Takayama, Gifu
Yamashita is from Takayama, Gifu and began judo when she was in second grade. After graduating from Tohwa University, she began working for the Osaka Prefectural Police. In 2000, Yamashita won the All-Japan Championships and the and was chosen to represent Japan in the Olympic Games held in Sydney. There she defeated Christine Cicot by Osotogari to win a bronze medal.