Misato Nakamura

Misato Nakamura, born on April 28, 1989, in Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan, began her judo journey as an elementary school student. Her interest in martial arts was sparked by watching combat sports on television, and she was drawn to judo by its dynamic techniques, particularly how smaller individuals could effectively throw larger opponents. Nakamura dedicated herself to the sport, practicing diligently every day except Sundays, and prioritizing self-care to maintain her peak performance. Her early career highlights include winning the national middle school judo championship in the 44kg division during her second year.

Nakamura achieved significant international success in the -52 kg weight class. She earned bronze medals at two Olympic Games: the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Her dominance extended to the World Judo Championships, where she secured gold medals in 2009, 2011, and 2015. Additionally, she holds multiple gold medals from the Asian Judo Championships (2010, 2014), Asian Games (2010, 2014, including a women’s team gold in 2014), World Masters events (2010, 2011, 2016), and numerous IJF Grand Slam and Grand Prix events throughout her career. Following her competitive career, Nakamura transitioned into a career as a TV judo commentator starting in 2018. She has also engaged in workshops and teaching initiatives, aiming to promote judo and make it accessible to a wider audience, both children and adults.

In her post-competition roles, Nakamura focuses on fostering a love for judo beyond competitive aspirations. She has expressed a desire to create environments where individuals can continue practicing judo recreationally into adulthood, emphasizing the importance of learning fundamental techniques. She believes that a strong foundation in basics is crucial for applying advanced techniques effectively and that judo, as a profound sport, offers continuous growth and engagement.