When she first went to the club, she was surrounded by older girls, which scared her. She ran away but was always invited back by her teacher. This support played a crucial role in her early development in the sport.

Club and Coaches

She currently represents Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance in Tokyo, Japan. Her coaching team includes Masae Ueno and Hisashi Yanagisawa at the club level, and Katsuyuki Masuchi at the national level.

Awards and Honours

In 2017, she received significant recognition for her contributions to judo. She was awarded the Saitama Prefecture Sports Association President Special Award and the Yorii Town Citizen Honorary Award in Japan.

Weight Class Change

In 2011, during grade 12 at Kodama High School in Japan, she moved from the -63kg weight class to the -70kg category. This change was suggested by her coach after she struggled to defeat a rival in the -63kg category.

Ambitions

Looking ahead, she aims to win a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This goal reflects her dedication and commitment to excelling in judo on an international stage.

Her journey from a hesitant beginner to an award-winning athlete highlights her perseverance and the support system that has guided her along the way. With her eyes set on Olympic gold, she continues to train and compete with determination.