Kuchikomi Apr. 15, 2008 - 09:48AM JST ( 9 )

On April 5, Olympic judo gold medalist Ryoko Tani, 32, lost the final of the national tournament in Fukuoka to select Japan’s representatives for the Beijing Olympics. But she earned an Olympic berth nevertheless, while tournament winner Emi Yamagishi, 21, did not. Observers have complained that the All Japan Judo Federation had already made up its mind before the tournament and that Tani, who is considered the “darling” of the judo world, was always going to be given an Olympic berth.

“The federation says they need young, up-and-coming judoka who are competitive in international matches, but that’s just rhetoric,” says caricaturist Mitsuru Yaku. “Young judoka have to wait for veterans to retire. It’s hard for them to keep their competitive edge if they have to sit in the wings for another four years.”

After Tani got the nod, many people showed sympathy for Yamagishi. Her father Osamu said: “I expected Emi would make the national team if she did well in Fukuoka. But after missing out for no good reason, she now has to set a new goal for herself.”

Some judo observers said Yamagishi wasn’t picked because she needs more experience at the top level. However, sports journalist Gentaro Taniguchi said Japan’s lackluster judo world needs Tani. “The federation clearly intended to send her to Beijing whether she won or not in Fukuoka. Tani is sponsored by several companies and she is always in the public eye. If this selection process had happened in other countries, I’m sure the athlete who missed out would file a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sports. But in Japan, they know their career would be stymied if they rock the boat. That’s why nobody complains about Tani’s selection this time.”

Japan no longer dominates world judo as it used to. At last year’s world championships, Japan finished with the lowest number of gold medals ever. Critics say the judo federation’s narrow-minded decision-making process will hurt the sport even more. (Translated by Taro Fujimoto)