Japan is a country rich in history and culture, and the same goes for sport. Japan has produced many great athletes over the years in a variety of different sports, from traditional martial arts to baseball, soccer and tennis. Here’s a look at some of the greatest Japanese sportsmen and women in history.
- Ichiro Suzuki (baseball)
Ichiro Suzuki is one of Japan’s most famous baseball players. He began his career in 1992 with the Orix BlueWave team, before joining the Seattle Mariners in 2001. He won the American League MVP award in 2001 and has been selected for the All-Star Game on 10 occasions.
- Hideki Matsui (baseball)
Hideki Matsui is another famous Japanese baseball player. He began his professional career in 1993 with the Yomiuri Giants before joining the New York Yankees in 2003. He won the World Series MVP award in 2009 and has twice been selected for the All-Star Game.
- Kei Nishikori (tennis)
Kei Nishikori is one of Japan’s most famous tennis players. He began his professional career in 2007 and reached his highest ranking of No. 4 in the world in 2015. He has won 12 ATP Tour singles titles and reached the US Open final in 2014.
- Masahiko Kimura (judo)
Masahiko Kimura is considered one of the greatest judokas of all time. He has won the world judo championship on several occasions and is best known for defeating the legendary Brazilian judoka Helio Gracie in 1951. He also developed a judo technique that bears his name, the “Kimura lock”.
- Yuzuru Hanyu (figure skating)
Yuzuru Hanyu is a famous Japanese figure skater. He won the gold medal at the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Winter Games, as well as two world championship titles. He is also known for his impressive technique and artistic performances.
- Hidetoshi Nakata (soccer)
Hidetoshi Nakata is one of Japan’s most famous soccer players. He began his professional career in 1995 and has played for several clubs in Italy, England and Japan. He won the Serie A Best Player award in 2001 and has played for the Japanese national team in three FIFA World Cups.
- Saori Yoshida (wrestling)
Saori Yoshida is a famous Japanese wrestler. She won the gold medal at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics and is also a world wrestling champion. She is considered one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time, with an impressive record of 13 world titles and four Olympic titles.
- Tadahiro Nomura (judo)
Tadahiro Nomura is another great Japanese judoka. He won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the under 60 kg category at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. He is considered one of the greatest judokas of all time.
- Ai Fukuhara (table tennis)
Although primarily known for her accomplishments in women’s singles, Ai Fukuhara is also a very accomplished table tennis player. She won numerous gold medals at the Asian Championships and reached the quarter-finals at the London Olympics in 2012.
- Rikidozan (wrestling)
Rikidozan is a Japanese wrestling legend. He was the first Japanese professional wrestler to become popular worldwide in the 1950s and is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in history. He founded the Japan Pro Wrestling Association and inspired many other Japanese wrestlers to pursue careers in the sport.
