An Exceptional Gathering of French and Japanese Champions
In the symbolic setting of the Pavilion’s ‘Festival Station’, true living legends came together. Representing France: Teddy Riner, triple individual Olympic champion, five-time Olympic champion in total including two mixed team gold medals, and eleven-time world champion; Clarisse Agbegnenou, triple Olympic champion (individual and mixed teams) and six-time world champion; Larbi Benboudaoud, Olympic medallist and world champion; and Stéphane Nomis, President of the French Judo Federation and member of the IJF Executive Committee.
Alongside them were iconic figures of Japanese judo: Ryoko Tani, double Olympic champion and seven-time world champion; Tadahiro Nomura, triple individual Olympic champion and world champion; Kosei Inoue, Olympic champion, three-time world champion, Executive Director of the AJJF and member of the IJF Executive Committee; Shinji Hosokawa, world and Olympic champion and Vice President of the AJJF; and Shinichi Nakamura, President of the AJJF.
In total, 15 Olympic titles and 30 world titles were brought together in one place, an historic moment warmly greeted by the many spectators in attendance.
The Eight Values of Judo at the Heart of the Event
Hosted by Frédéric Lecanu, former French international and well-known voice of the sport, the JUDO SHOW offered demonstrations and exchanges around the eight fundamental values of judo: courage, respect, modesty, friendship, honour, honesty, self-control and politeness.
These principles, inspired by Jigoro Kano Shihan the founder of judo, were highlighted through interactive performances and moments of sharing between champions and children. In front of Kano Shihan’s portrait, young and old bowed together, a reminder that the bow remains the universal symbol of mutual respect.
Children at the Heart of the Celebration
The JUDO SHOW was not only a tribute to champions, but above all a celebration of transmission. Children present had the opportunity to meet their idols, try out judo techniques and discover the educational values that the discipline conveys.
Among them was a special guest: Kodomo, the France Judo mascot. This red panda from Japan, adopted by the French team after the Tokyo Olympic Games, perfectly embodies the meeting of cultures and the joy of practising judo from an early age. Kodomo has become the emblem of young French judoka; playful, friendly and accessible, he passes on the passion of the tatami to children, with a mischievous smile.
Franco-Japanese Co-operation: a Bridge to the Future
Beyond the spectacle, this event marked an important milestone in the co-operation between the French Judo Federation and the All Japan Judo Federation. Together, they remind us that judo is not only a competitive sport but also a universal language of education, respect and bringing people closer together.
By placing children at the centre of the event, France and Japan affirmed a shared vision, that of a judo which shapes the citizens of tomorrow, capable of respecting others, surpassing themselves and extending a hand in friendship.
The JUDO SHOW at Expo 2025 Osaka lasted only one emotion-filled afternoon but it will be remembered for the powerful image of champions and children bowing together under the benevolent gaze of Jigoro Kano, scene that captures the very essence of judo: to better oneself in order to elevate others.
Photos @alexandre.olivieri_TAKOGRAPHY