Born on 11th August 1993 in Miyazaki, Japan, Maruyama rose to the very top of world judo through a career marked by consistency and brilliance. A double world champion, with titles in 2019 and 2021, he also claimed the World Judo Masters title in 2018 and collected numerous grand slam gold medals along the way. He reached the final of the world championships on four occasions, finishing as runner-up in 2022 and 2023, confirming his place among the very best of his era.
Maruyama is widely known for his intense rivalry with double Olympic champion Hifumi Abe, a rivalry that defined an entire generation in the -66 kg category. Their clashes captivated fans worldwide, not only because of the stakes involved, but because they embodied two exceptional expressions of judo at the highest level. Yet, beyond the rivalry, Maruyama will be remembered for his pure, explosive, elegant style, judo at its most refined.
Judo was always part of his life. Joshiro Maruyama developed a deep understanding of judo, blending tradition with personal expression. His uchi-mata, in particular, became legendary, a technique executed with timing, speed and precision, thrilling audiences around the world.
In the interview featured in this JudoTV.com video, Maruyama speaks with openness, sincerity and a smile that reflects his inner peace. Looking back, one moment stands out above all others. “Winning the world championships in 2019 is what I remember most fondly,” he says. “I was very happy. Thinking that so many people could be pleased by my judo was what truly made me glad. Seeing my wife crying with joy made me very happy.”
He also addresses, with honesty and emotion, the most painful chapter of his career: missing out on Olympic qualification after losing to Abe Hifumi. “Losing against him for the Olympic qualification is my biggest regret and it’s frustrating. Even now, it’s frustrating,” he admits. Maruyama explains how the mental dimension played a decisive role in that defeat, offering a rare and valuable insight into the psychological demands of elite sport.
What makes his story even more remarkable is what followed. Despite disappointment and doubt, Maruyama found the strength to return to the top, reclaiming the world title and proving once again that he was an exceptional judoka, both technically and mentally.
Today, Joshiro Maruyama looks forward rather than backwards. He speaks without regret, embracing his new life with the same intensity he once brought to competition. Family now occupies a central place, while his passion for judo continues through teaching, sharing his knowledge and spreading his understanding of the sport across the world.
This video is more than a farewell. It is a celebration of a career that inspired countless judoka and fans and is a reminder that greatness in judo is measured not only in medals but in impact, humility and love for the art.