Ep. 37: Jigoro recounts a tumultuous past involving Kaneko, a marriage proposal, and a saved life.

37

During an interview about Yawara, Jigoro recalls his early days at Kaneko's Kyudodan dojo. He saved a suicidal man, later identified as Sato Daisaku, who would become a prime minister. Kaneko’s uncle, Toranosuke, arrived to arrange a marriage between Kaneko and his student, honoring the late Ushio Umanosuke’s wishes. Jigoro, who loved Kaneko, clashed with Toranosuke over the value of judo versus tradition. Toranosuke tricked Jigoro into claiming judo was paramount, a statement Jigoro inadvertently confirmed by prioritizing the All Japan Championship. Believing Jigoro rejected her, Kaneko left with her uncle. In the final match, the saved man inspired Jigoro to win by promising to propose to Kaneko at Ueno station. Jigoro rushed to the station, proposing to the wrong woman before realizing Kaneko was running alongside the train. She caught up at the next station, and they exchanged marriage vows. Yawara remains skeptical of this account.