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On July 25, 2021, Prime Minister made a congratulatory telephone call to judoka TAKATO Naohisa, who won the gold medal in the men’s 60kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In his congratulatory telephone call, the Prime Minister said,

 “Congratulations on winning Japan’s first gold medal. I was watching the semi-final and final matches and you showed such tenacity and an unwavering determination to win.”

 “I believe that this gold medal is the fruit of your five-year efforts since the last Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It must have been a truly difficult path for you. However, when you proudly said that ‘This is my judo,’ I could sense that everything you put into it over the past five years was condensed in this statement.”

 “It was an awe-inspiring achievement.”

 “I am sure that a great many children and young people gained dreams and hopes through your victory.”

 “After the match you sat on your heels and made a bow on the tatami mat, and then when you left the mats, you finally burst into tears. Seeing that, I am sure many people were moved by your efforts thus far.”

 “Congratulations and best wishes for your continued success in the future!”