Burton, who captured bronze at both the European and World Championships earlier this year, added to his collection after being beaten in a very even contest by Japan's Masahiro Takamatsu.

The 31-year-old, who made history at last year's event when he became the first non-Asian judoka to win a gold medal, started his 2010 campaign against Israel's Yoel Razvozov.

Razvozov, a two-time European Championship medallist, was subdued by a waza-ari after both men had picked up a penalty.

Portugal's multiple World Cup medallist Diogo Lima suffered the same fate as Burton progressed by way of a yuko score.

Next up was France's national champion Antoine Jeanin who was dispatched by a waza-ari to book the semi-final meeting with Takamatsu.

British Judo head coach Patrick Roux said: "The highlight of Euan is his consistency - we're all very impressed with him.

"He's delivering at major events such as the World Championships, European Championships and Grand Slams.

"Also important is the style of his performances and he's continuing to improve in that respect.

"Euan has a good spirit and a fantastic attitude."


Elsewhere Karina Bryant (pictured), Gemma Gibbons and Gemma Howell all picked up fifth-places.

Bryant and Gibbons eventually come undone against Japanese opposition - as the hosts claimed 26 out of 42 medals available - while Howell lost a tense battle to eventual bronze medallist Kifayat Gasimova of Azerbaijan.

James Austin, Winston Gordon, Colin Oates, Ashley McKenzie, Sally Conway, Sophie Cox and Faith Pitman were also in action for Britain in Tokyo.

The event concluded the Asian leg of the IJF world circuit which saw Gibbons and Sarah Adlington take bronze at the Korea Grand Prix while Howell picked up a silver medal.

Added Roux: "Gemma Howell and Gemma Gibbons showed they have connected at this level and are showing consistency.

"Gemma Howell took bronze at the Under-23 European Championships, silver in Korea and fifth place on Sunday and was unlucky not to be awarded the win against her final opponent as she was doing all the attacking.

"Gemma Gibbons fought well and she's making good progress while Karina also showed improvement.

"It's a very important time for us now as we enter the next phase of the Olympic programme and focus on intensification with more competitions."


Related stories
September 2010: Burton hopes World Championship bronze is step towards London 2012 gold
April 2010: Burton takes third European judo bronze
December 2009: Burton pulls off great victory in Tokyo