Olympic gold medal-winning siblings Hifumi and Uta Abe joined their Japanese national teammates Friday for a practice session on the eve of judo's Tokyo Grand Slam.
The two-day tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium is set to feature 506 judoka from 84 countries competing across seven weight classes each for men and women.
The 26-year-old Hifumi expressed confidence heading into the tournament, where he will aim to continue his dominance in the men's 66-kilogram class.
"I'm in really good condition. I want everyone in Japan to see my judo," he said.
The 23-year-old Uta, who will defend the women's 52-kg crown she won at last year's edition, was likewise enthusiastic.
"I've been able to prepare smoothly. I want to give 100 percent," she said.
The siblings, who won their respective divisions at the Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2021, each claimed a fourth world championship in May this year. Both have since qualified for next summer's Paris Olympics.
Japan will be represented in the men's over-100-kg competition in Tokyo by 21-year-old Tatsuru Saito, set to make his Olympic debut next summer.
"I don't want to get too excited. I just want to do my best," Saito said.
Still aiming to book his ticket to France, Tokyo Olympic champion Naohisa Takato will fly the flag for Japan in the men's 60-kg division.
"I will fight with all my strength, believing I will win," he said.
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