14th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament
2025/9/21
On 20th and 21st September 2025, the Embassy of Japan in Zambia and the Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International co-hosted the Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament at the National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC) in Lusaka.
This tournament marked its 14th edition since 2010, attracting hundreds of karate-kas not only from Zambia but also from neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Zimbabwe. Participants competed in kata, full-contact, and semi-contact divisions to demonstrate the results of their training.
Following the national anthems of both countries performed by students from the International School of Lusaka under the direction of Ms. Hirayama, music director of the school, Mr. Chileshe Kangwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and H.E. Mr. TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki, Ambassador of Japan, delivered the opening speeches. Ambassador Takeuchi stated that karate is a means of fostering self-development and leadership, expressing his hope that young karate practitioners will show leadership in the future, while also emphasizing the importance of international exchange through karate.
To read the speech by Ambassador Takeuchi, please click here.
This tournament marked its 14th edition since 2010, attracting hundreds of karate-kas not only from Zambia but also from neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Zimbabwe. Participants competed in kata, full-contact, and semi-contact divisions to demonstrate the results of their training.
Following the national anthems of both countries performed by students from the International School of Lusaka under the direction of Ms. Hirayama, music director of the school, Mr. Chileshe Kangwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and H.E. Mr. TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki, Ambassador of Japan, delivered the opening speeches. Ambassador Takeuchi stated that karate is a means of fostering self-development and leadership, expressing his hope that young karate practitioners will show leadership in the future, while also emphasizing the importance of international exchange through karate.
To read the speech by Ambassador Takeuchi, please click here.