In the midst of the action at the Millennium Team European Judo Championships Cadets 2025 in Skopje, the coaching chairs are lined with familiar faces, former elite judoka now guiding the next generation. Yet, one person stands out, not just for her quiet and calm presence but for the cultural bridge she represents: Nami Nabekura, the former Japanese international athlete now coaching with the Swedish national judo team.
Three months into her new role in Europe, Nabekura is already at the helm of Sweden’s cadet delegation, leading the team solo in Skopje. Amid the warm-ups and other duties, she took a moment to reflect on her journey, from Tokyo to Stockholm, from athlete to coach, and from one judo culture to another. “I am so… my heart is moving. I was very excited when I got the offer.” she recalls.
It is a fitting beginning for someone who follows passion as much as purpose. Nabekura’s transition has been smoother than many might expect. “The moving was easy. I like it here,” she says referreing to Sweden. “The town is clean, the people are kind, soft, like in Japan, so in this aspect, not so different.” That said, she admits with a gentle smile, one thing still weigh on her mind every now and then: “The food is 100% different. I miss Japanese food.”
As part of her key roles, she is working closely with Swedish elite, Tara Babulfath. Nabekura is helping Tara via her distinct style and deep technical knowledge.“Every day is a very good experience. I teach her [Tara], but I learn from her too. She is talented, mentally and physically. Right now, competition is difficult, the level is very high. We are standing in front of a wall and need to climb over it together. We are working on this.”
When asked what strikes her about Swedish judo, Nabekura is quick to point out strengths: “Fitness. Very good cardio. Stamina is strong and serious mindset.” Still, there are differences, especially in technical foundations. “Sweden needs more of the basics, kuzushi, tsukuri, kake. Day-by-day perfecting techniques. Ne-waza, tachi-waza, techniques like O-soto-gari, different Osae-komi, Juji-gatame as well as learning to win by Ippon.”
Cultural differences don’t stop at the tatami. Nabekura is adapting to Swedish values that differs from traditional Japanese hierarchy. “In Japan, we repeat and repeat, even for hours if needed. In Sweden, training is fast and they ask, ‘Why?’” She laughs. “In Japan, the coach says and you say yes and do it. Here, you must explain. If they don’t know why they need to learn, you need to explain.” It’s changed her too, not in style, but in mindset. “My coaching technically speaking didn’t change but my mind did.”
It’s clear that Nabekura’s admiration for Europe runs deep. “I love Europe. When I finished as an athlete, I wanted to come here. From a judo point of view, I love that every country has its own identity, style of judo and they are proud of themselves. It is about the diversity in approach, spirit, and philosophy that every country brings to the tatami.”
Skopje, marks a milestone for Nabekura, as her first championship alone with the cadet team. “Every step is new. Accreditation, draw, system, I learn step by step.” Observing the warm-ups on the first day of the event, she’s encouraged. “The basics of judo are present across these young judoka. That is very important. Young athletes are like sponges. They absorb so quickly and it is enjoyable teaching them.”
Finally, Nabekura doesn’t shy away from her extraordinary long term goal with Swedish judo: “An Olympic gold. This is what I want to achieve long term, to produce Olympic gold for Sweden. The dream is big but I believe in it.”
Images: Gabi Juan
Author: Szandra Szogedi