The judo-mad nation could play host to what has been described as a "potential dream match" between Shohei Ono and Soichi Hashimoto at under-73 kilograms.

Both men are on collision course at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on day one.

Twenty-five-year-old Ono, himself a double world champion, won Olympic gold in the division at Rio 2016 and his appearance in the Japanese capital is his first since the Games in August of last year.

Known as the "thrower of throwers", he is sure to face stern competition from 26-year-old Hashimoto who won the world title in Budapest this year.

With only one place available for Japan at their home Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there would certainly be plenty riding on any meeting between the pair.

Japan are hoping for widespread success in front of their own fans and have entered four judoka per weight category.

Other home names to watch include two-time and reigning world champion Naohisa Takato who is undefeated this year and is eyeing an eighth Grand Slam gold medal at under-60kg.

In women's action, Japan's world champion Ai Shishime is entering her first competition since world under-52kg gold in Budapest in August.

Threats from other countries include Brazil's Rafaela Silva, who won a memorable home gold at Rio 2016 at under-57kg and has clinched bronze in Tokyo three times.

Another clash between Olympic and world champions could come in the women's under-63kg event.

Slovenia's Tina Trstenjak, the Rio 2016 winner and also the European champion, could meet the foe who beat her in the world final, France's Clarisse Agbegnenou. 

Brazil's David Moura will hope to impress at men's over-100kg level with France's dominant Teddy Riner absent.

The two-day event begins tomorrow with the men competing at under-60kg, under-66kg and under-73kg.

Women will compete at under-48kg, under-52kg, under-57kg and under-63kg. 

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