FencerJapaneseOlympic medalistAsian Games medalist

Risa Takashima

Risa Takashima is a Japanese sabre fencer who won a bronze medal in the women's team event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, alongside other gold medals at the Universiade and Asian Junior Championships.

1. Early Life and Career

Risa Takashima's journey into fencing began at a young age, leading her through specialized training programs and a successful collegiate career before she turned professional.

1.1. Childhood and Education

Born on February 8, 1999, in Ōmuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, Risa Takashima was introduced to fencing during her fifth year at Ōmuta City Tamagawa Elementary School. Her initial contact with the sport came through her participation in the sixth phase of Fukuoka Prefecture's sports talent discovery program, which proved to be a pivotal moment in her life.

Upon entering middle school, Takashima made the significant decision to move to Tokyo and join the JOC Elite Academy, a prestigious institution designed to cultivate future Olympic athletes. During her time at the academy, she attended Kita Ward Inatsuke Junior High School and later Teikyo High School. While still in middle school, Takashima was selected for the Cadet Japan National Team. Her talent quickly became evident when she won the gold medal in the Cadet Women's Sabre individual event at the 2013 Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. As she progressed to high school, she continued to excel, earning a spot on the Junior Japan National Team and securing another gold medal in the Women's Sabre individual event at the 2016 Asian Junior Championships.

1.2. University and Professional Career

In 2017, after graduating from the JOC Elite Academy, Takashima enrolled in the Faculty of International Culture at Hosei University. Her collegiate career saw her continue to compete at a high level. She was selected for the Student Japan National Team and participated in the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei, Taiwan. There, she was a key member of the Women's Sabre team alongside Misaki Emura, Ayaka Mukae, and Shiohmi Fukushima. The team delivered an impressive performance, ultimately defeating Hungary 45-38 in the final to claim the gold medal.

Following her graduation from Hosei University in 2021, Takashima embarked on her professional career, joining Oriental Yeast Co., a subsidiary of the Nissin Flour Milling Group. This transition marked her continued dedication to her fencing career while pursuing her professional life. In 2024, Takashima was selected to represent Japan at the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris. She competed in the Women's Sabre team event, once again teaming up with Misaki Emura and Shiohmi Fukushima, and joined by Seri Ozaki. Despite a loss in the semifinals, the team showcased resilience and teamwork, securing the bronze medal by defeating host nation France 45-40 in the fiercely contested third-place match.

Risa Takashima (right) on the podium after receiving her bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Risa Takashima (right) on the podium after receiving her bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

2. Major Achievements

Risa Takashima's career has been distinguished by a series of significant victories and medal finishes at both national and international competitions, establishing her as a formidable presence in the world of fencing.

2.1. Olympic Games

  • 2024 Paris: Bronze medal in the Women's Team Sabre event. Competing alongside Misaki Emura, Seri Ozaki, and Shiohmi Fukushima, the Japanese team secured a historic bronze medal by defeating France 45-40 in the third-place match.

2.2. Asian Games

  • 2018 Jakarta-Palembang: Bronze medal in the Women's Team Sabre event.

2.3. Asian Fencing Championships

  • 2016 Wuxi: Bronze medal in the Women's Team Sabre event.
  • 2023 Wuxi: Bronze medal in the Women's Team Sabre event.
  • 2024 Kuwait City: Bronze medal in the Women's Team Sabre event.

2.4. Other Competitions

Takashima has also achieved notable success in various other significant domestic and international tournaments throughout her career:

  • 2013 Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships (Bangkok): Gold medal in the Cadet Women's Sabre individual event.
  • 2016 Asian Junior Championships: Gold medal in the Women's Sabre individual event.
  • 2017 Summer Universiade (Taipei): Gold medal in the Women's Team Sabre event, defeating Hungary 45-38 in the final.
  • 2021 74th All-Japan Fencing Championships: Gold medal in the Women's Sabre individual event.
  • 2023 76th All-Japan Fencing Championships: Gold medal in the Women's Sabre individual event.

3. Assessment

Risa Takashima 髙嶋 理紗Takashima RisaJapanese has emerged as a consistent and vital force in Japanese fencing, particularly within the women's sabre discipline. Her career trajectory, from being identified in a talent discovery program in elementary school to earning an Olympic medal, underscores her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport. Her successes, especially in team events, highlight her ability to perform under pressure and contribute to collective triumphs.

Takashima's multiple gold medals at the All-Japan Fencing Championships in 2021 and 2023 demonstrate her dominance domestically, while her consistent medal haul at the Asian Fencing Championships and the Asian Games reinforces her standing as a top-tier international competitor. The gold medal at the 2017 Universiade showcased her early potential on the world stage, and her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics represents a significant milestone, contributing to Japan's growing presence in international fencing. Takashima's career serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and teamwork, embodying the spirit of athletic excellence and contributing positively to the legacy of Japanese fencing.