Judoka Takanori Nagase “A special place that makes me want to do my best again.” Victorious return to Nagasaki brings congratulations from prefectural residents[Nagasaki](Posted on October 26, 2024) | NIB NEWS NNN

Nagasaki spoke about his “origins” and his feelings of gratitude for his hometown.

The special prefectural honor award was presented to Takanori Nagase, who became the first athlete in history to win consecutive Olympic judo titles in the men’s 81kg class.

■“The strongest man makes a triumphant return” becomes the first man in history to win consecutive Olympic judo titles in the 81 kg class

Employees and citizens gathered at the prefectural office.

(people gathered)
“I don’t think I can make a sound. I want to feel the aura.”

(people gathered)
“I was rooting for him, and I would love to see him if he actually comes to see me.”

It’s past 9am. When Takanori Nagase appeared, there was a huge round of applause and cheers.

He won the gold medal in the men’s judo 81kg class at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first athlete in history to win consecutive titles following the 2021 Tokyo Games.

(staff)
“Nagase is the strongest!”

In recognition of this honor, on the 25th, the prefecture presented him with the “Prefectural Honor Award Special Award.”

She is the second person to receive the special award, following former gymnast Kohei Uchimura.

(people gathered)
“I was really lucky (to be able to shake his hand). I thought it wouldn’t work, but when I put out my hand, he kindly shook my hand, so I was really happy.”

(people gathered)
“His hands were really big and rugged. I thought he won with these hands.
I made (a cheering fan) for today.”

■Award ceremony held at the prefectural assembly hall. 130 prefectural residents also attended the lottery for the “Prefectural Honor Award Special Award.”

At the awards ceremony held at the prefectural assembly hall, in addition to 130 prefectural residents selected by lottery, Nagase’s mother, Koyuri, and members of the judo club from his alma mater, Nagasaki Nihon University High School, were also present.

(Nagasaki Nihon University High School Judo Club Coach Taichi Matsumoto)
“When I actually came, I realized that it was a great thing (to receive the award).I’m 31 years old, which is a good age, so I’m limited to how far I can go as a player, but I hope that I can continue to work hard to spread and develop judo.”

(Governor Oishi)
“In recognition of your honor, we will present you with the Nagasaki Prefectural Honor Award Special Award.”

Nagase made a triumphant return with the gold medal in his heart.

What he said was, “I feel grateful to my hometown.”

(Takanori Nagase)
“I believe that I was able to achieve my second consecutive Olympic victory because of the support and encouragement from everyone who continued to warmly welcome me when I returned home after leaving Nagasaki.

I will continue to aim to contribute to the development of Nagasaki through my competitive activities, and I will continue to work hard every day to live up to everyone’s expectations and to push forward and grow as a judoka.”

Junior high school students were also seen receiving commemorative autographs after the award ceremony.

I am a second-year student at Nagasaki Prefectural Higashi Junior High School who was participating in work experience learning at the prefectural public relations department.

(student)
“I never thought I would meet a gold medalist, so I definitely want to brag about it.”

■“There is no doubt that growing up here in Nagasaki has shaped me into the person I am.”

Nagase also spoke about his hometown, Nagasaki, at the press conference.

(Takanori Nagase)
“I feel like this (everyone) gives me energy. I’m glad I was able to come back to Nagasaki and was welcomed by so many people.

I believe that the origin, or rather the foundation of who I am as a person, is definitely because I grew up here in Nagasaki. It’s a special place that makes me want to work hard again.”

■Received the title of “Honored Citizen” for the first time in the sports field from Nagasaki City

After the Tokyo Games, he overcame the hardships of judo to achieve successive victories.

The citizens also welcomed the gold medalist’s triumphant return.

(Nagasaki citizen)
“Our friends are number one in the world. There is nothing better than this. It’s amazing. It’s the pride of our citizens and the pride of Japan.”

(Nagasaki citizen)
“I’m very proud. I hope you win the gold medal next time. I hope you do your best to win your third consecutive victory.”

At Nagasaki City Hall, he was awarded the title of “Honored Citizen” of the city.

He is the 14th person to receive the honor, and the first in the field of sports.

As a souvenir, Mr. Nagase was presented with “Dejima Rose” from Nagasaki Wagyu, the champion of the “Wagyu Olympics.”

■My personal motto as told to my juniors: “I want to behave in a way that is not disrespectful to others.”

Even more in the afternoon…

I went to my alma mater, Nagasaki University Junior High School. I received applause from my juniors.

(Takanori Nagase)
“There will be times when times are tough and you want to run away, but if you have a firm goal in mind, you will have the heart to keep moving forward no matter what.
I want you to spend your days with a firm grasp of what you want to become and the goals you want to achieve.”

As a senior, I cheered on the students who were working hard on their studies and club activities.

Here are some questions from the students…

(student)
“How did you feel when you won your second consecutive victory?”

(Takanori Nagase)
“The moment I was selected, I was very happy and excited, but I had a personal motto of not being disrespectful to others, so I’m glad I was able to show that on the stage of the Paris Olympics.” Ta”

Nagase also has a question for his juniors.

(Takanori Nagase)
“Is there anything you like?”

(student)
“I like Nagase!”

Nagase received a warm welcome.

It seems that it was a memorable day for the students to interact with their “great seniors.”

(student)
“The words of a two-time Olympic champion were profound and I will cherish them for the rest of my life. They became memories that will last a lifetime.”

(student)
“I want them to aim for their third consecutive victory. It was cool.”

After this, Nagase also visited the affiliated elementary school in his home port and deepened his interactions with his juniors.

He vowed to further his success as a judoka.