Judo

Kosei Inoue Poised for National and Global Judo Leadership Posts

The All Japan Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation are adding new board members, and Kosei Inoue looks like a lock to be tapped for both.

by
Ed Odeven
June 7, 2025

Judo legend Kosei Inoue maintains an active lifestyle. For the foreseeable future, his daily calendar will get even busier.

The men's under 100-kg division gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics is in the running for new administrative posts with the All Japan Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation.

According to published reports, Inoue was formally approved as a candidate for the AJJF's board of directors during the organization's online meeting on Thursday, June 5. An election for the board's new members will be held on June 24.

Ken Takayama, secretary general of Japan's judo governing body, believes Inoue is an ideal candidate to serve in a leadership role.

"He has a strong sense of unity, knowledge of judo and energy. We have high expectations of him in all aspects," Takayama was quoted as saying by The Sankei Shimbun.

Inoue, who turned 47 on May 15, previously served as the Japan men's national team head coach, including at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the pandemic-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games. He also served on the AJJF's strengthening committee as a vice chairman.

After stepping down as head coach in 2021, Inoue reiterated his passion for the sport.

"Judo and sports will remain my contributions to the world," Inoue said at the time.

In related news, All Japan Judo Federation President Shinichi Nakamura is expected to be reappointed for another term.

Kosei Inoue Awaits IJF Meeting

On Wednesday, June 11, the International Judo Federation is holding a meeting, officially listed as the IJF Ordinary Congress, in Budapest.

"This is a special occasion for us to meet, learn, exchange and plan for the development of judo worldwide," said Marius Vizer, the IJF president, in a letter outlining the event.

At the meeting, new directors will be selected, and Kosei Inoue will likely be chosen.

He amassed a wealth of knowledge about judo as an athlete and a coach. In addition, he's an instructor at Tokai University and the head of the non-profit organization JUDOs.

Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.