07. November 2005  
Hyogo / Japan  
Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics Japanese Nationals 2005

Yukari Murata (JPN)
- gained fifth national all-around title in series

From November 4 to 6, the All Japan Rhythmic Gymnastcs Championships2005 were held at Hyogo.
Yukari Murata is the best national gymnast again in Japan, winning this all-around title to the fifth time incessantly from 2001 on!
She also won three of the four apparatus finals - ribbon were won by the all-around vice-champion Ai Yokochi

Previously at the Olympic Games 2000 in Sydney Olympic Games, Yukari Murata participated as a member of the Japanese group and four years later, at Games in Athens 2004 she ranked 18 at the Olympic individual qualification.
So she is the most successful rhythmic gymnast in this decennium...

Coverage of 'All Japanese Championships' were supported by 'Chacott'

... swinging Yukari!

When everyone had a lot of interests, but the position of Yukari Murata before these Nationals was: '... to be a champion again - or not.'
At last she made it for the fifth time!

Her strong rival was Ai Yokochi, but she came on 2nd place, because she made some mistakes at clubs and ribbon. But her performances are loved by the audience. Ai Yakochi is not only gymnast but also a very good dancer. Full of interest, their last program is same music. Theme of the movie 'ZATOUICHI' (Takeshi Kitano's film)! Yukari Murata used the same theme this at clubs and Ai Yokochi at ribbon performances.

However Murata won again. She told the press: 'I don't know how I should be next year. Continue as a gymnast...? May be... but on the other hands, I think it's better for me to be acoach.' The 3rd placed of these all-around competition was Yoshie Hayashi.

Ai Yokochi - second placed all-around and champion with the ribbon

In Japan, lots of talented juniors brought up and entered this year. Such as the 16 years old Nanase Shoji . She became senior just from this year, but came on 4th place, alreday! It must be a good opportunity for another junior in Japan.....!

All Japan Rhythmic Gymnastcs Championships2005
Hyogo / Japan; November 4 - 6 -

* RESULTS, All-aound

1.Yukari Murata:56.750
2. Ai Yokochi:52.550
3. Yoshie Hayashi:51.275
 4. Nanase Shoji:49.400
5. Ikuko Uradani:48.775
6. Saye Takahashi:48.275
7. Yachiyo Nakamura:47.975
8. Sayaka Nakano:47.875
9. Yuria Onuki:47.800
10. Mai Hidaka:47.675

Nanase Shoji, her fist elite championships!

Apparatus Finals

* ROPE
1. Yukari Murata:13.650
2. Yachiyo Nakamura:13.350
3. Ai Yokochi:13.325

* BALL
1. Yukari Murata:13.500
2. Yoshie Hayashi:13.125
3. Ai Yokochi:12.975

* CLUBS
1. Yukari Murata:14.575
2. Ai Yokochi:14.000
3. Yoshie Hayashi:12.550

* RIBBON
1. Ai Yokochi:13.575
2. Yukari Murata:13.300
3. Yoshie Hayashi:12.550
From Hyogo for GYMmedia:
Report & photos by Takako Kobayashi