Born in Tokyo in 1964. Graduating from Takashima High School, Yamaguchi went on to Tsukuba University; then to the Graduate School of Tsukuba University. With her favorite techniques such as Kouchi-gari and Taiotoshi, she serially won the title of -52kg weight category at the All Japan Women Weight-Category Championships for 10 years; from 1978 to 1987. She was the champion of -52kg weight category of the 3rd World Women Judo Championships in Vienna, Austria in 1984. (33 countries delegated their squads to the championships.) Also, she won silver medals at the World Championships in 1980, 1982, 1986 and 1987. Yamaguchi has been joining various committees both of All Japan Judo Federation and of Japan Olympic Committee.

From Judo Encyclopedia (Athena Shobo, 1999); modified.

Born in Tokyo in 1966. Graduating from Kaishin Dai 4 Junior High School and Komaba High School, Tanabe went on to Nihon University. In her high school days, she was a javelin thrower. She started judo after entering university. Her favorite techniques were Ouchi-gari, Uchimata and so forth. She serially won the title of -72kg category at the All Japan Women Judo Weight-Category Championships 7 times from 1986 to 1992, and the All Japan Women Judo Championship 6 times from 1987 to 1992. At the World Judo Championships, she got bronze in the -72kg category in 1987; silver in the -72kg category and bronze in the Open in 1989; silver in the -72kg in 1991. At the Olympic Games, she was third in the -72kg category in 1988 in Seoul; second in 1992 in Barcelona; second in 1996 in Atlanta. Tanabe has been joining various committees both of All Japan Judo Federation and of Japan Olympic Committee.

From Judo Encyclopedia (Athena Shobo, 1999); modified.