Triumphs and Looming Concerns: Decoding Japan’s Medal Count in Paris

Japanese men’s national team coach Philippe Blain instructs his players during Japan’s quarterfinal match against Italy on August 5, 2024, in Paris, France. The match ended in a heartbreaking full-sets loss for Japan. (© Jiji)

Erwann Le Péchoux (right) raises his arms in celebration at Japan’s dramatic win in the final of the men’s team foil on August 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (© Kyōdō)

Oka Shinnosuke performs on the horizonal bar during the men’s artistic individual all-around on July 31, 2024. He won the event and also took home gold in the team all-around and horizontal bar, along with bronze in the parallel bars. (© Reuters)

Nagayama Ryūju throws Salih Yildiz of Turkey in the third-place match of the men’s 60 kg event on July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. Nagayama bounced back from a controversial decision in the quarterfinal to win bronze. (© Reuters)

Kusaka Nao brandishes the Japanese flag after winning the gold medal in the Greco-Roman wrestling 77 kg division on August 7, 2024, in Paris, France. It was Japan’s first gold in the higher weight classes of wrestling. (© Jiji)

First time Olympian Motoki Sakura celebrates her freestyle wrestling gold in the women’s 62 kg division on August 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (© Reuters)