H.E. Ambassador Kinefuchi attended the opening ceremony and the award ceremony of the European Judo Hopes Cup for Under-15s.
At the same time, two Japanese judo experts conducted a technical coaching seminar for a total of 200 children over the two days. The seminar was led by Mr. Kariya from the Kodokan, the headquarters of judo, and Mr. Takimoto, a gold medallist at the Sydney Olympics.
The children received useful and serious instructions directly from the gold medallists.
Bilateral relations between Japan and BH are promoted through judo and other sports.
Ambassador Kinefuchi said: “Kodokan is the main headquarters of judo from where the indigenous spirit of judo, skills and physical strength, the three characteristics of martial arts, are directly transmitted to the children who train, and I think that this is very important for the further spread of judo in Europe and I believe that mutual exchange and socializing between people is very important for the development of good relations.”
