score battle in the semifinals.

In the final Abe once again delivered. A beautiful finish to a very long day!

Today was a very long day with very long fights. It was very tiring.

He was awarded his medal by IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen BAGDASAROV.

At -78Kg Kurena IKEDA showed the true dominance of Japanese ground work. Holding down the categories' top seed Patricia SAMPAIO to bring home another gold medal for Japan.

The medals were awarded by IJF Sport Director Mr Kosei INOUE.

At -73Kg in another all-Japanese final Ryuga TANAKA caught his teammate with a dynamic Wazari score. It was a powerful performance that delivered a fifth gold medal of the day for Team Japan.

He was awarded the gold medal by IJF Education & Coaching Director Mr Mohammed MERIDJA.

Top seed Hyeonji LEE of Korea secured her podium in the +78Kg final with a clinically executed submission of her team mate. Gold and silver for Korea.

She was awarded her medal by IJF Referee Director Ms Tina TRSTENJAK.

It was Yuhei OINO of Japan who would take gold in the last final of the day at -81Kg. With every exchange as tight as the last, a single yuko was all that could decide a dramatic finish to the Grand Slam.

IJF Honorary Member Mr Noboyuki SATO awarded the medals.

It's been an incredible competition and a fitting way to end 2025. See you next year!