15th in the Olympic ranking, Hideyoshi Kagawa, winner of the K1 Tokyo last year (+84 kg) will try to repeat his performance in the Budokan from September 6th to 8th. The son of Masao Kagawa, winner of the 5th International JKS Cup in Dublin (August 24th-25th) in individual and team, says he is fit and ready to devour everything this season.
By Florian Fournier / Photos : D.R
Asian silver medalist in 2019, Silver medalist and team bronze medalist in 2016 and 2018 with Japan, Hideyoshi Kagawa is the Japanese leader in the heavyweight category and one of the big names Worldwide. The son of Masao Kagawa, his teddy bear look makes everyone liking him and makes him a popular karateka. Very technical fighter with a great speed for his size, he lacks a bit of regularity to be among the leaders. However, dreaded and formidable, this season can be his and the Olympic title a dreamt truth.
Was this JKS international cup a training for the Tokyo K1?
This was in the program of my preparation for the Tokyo K1. This season, K1’s will be the most important competitions in order to qualify to the Olympics and you have to be well prepared. This JKS International cup allows me, two weeks ahead of the K1, to put me in situation and repeat my scales in real conditions. It is also the way to meet all the big JKS family. It's a very nice competition.
Is this the most important season of your life?
Obviously. To go to the Olympics, I'll have to perform very well every month. The competitions will go on with a lot of rhythm and we should not lose many points. Physically and mentally, it's a tough season, but I'm ready for it. It may be the most memorable season that we can live. The challenge is exciting.
What role does Kagawa Shihan have in your preparation?
He is everywhere with me. Whether at the JKS Honbu dojo in Tokyo or at the Teikyo University, he follows me and trains me. It is an important advantage for me to have him so close to me every day. He brings me a lot, technically and mentally.
Is it not too hard to be his son?
It is an honor. He represents so much for karatekas around the world that I am proud of him every day. Since my childhood, he has managed to separate the paternal side and the Sensei side. Today, I can say that he is also my father in karate, the one who taught me everything. Obviously, sometimes, the training is tough, but as for everybody. He has passed on me the taste of effort and sacrifice to reach high level. Being the son of Masao Kagawa does not make you an extraordinary karateka. You have to work like the others to be the best.
What is your goal at the Olympics?
The victory, without a doubt. There is no more wonderful place for us, Japanese, to win the Olympics at home at the Nippon Budokan. But the path is long. I am in a very good category. First, I must qualify and then, I will do everything to win. With the two categories, -84 and +84 kg, grouped, the place to participate in the Olympic Games is limited. I will give my best anyway.
Is there an opponent you would like to face in the final of the Olympics?
In Japan, there are not many tall fighters and I like to face opponents who are as tall as I am. I would say Jonathan Horne or Mehdi Filali. Then, Sajad Ganjzadeh is a great and prestigious opponent with whom I could make a nice final.
What about your future after the Olympics?
I want to open my dojo. I wish to stay and live from karate by flying and teaching everything I've learned. Of course, I will seek my father's advices to guide me in this new life. I also want to develop JKS in Japan and in the world.
