Kaori Matsumoto

Kaori Matsumoto is one of Japan’s most recognisable judo champions of the modern era. Known worldwide by her nickname “The Beast”, she combined explosive attacking judo with relentless determination throughout her career in the U57kg category.

Her greatest moment came at the London Olympic Games in 2012, where she captured the gold medal and became Japan’s only judo champion of those Games. Four years later she returned to the Olympic podium, winning bronze in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and confirming her place among the elite of her generation.

Matsumoto had already established herself long before London. She became world champion for the first time in Tokyo in 2010 and added a second world title in 2015 in Astana. In between those triumphs she also secured a world bronze medal in 2011, maintaining her position at the very top of international judo for many years.

Her dominance was also reflected in the rankings. Between 2010 and 2013 she held the number one position in the IJF World Ranking at U57kg. During that period she collected major titles including the Asian Games gold medal in 2010 and victories at the Düsseldorf Grand Prix in 2014 and 2016.

After stepping away from elite competition, Matsumoto chose a very different path from many former champions. Today she focuses on family life and runs her own ice cream shop, where fans sometimes still meet the Olympic champion who once thrilled arenas around the world.

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