Hamaguchi wins 12th straight national title

Hamaguchi wins 12th straight national title

TOKYO, Japan - Athens Olympic bronze medalist Kyoko Hamaguchi is lofted by her father Heigo ''Animal'' Hamaguchi after winning her 12th straight title in the 72-kg category at the wrestling national championships at Yoyogi national gymnasium annex on Dec. 23.

Judoka Tamura to be sidelined indefinitely

Judoka Tamura to be sidelined indefinitely

TOKYO, Japan - Judo champion Ryoko Tamura said Nov. 27 in Tokyo that she will avoid competition indefinitely to regain full fitness for the 2003 world championships in Osaka and the Olympic Games in Athens the next year. Tamura said her injury prompted her to give up a bid for a 12th straight title at the Dec. 8-9 international women's judo championships in her native Fukuoka.

Ozeki Kaio rolls to 12th win

Ozeki Kaio rolls to 12th win

OSAKA, Japan - Ozeki Kaio (L) cruises to his 12th straight win over title pretender Tamanoshima on March 22 to hold onto the lead at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka and edge one step closer to his second Emperor's Cup.

Judoka Tamura to be sidelined indefinitely

Judoka Tamura to be sidelined indefinitely

TOKYO, Japan - Judo champion Ryoko Tamura said Nov. 27 in Tokyo that she will avoid competition indefinitely to regain full fitness for the 2003 world championships in Osaka and the Olympic Games in Athens the next year. Tamura said her injury prompted her to give up a bid for a 12th straight title at the Dec. 8-9 international women's judo championships in her native Fukuoka.

Hamaguchi wins 12th straight national title

Hamaguchi wins 12th straight national title

TOKYO, Japan - Athens Olympic bronze medalist Kyoko Hamaguchi is lofted by her father Heigo ''Animal'' Hamaguchi after winning her 12th straight title in the 72-kg category at the wrestling national championships at Yoyogi national gymnasium annex on Dec. 23. (Kyodo)

National champ Icho earns shot at 4th straight Olympic title

National champ Icho earns shot at 4th straight Olympic title

World champion Kaori Icho smiles as she captured her 12th Japan title during the All-Japan wrestling championships on Dec. 22, 2015, in Tokyo, winning the women's 58-kilogram division to earn a spot at next summer's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Icho is looking to earn her 4th straight gold medal. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Ozeki Kaio rolls to 12th win

Ozeki Kaio rolls to 12th win

OSAKA, Japan - Ozeki Kaio (L) cruises to his 12th straight win over title pretender Tamanoshima on March 22 to hold onto the lead at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka and edge one step closer to his second Emperor's Cup.