The 15th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament
2026/9/7
On 5 and 6 September, the Embassy of Japan in Zambia, in cooperation with Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International, held the 15th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament at the National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC) in Lusaka.
Approximately 300 karateka from six countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, competed in the two day tournament, which brought together around 500 athletes, officials and spectators. Participants of different ages demonstrated the results of their training while learning from the skills and experience of fellow karateka from across the region.
Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sport at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, attended the closing ceremony on 6 September as Guest of Honour. Mr. Chileshe described the tournament as a symbol of friendship between Zambia and Japan and highlighted the role of karate in instilling discipline, resilience and respect among young people. Ambassador MIKAMI Akiteru welcomed the development of karate in Zambia, noting that Zambian instructors are now passing the Japanese martial art on to Japanese children, demonstrating how cultural exchange between the two countries has become a genuine two-way process.
Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International also presented a specially prepared karate uniform and certificate for President Hakainde Hichilema in recognition of his perseverance, discipline and life journey. The items were entrusted to Mr. Chileshe for delivery to the President. Beyond competition, the tournament provided an opportunity to pass the values of karate to a new generation, strengthen regional ties and further deepen the friendship between Japan and Zambia.
To read the speech made by Ambassador Mikami at this event, please click here.
Approximately 300 karateka from six countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, competed in the two day tournament, which brought together around 500 athletes, officials and spectators. Participants of different ages demonstrated the results of their training while learning from the skills and experience of fellow karateka from across the region.
Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sport at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, attended the closing ceremony on 6 September as Guest of Honour. Mr. Chileshe described the tournament as a symbol of friendship between Zambia and Japan and highlighted the role of karate in instilling discipline, resilience and respect among young people. Ambassador MIKAMI Akiteru welcomed the development of karate in Zambia, noting that Zambian instructors are now passing the Japanese martial art on to Japanese children, demonstrating how cultural exchange between the two countries has become a genuine two-way process.
Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International also presented a specially prepared karate uniform and certificate for President Hakainde Hichilema in recognition of his perseverance, discipline and life journey. The items were entrusted to Mr. Chileshe for delivery to the President. Beyond competition, the tournament provided an opportunity to pass the values of karate to a new generation, strengthen regional ties and further deepen the friendship between Japan and Zambia.
To read the speech made by Ambassador Mikami at this event, please click here.