Kanae Yamabe

Kanae Yamabe, born on September 22, 1990, in Hokkaido, Japan, began her judo career at the age of six, quickly developing a reputation for her skill, particularly her favored technique, harai goshi. Her dedication to the sport led to early success on the international stage. In 2009, Yamabe secured a bronze medal in the +78 kg weight class at the World Judo Juniors Championships in Paris, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Throughout her professional journey, Yamabe consistently achieved podium finishes at prestigious events. She claimed gold medals at the IJF Grand Slam events in Paris (2014), Tyumen (2014), and Baku (2016). Her performance at the 2015 World Judo Championships in Astana earned her a bronze medal in the heavyweight (+78 kg) division, further solidifying her status among the elite. A career highlight came at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, where she secured a bronze medal in the +78 kg category, contributing to Japan’s record-breaking judo medal count at a single Olympic Games. She also earned a silver medal at the Paris Grand Slam in 2017 and a bronze at the Grand Slam Tokyo in 2016 and Masters 2016.

Yamabe’s consistent results include multiple medals at World Masters and IJF Grand Prix events, demonstrating her sustained excellence in the sport. She also achieved success at the Summer Universiade, winning gold with the women’s team in 2011 and a silver in the open category in 2009. Her achievements in judo have positioned her as a respected figure in the international sports community, inspiring new generations of athletes.