Masashi Nishiyama made an early exit in the men's 90-kg division and Japan failed to make the medals podium for the second day in succession Friday at the World Judo Championships.
Nishiyama was sent to an ippon defeat in the second round against Islam Bozbaye of Kazakhstan. Cuba's Asley Gonzalez defeated Varlam Liparteliani in the final to win the gold medal.
"I was a bit of a pushover. Before I realized it I was going on the defensive. I wasn't aggressive enough," said Nishiyama.
In the women's competition, Ruika Sato suffered a yusei defeat in the 78-kg quarterfinals against eventual winner Sol Kyong of North Korea and she also lost in the repechage. Akari Ogata lost in the first round to Marhinde Verkerk of the Netherlands.
In the 70-kg class, Haruka Tachimoto lost her first match against Onix Cortes Aldama of Cuba. Yuri Alvear of Colombia won the gold medal.