Abe Uta
Awards & Honours
19
Awards Won
4
Honours
3
Rankings
4
Covers
4
Records
Abe's five individual world titles in the 52 kg division place her among the most dominant champions in judo history. She is the only woman alongside Ryoko Tani to achieve this feat. Her Olympic gold on the same day as her brother Hifumi was a historic first for siblings. She has been named IJF Athlete of the Year four times, more than any other female judoka. Her record as the youngest Japanese world champion (age 18) still stands.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Kobe City Honorary Citizen
Awarded for Olympic gold medal achievement.
Medal with Purple Ribbon
Awarded for contributions to sports.
IJF Athlete of the Year
Four-time winner, most by any female judoka.
Youngest Japanese World Champion
Became youngest Japanese world champion in judo history at age 18.
Rankings & Lists
IJF World Ranking – Women's 52 kg
Forbes Japan 30 Under 30
Nikkei Japanese Sports Power 100
Magazine Covers
Number (Japan)
November 2021
Abe Siblings: Golden Siblings of Judo
Sports Graphic Number
August 2021
The New Face of Japanese Judo
Judo Magazine (Kodokan)
2018-2024
Multiple covers
Nikkei Sports
July 2021
Uta Abe: The 52 kg Queen
Records & Feats
Youngest Japanese woman to win a senior IJF World Tour event
Won Grand Slam Tokyo in 2017 at age 17.
Youngest Japanese world champion in judo history
Won world title in 2018 at age 18.
First siblings to win Olympic gold on the same day in different events
Abe and her brother Hifumi won gold on July 25, 2021 at Tokyo 2020.
Most IJF Athlete of the Year awards by a female judoka
Four-time winner (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023).