IJF: When did you start judo, why and where? Toshihiko Yamada: I started judo, when I was four years old, in the countryside of Okayama Prefecture. I was always full of energy and hated to nap. One day I saw my friend going somewhere during nap time. After I figured out that he went to judo practice, I asked my parents to take me to the dojo because I wanted to escape from nap time as well. As a result I could exert my energy and learn self-control in the dojo. Ever since, judo has played a big part in my life.
IJF: What are the important moments of your sporting career as an athlete or coach? Toshihiko Yamada: As a judoka I won the national junior championships and won medals at senior national and international competitions, in the heavy weight category, but I have many more memories as a coach. I spent my young days in Turkey as a national team coach and in the USA as one of the coaching staff at San Jose State University. During my time in Turkey I worked with judoka such as world medallist and three time Olympian, Selim Tataroglu and Olympic gold medallist Huseyin Ozkan. I also have fond memories of Sezer Huysuz, current President of the Turkish Judo Federation, in his youthful days as an up and coming judoka. Going abroad to Turkey and the USA and travelling the world, made me realise that judo is truly an international sport. Judo has evolved and taken it’s own unique role in each respective country and culture but the entire judo family shares the same core values. The connections and friendships I have made through judo is what I treasure the most.
IJF: Mr Yamashita played an important role in your life. Tell us why and how? Toshihiko Yamada: When I was in middle school Yamashita-sensei came to my home to invite me to train at his high school, Tokaidai Sagami. At that time he was already a big star in Japan. I remember watching him on TV at the 1984 LA Olympic Games. I couldn’t believe the legend from TV was at my home recruiting me for a dojo. Yamashita-sensei started for me as a judo coach but he soon became my mentor, both inside the dojo and outside. I was very fortunate to learn many things from him as his assistant, when he was IJF Education and Coaching Director. I respect him a lot. Not just as a judoka, but as a person, working every day, doing the correct things all the time. He offers the same attitude and respect to everyone; a modest man.
IJF: How did you get involved with the organisation of Tokyo 2020? How long have you been working with Tokyo 2020? Toshihiko Yamada: I was nominated by the the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) where I was part of competition organisation committee for over 10 years. I assumed my role in 2016 as Sport Manager for Judo. With the Olympic Games being postponed for one year, due to Covid, I think I have had the longest term as Sport Manager!
IJF: After Covid and with the postponement of the Games, what were the new challenges and how did you face them? Toshihiko Yamada: After the pandemic hit the sports world was in despair. Judo, as a contact sport, was in an especially difficult situation. However, the IJF led the way by restarting the world circuit with their new protocols. This paved the way for other federations and international organisations to follow and restart their activities. I think the culmination of these bold and responsible initiatives led to Tokyo 2020.
IJF: Tell us more about your team. The judo team at Tokyo 2020 has 11 members, including myself. All of them are experts in their respective fields and with our teamwork I am confident that we will deliver!
Toshihiko YAMADA – SPORT MANAGER
Nobukatsu SUGINAMI - TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER, “It was my dream to work at Tokyo 2020 since we won the bid in 2013. We are ready to welcome the judo family to the biggest stage of sport."
Koyo TERASHITA - F.O.P. SUPERVISOR, "It’s an honour to be in charge of the F.O.P. at the Olympics in my home country. I look forward to delivering a safe event with all those involved."
Akiko UEDA - SPORT INFORMATION SUPERVISOR, "With excitement I look forward to welcoming all of the judo family to this memorable event!"
Harukuni SHIMOYAMA - TRAINING VENUE SUPERVISOR, "The ambassadors of world judo will unite in Tokyo. Judo is beautiful, going beyond winning and losing. This Olympics will display the values of friendship, courtesy, respect and peace!"
Akane YOSHIDA - ATHLETE SERVICES SUPERVISOR, "It is my mission to support the athletes so that they can compete at their best on the highest stage of sport. I want to deliver the wonder and excitement of sport through judo, to people all over the world.”
Youta ARAKI -SPORT EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR, "I was born and raised in Tokyo. To be a part of the organising committee is a real honour."
Masaki ARINO - ADMINISTRATION SUPERVISOR, "I'm happy to be a part of Tokyo 2020 and judo! See you all soon."
Keiko MITSUMOTO - TECHNICAL OFFICIALS SUPERVISOR, "This is my second Olympics in Tokyo and I am grateful to be taking part in Tokyo2020 as the Technical Officials Supervisor. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you all soon."
Hitomi TOKITA - IF SERVICE SUPERVISOR, "Judo and sport have connected me with countless friends from around the world. I look forward to working with these friends at the Olympic Games; a stage I dreamed of as a child."
Justin IMAGAWA - IF SERVICES MANAGER, "Judo at Tokyo 2020 +1 is special in many ways. Being a part of the delivery is a privilege and comes with great responsibility."
IJF: Tell us about the connection the Tokyo 2020 judo organisers have with the IJF? It is a team effort. Can you explain how this works? Toshihiko Yamada: The success of an international event depends on fruitful collaboration between local and international parties. The IJF is a team of professionals. It’s a true privilege to work with and learn from them. In particular, Dr Lisa Allan, Lisa-san, the IJF Events Director and London Olympic Games Judo Sport Manager, is the same age as me. She has a special insight from the perspective of a local organiser for the Olympics and the IJF. I really admire the way she works and her devotion to the judo family. My team has a great partnership with the IJF and with their support, combined with the experience of the local team, I feel we can find a solution for anything.
IJF: What do you expect from the Games and from judo at Tokyo 2020? Toshihiko Yamada: The Olympics and Paralympics are only a few weeks long but the legacy echoes for generations. There are the legacy aspects you can see, such as the Nippon Budokan being fully refurbished, with a newly built sub-dojo and the Kodokan now has air conditioning. However, much of the legacy cannot be seen by the naked eye but can definitely be felt. All individuals who are part of the Games in some shape or form leave with a piece of the Games inside them. There are many ways to be involved: as an athlete, coach, organiser, staff or simply watching on TV. You may pick up a new skill or gain a new perspective. You might make new connections and friends or simply get inspired. Those iconic moments of seeing athletes fulfil their dreams on the tatami is special. We don’t remember all those days but we can always recall those special moments. As Sport Manager for Judo it’s my obligation to make those moments a reality.
Within a few weeks Toshihiko Yamada and his team will be on duty and for sure won't sleep much but they are ready to deliver the most amazing and special Games ever and we are all convinced of that. They are not the most visible part of the Games, but without them, their dedication and their commitment, there won't be any Games at all. We'll have the chance to thank them again, but let's already do it for everything they have done so far and are ready to do in the coming weeks.