Keiko Fukuda, the world's highest ranking female judoka, died at 99 years of age in 2013 after teaching judo for almost 80 years.  She received 9th degree black belt from the Kodokan in Japan, never to receive the ultimate 10th degree simply because they don't give it to women. Fukuda received her 5th degree in the early 50s in Japan, then the highest rank allowed to women.  After a 30 year battle by her US patron, Dr. Shelley Fernandez, sensei Fukuda finally received 9th degree at the Kodokan.  USA Judo and USJF gave her 10th degree in 2011, but the Kodokan has refused to follow suit.  Only 15 men have been awarded the 10th degree in Japan, many with less experience and years of teaching than Fukuda Sensei. This unfair decision is resulting in the Kodokan losing respectability in the global judo world.  It is no longer acceptable in the 21st century to deny women their rightful place.  We respectfully request that the Kodokan Committee immediately award Fukuda Sensei 10th dan.