World Ranking Leader U63kg Haruka Kaju
Haruka Kaju has emerged as the leading athlete in the U63kg division and finished 2025 as the number one judoka in the IJF World Ranking. The Japanese competitor has rapidly built an impressive record on the international circuit, combining precise technique with strong tactical awareness.
Kaju’s rise accelerated through a series of major victories on the World Judo Tour. In 2024 she captured gold at the prestigious Tokyo Grand Slam, one of the most competitive events on the circuit. That same year she also won the Kodokan Cup in Chiba, confirming her status among the top judoka in Japan’s highly competitive national system.
The defining moment of her career came in 2025 when Kaju became world champion in Budapest. Her performances throughout the tournament highlighted her ability to control matches with disciplined gripping and well-timed attacks. That world title established her firmly among the elite of the U63kg category.
Kaju continued her successful run during the same season by winning the Grand Slam in Paris and claiming another gold medal at the Grand Prix in Guadalajara. These victories added valuable ranking points and strengthened her position at the top of the division.
With consistent performances across the World Judo Tour and a world title already to her name, Haruka Kaju finished 2025 as the leader of the world ranking in the U63kg category, confirming her status as one of Japan’s newest stars on the international stage.
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