Misato Nakamura

Misato Nakamura is one of Japan’s most accomplished athletes in the U52kg division and a model of consistency at the highest level. Technical, fast and relentless in transition, she built a career that spanned more than a decade at the top of world judo.

Nakamura became World Champion three times, winning gold in Rotterdam in 2009, Paris in 2011 and Astana in 2015. She also claimed world silver in 2010, underlining her sustained excellence during one of the most competitive eras in the division.

On the Olympic stage she secured bronze medals at the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Games, proving her ability to deliver under pressure. Although Olympic gold eluded her, her longevity and repeated podium finishes confirmed her place among the greats of her weight category.

Nakamura also made history on the IJF World Tour. She is the only judoka to have won Grand Slam titles in five different cities, a unique record that highlights her adaptability and dominance across continents. In 2016 she added another major title by winning the IJF Masters in Guadalajara.

Between 2009 and 2011 she held the number one position in the IJF World Ranking U52kg, reflecting her status as the athlete to beat during that period.

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