Having fun with Soichi Hashimoto:

Judo gave me happiness

For a long time, Soichi Hashimoto was simply part of the landscape at U73kg. Always there. Always dangerous. Always smiling. Now, with his retirement announced in November 2025, it feels like the right moment to look back and actually listen to what he says about it all.

Looking back on his career, Hashimoto starts with gratitude, not medals.

“I was really happy,” he says. “I was able to practise judo in so many countries, and I hope people enjoyed watching my judo.”

He introduces himself modestly as a member of the Japanese national team, but the record speaks louder. Five appearances at the World Championships. Five medals. World champion in 2017. World silver in 2018, 2022 and 2023, plus bronze in 2021. At the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, he added an individual bronze medal, alongside a team gold, completing the Olympic set he had chased since childhood.

Living in a golden era at -73kg

From the moment he started judo, the Olympics were the goal. But for years, that dream felt out of reach, blocked by an era defining rival.

“In Japan, there was a king in my weight class,” he says. “Because he was there, I was able to grow. I’m really grateful to him.”

That king was Shohei Ono, the 2020 Olympic champion. Together, Ono and Hashimoto dominated the under 73kg category from 2016 to 2023, setting a level few divisions have ever seen. Hashimoto alone collected six Grand Slam titles, two Grand Prix victories and four IJF World Masters titles in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023. On top of that came six world mixed team gold medals with Japan. If you fought at -73kg in that period, you were fighting history.

When the Paris Olympics finally ended, Hashimoto felt something unusual for elite athletes.

“I thought to myself, I really gave everything I had,” he says. “Being able to do judo in front of everyone made me very happy. I felt lucky.”

A style people remember

More than the medals, Hashimoto hopes people remember how he fought. His judo was expressive, technical and instantly recognisable.

“My one handed technique was something unique,” he says. “I could attack from both sides. If that stays in people’s memories, I’d be very happy.”

One match still stands above the rest. His breakthrough win against Korea’s An Changrim.

“I had lost to him many times,” Hashimoto admits. “When I finally won with a grand slam ippon, it gave me confidence. That win meant a lot.”

Becoming world champion brought joy, but also validation.

“I felt like I was finally acknowledged as a world champion,” he says. “It’s hard to put into words.”

Not the typical Japanese judoka

Hashimoto was never the silent type. Where traditional Japanese judo often values restraint, he chose openness.

“I wanted to enjoy it when I was happy,” he says. “I wanted the people watching to enjoy it too.”

Smiles. Celebrations. Emotion. Fans loved it, even if it made him stand out.

“I think judo is fun,” he says. “No matter what, I try to get through things with a smile.”

People often told him he did not feel very Japanese on the mat. He took that as a compliment.

More than winning

For Hashimoto, judo was always about people, not just results.

“Judo is human against human,” he says. “Because of judo, I became strong and learned to deal with any opponent. I think I was able to prove that strength.”

Now retired, his focus has shifted to giving something back. He revealed plans to organise an international under 12 tournament next March.

“When I was young, I would have loved something like that,” he says. “That’s why I want to create it.”

He ends, fittingly, with thanks. To fans. To teammates. To the tatami itself. And with a laugh, he admits that sometimes, when he stands close to the mat, the instinct to compete still kicks in.

“Sometimes I think, maybe I could still go out there,” he smiles. “Put the judogi back on.”

A proper goodbye

Hashimoto leaves judo with nothing left undone. World champion. Olympic medallist. A pillar of the greatest -73kg era the sport has seen. And yes, let us say it properly: for judo fans, he was also one of the nicest looking fellows on the mat. Sharp judogi. Big smile. Always good energy.

He achieved what he wanted. He entertained us. He stayed himself.

And honestly, that is the best kind of career. We have had fun with Soichi.

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