Powerhouse Japan returned to the top of the medal count after eight years, having boycotted the Moscow games.

Because of the Soviet-led boycott of the Los Angeles games, several traditionally strong judo countries, including Cuba and the Soviet Union, did not participate.

[1] Austrian Peter Seisenbacher in the 86 kg class won the gold medal, as did Hitoshi Saito of Japan in the over 95 kg class, feats they would repeat in 1988, becoming the first judoka to win gold at two Olympics.

In the open division, four-time world champion Yasuhiro Yamashita tore a right calf muscle in the preliminary match against Arthur Schnabel.

The match witnessed a remarkable fair play act from Rashwan who did not aim for Yamashita's right leg.