Change the world through sports.
IPPON Shoji Inc. is a sports business company founded by Naohisa Takato, judo -60kg gold medalist.
Through online coaching, product development, and media outreach, we create new value for athletes and the future of sports.
When athletes shine, society changes.
We believe in the power of sports and exist to maximize its potential.
What's happening
in the sports world
Japan's registered judo athletes have dropped from approximately 200,000 to 120,000. Junior high judo club membership has fallen 70% over 20 years — a contraction far outpacing the country's declining birth rate.
At the end of 2024, Toyota, Panasonic, and Bridgestone all simultaneously ended their IOC sponsorship contracts. The number of Japanese companies supporting the Olympics has fallen to zero.
Even for Olympic athletes, the post-retirement regular employment rate is only around half. More than 20% live on non-regular employment. Career support for retired athletes is critically lacking.
Across social media, streaming, apps, and e-commerce, the judo world lags B.League (31 points) and J.League (33 points) by 5–10 years. Only 20–35% of dojos even have a website.
Our businesses
We operate three businesses to transform the future of sports.
Next Athlete Lab
Passing the knowledge of a gold medalist to the next generation. A new judo academy delivering video analysis, mental coaching, and technical instruction online.
With weekly assignments and personalized feedback, students anywhere in Japan — and beyond — can access top-level instruction.
Naohisa Takato is a certified sports mental trainer, and the academy covers not only technical instruction but also mindset development for junior athletes. The subscription model offers ongoing learning through match-video analysis, regular online lectures, and weekly technical video releases.
The academy also serves as a platform where former athletes can build careers as instructors, helping address the second-career challenge. We're also looking ahead to expansion beyond judo into other sports.
ZONE
Top-athlete quality, at a price everyone can reach. A judogi brand born from collaboration with established martial arts manufacturers.
Rising judogi prices have made top-tier uniforms increasingly out of reach for children and young athletes.
ZONE is co-developed with Sanseido, an established martial arts manufacturer, delivering uncompromising quality at a price more athletes can afford. Made-to-measure sizing is also available in Japan.
Internationally, we're building a sales network focused on ready-made products, bringing Japanese-quality judogi to global markets. The global judogi market is a growing 45–75 billion yen industry, with demand for Japanese-made judogi rising — especially overseas.
Media & Events
From TV and social media appearances to judo classes and lectures — initiatives that deliver the value of sports directly to society.
From TV, web, and social media appearances to judo classes, fitting events, and lectures — we run media activities and real-world events to bring the value of sports to society.
We also organize corporate sponsored events and community programs. By creating opportunities for local children to encounter sports, we contribute to growing the athlete population and revitalizing communities.
Company information
Contact
Our team will respond based on the nature of your inquiry.