Hifumi and Uta Abe on their way to second Olympic gold medal. GETTY IMAGES

Japan's brother-and-sister Olympic judo champions Hifumi and Uta Abe are spurring each other on in their bid to defend their titles at Paris 2024, AFP reports.

The siblings both won individual golds within an hour of each other at the Tokyo 2020 and they are likely to be a force to be reckoned with again in Paris.

Both are four-time world champions and Hifumi Abe told reporters in Tokyo that he does not want to be outdone by his younger sister this summer.

Hifumi Abe moments after his victory at the Tokyo 2020 final bout. GETTY IMAGES
Hifumi Abe moments after his victory at the Tokyo 2020 final bout. GETTY IMAGES

"I know we are both working hard and we share the same target - that fact alone helps me," said the 26-year-old.

"When I see her working hard and putting in the effort, it gives me strength and makes me think that I have to work hard too."

Hifumi beat Georgia's Vazha Margvelashvili to win the men's -66 kg Olympic title in Tokyo shortly after Uta claimed the women's -52 kg gold by beating France's Amandine Buchard.

The siblings will again compete on the same day in Paris and Uta said they will keep an eye on each other's matches.

Uta and Hifumi Abewith the commemorative coins for the Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES
Uta and Hifumi Abewith the commemorative coins for the Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES

"If we both progress through the tournament then that helps support each other," said the 23-year-old.

"The most important thing is to keep winning so that we can both reach the final and win."

Both siblings followed up their Olympic success by winning world titles in their respective weight classes in both 2022 and 2023.

Uta Abe in action. GETTY IMAGES
Uta Abe in action. GETTY IMAGES

Hifumi said competing at an Olympics away from home for the first time is likely to be his biggest challenge.

"There will be a time difference so I have to make sure I prepare myself right to be in good shape," he said.

"With the judo side of it, as long as I prepare myself as I normally do, I'm confident there is no way I will lose."