Takanori Nagase, a dedicated athlete and office worker, has made significant strides in the world of judo. He began practising the sport at age six, inspired by his uncle, Katsuyi Hirao, a former judoka. Nagase's journey in judo has been marked by dedication and perseverance.

| Season | Event | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Men's 81kg | G Gold |
| 2021 | Mixed Team | S Silver |
| 2016 | Men's 81kg | B Bronze |
Nagase trains with Asahi Kasei in Japan. His coaching team includes Yuya Yoshida at the club level and Kosei Inoue at the national level. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping Nagase's skills and strategies on the mat.
In 2017, Nagase faced a significant setback when he injured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. He underwent surgery in October of that year and required a year for recovery. This period tested his resilience and determination.
Nagase's achievements have been recognised with several awards. In 2016, he received the Nagasaki Prefecture Citizen Citation Special Glory Award. The previous year, he was honoured with the Nagasaki Prefecture Sports Special Award. These accolades reflect his contributions to the sport.
Nagase's family has a rich sporting history. Besides his uncle's achievements in judo, his mother, Sayuri, played tennis at a national level in Japan. This legacy of athletic excellence has undoubtedly influenced Nagase's own sporting journey.
At the 2015 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nagase won a gold medal in the -81kg category. In a touching tribute to his late uncle, he placed a photo of Hirao on a seat in the stadium. This gesture highlighted the deep respect and gratitude he holds for his uncle.
Looking ahead, Nagase aims to win a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This goal reflects his continued commitment to excellence in judo and his desire to honour his family's legacy through his achievements.
Nagase's journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the influence of family. As he continues to pursue his ambitions, he remains a prominent figure in Japanese judo.
Takanori Nagase, a dedicated athlete and office worker, has made significant strides in the world of judo. He began practising the sport at age six, inspired by his uncle, Katsuyi Hirao, a former judoka. Nagase's journey in judo has been marked by dedication and perseverance.