Japan added two new names to its list of world judo champions during the third day of the 2026 World Championships in Baku. Akari Omori secured the women’s under-57-kilogram title after a tense final against defending champion Eteri Liparteliani, while Ryuga Tanaka claimed gold in the men’s under-73-kilogram division.

Both victories came after demanding contests that tested the athletes’ technique, concentration, and ability to perform under pressure.

Omori Overcomes the Defending Champion

The women’s under-57kg final brought together Omori and Liparteliani, who had returned to the championship match hoping to retain her world title. Liparteliani had impressed throughout the competition, producing effective throwing techniques on her way to another opportunity to win gold.

Omori faced a difficult challenge, but her performances earlier in the tournament had shown that she could compete effectively both while standing and during ground exchanges. One of her most demanding contests came against fellow Japanese judoka Momo Tamaoki, whom she had to overcome to continue her run toward the final.

Omori eventually found her opportunity on the ground. She managed to turn Liparteliani into a controlled position and hold the defending champion down long enough to secure the victory. The result delivered Omori her first senior world championship title in the category.

A Breakthrough Moment for Omori

Winning a first world title requires more than technical ability. Athletes must also manage the pressure of competing against experienced opponents in front of a large audience. Omori's victory demonstrated the importance of staying focused when a contest becomes increasingly difficult. Rather than allowing the extended final to disrupt her concentration, she continued looking for an opening and converted her chance when it appeared.

The result also underlined the depth of Japanese judo. Omori had to navigate a challenging field, including a demanding match against a teammate, before reaching the final. Her gold medal rewarded that consistent performance across the day's contests. For Liparteliani, reaching another world final was itself evidence of her ability to compete at the highest level. However, Omori's decisive ground technique ultimately settled the contest and established a new champion in the division.

Tanaka Finds His Chance in the Men’s Final

Japan's second gold medal came from Ryuga Tanaka in the men's under-73kg category. His route to the final included a difficult draw and a demanding series of matches against strong opposition. One of the key moments arrived in the semifinals, where Tanaka earned a waza-ari score. In judo, waza-ari is a significant scoring action awarded when a technique falls short of the requirements for an immediate ippon, the sport's highest single score.

His final opponent was Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov of the United Arab Emirates. Ranked among the world's leading competitors, Makhmadbekov already had a world championship bronze medal and entered the contest hoping to reach the top of the podium.

One Score Makes the Difference

Tanaka's success highlighted how important timing can be in elite judo. A final does not always feature a long sequence of scores or a clear advantage for one athlete. Sometimes, a single effective technique separates the champion from the runner-up.

The Japanese judoka had to remain patient while facing an opponent capable of matching his physical strength and technical skill. His winning action showed the value of recognizing a brief opening and committing to a well-executed technique. For Makhmadbekov, the narrow result meant another opportunity to win world gold had slipped away. Nevertheless, reaching the final confirmed his position among the leading athletes in the division.

Judo’s International Appeal

The competition in Baku also reflected the sport's growing international following. Spectators filled the arena to support the athletes, creating an energetic setting for the finals. Judo combines balance, timing, controlled movement, and tactical awareness. Its contests can turn quickly, making every exchange important.

Japan's two victories in Baku marked a significant day for Omori and Tanaka, each of whom earned a first world title through a closely fought final. Omori's ground control decided the women's under-57kg contest, while Tanaka's well-timed leg technique secured gold in the men's under-73kg division.

Their performances showed that success at the highest level depends on preparation, patience, and the ability to act decisively when an opportunity appears. As the 2026 World Championships continued, both athletes had established themselves as champions to watch in the years ahead.