The 2025 All Japan Judo Championships is just around the corner, and fans are in for a treat with a power-packed lineup, including Olympic champions and the return of "stepping," one of judo’s most iconic and controversial throws. The biennial tournament, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national judo championship, will take place in Tokyo this April.

This year’s event features a who’s who of Olympic judo, with medalists such as Abe Ichijizo, Hashimoto Toichi, Nagayama Ryuki, and Aron Wolf all set to compete. The heavyweights are equally impressive, with reigning champion Nakano Kanta aiming to defend his title against formidable challengers like Harazawa Kuki and Ota Himasa.

"Stepping" Makes a Triumphant Return

One of the most talked-about aspects of this year’s tournament is the return of "stepping," an aggressive foot sweep that was banned for over a decade. The technique, popularized in the 1970s and 1980s, allows players to launch a powerful attack from the stands, often leading to spectacular throws. With the rules now allowing "steps," the judo world is abuzz with anticipation, wondering which athletes will incorporate this dangerous move into their repertoire.

In the lead-up to the tournament, 247Sports.News sat down with a panel of experts – judo coach and commentator Towards Asahi, NHK producer and judo enthusiast Nishimori Kei, and retired judo legend Kakita Kyohei – to discuss their predictions and favorite players for the 2025 championships.

The favorites:

• Nishimori Kei backs Sato Kazuya to make a deep run, citing the young judoka’s strong desire to win and impressive performance in the Tokyo Championships.
• Kakita Kyohei flags Nakano Kanta, Ota Himasa, and Tajima Takeki as his top picks, highlighting their dedication and skills.
• Towards Asahi throws his support behind Kagawa Daigo and Tajima Takeki, admiring their potential and skill in the tatami.

The All Japan Judo Championships has always been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of the sport, from introducing new rules to fostering international talent. This year, with the return of "stepping" and a host of Olympic champions and rising stars, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of judo’s past, present, and future.

Who do you think will take home the gold medal in the 2025 All Japan Judo Championships? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like and share this article with your judo-loving friends and family.

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