Japan reasserted its supremacy in judo on Sunday by winning the mixed team world title in Baku, defeating France in a tense final that went down to the wire. The victory gave Japan their eighth gold in the event since it was introduced to the world championships in 2017.
The final, held at the National Gymnastics Arena in the Azerbaijani capital, saw two of the sport's traditional powerhouses trade wins across the six weight categories. With the score tied at 3-3, the decisive bout came down to the women's +70kg category, where Japan's Rena Kaneko edged out France's Romane Dicko with a waza-ari in golden score.
Kaneko's composure under pressure proved decisive, and her teammates erupted in celebration as the referee confirmed the score. For France, it was a second consecutive silver in the mixed team event, having lost to Japan in the final at the 2025 world championships in Budapest as well.
Japan's depth proves decisive
Japan's victory was built on remarkable depth across all weight classes. The team, which included several reigning individual world champions, demonstrated the breadth of talent that has made the country a perennial force in judo. Head coach Keiji Suzuki praised his squad's resilience, noting that the final was a test of mental strength as much as technical skill.
France, for their part, pushed Japan harder than any other nation. The French team, led by Olympic champion Clarisse Agbegnenou in the women's -63kg category, won three of the first five bouts. Agbegnenou's win over Japan's Miku Tashiro was particularly emphatic, a reminder of her enduring class at 34 years old.
The bronze medals went to Georgia and Uzbekistan, who both won their repechage finals earlier in the day. Georgia's victory over South Korea was secured by a single point, while Uzbekistan defeated Brazil in a match that featured several spectacular throws.
The mixed team event, which was added to the Olympic programme for Tokyo 2020, has become a showcase for the sport's global appeal. The format, which pits teams of three men and three women against each other, rewards tactical flexibility and squad depth. For European nations, the event has been a particular focus, with France, Germany, and the Netherlands all investing heavily in their mixed team programmes.
Germany, who finished fifth in Baku, will take encouragement from their performance, which included a narrow loss to France in the quarter-finals. The Dutch team, meanwhile, saw their run ended by Georgia in the round of 16, a result that will prompt reflection ahead of the next Olympic cycle.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics now two years in the past, attention is already turning to Los Angeles 2028. Japan's dominance in Baku suggests they will remain the team to beat, but the gap to their nearest rivals appears to be narrowing. France, in particular, will believe they can close the distance with another year of preparation.
The world championships in Baku also served as a qualifier for the 2027 World Championships, which are scheduled to take place in Budapest. For many of the athletes competing this weekend, the road to that event begins now.
