THE 2026 Japan Ambassador’s Championship, featuring four traditional Japanese martial arts disciplines, Judo, Karate-do, Kendo and Jiu-jitsu, has ended at the DG Hathiramani Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium, with more than 400 male and female practitioners competing for honours over two days.

The championship, organised to strengthen the longstanding friendship and sporting partnership between Ghana and Japan, was held under the theme: ‘Cultivating Discipline, Focus and Character through Kendo, Karate, Judo and Jujitsu: Four Arts, One Spirit.’

The event brought together practitioners across various age groups and weight categories, providing a platform for athletes to demonstrate their technical abilities, discipline and competitive spirit while promoting the values and philosophies associated with the four martial arts.

Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, who was the special Guest of Honour, said the championship was aimed at promoting cultural exchange, discipline and mutual respect between Ghana and Japan.

He expressed his admiration for the young talents on display throughout the two-day event and expressed optimism about Ghana’s prospects of making an impact in the four disciplines on the international stage.

“I have been amazed by the young talents on display over the two days. I can boldly say that, with the right discipline, focus and training, Ghana will make a statement in these disciplines at the international level in the not-too-distant future,” he stated.

Ambassador Yoshimoto reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for the development of all four martial arts disciplines in Ghana, emphasising the importance of sustained training and opportunities for practitioners to improve their skills.

He also used the occasion to invite the public to the 23rd Ghana Yosakoi Japan Festival, scheduled for November 21 at the Ghana Police Headquarters Social and Fitness Centre.

The festival is expected to feature martial arts demonstrations, Japanese games and other fun activities designed to showcase Japanese culture and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

The ambassador congratulated the winners and commended the respective federations for their efforts in developing the disciplines and providing competitive opportunities for practitioners.

He also expressed the hope that next year’s championship would be bigger, attracting more participants and further raising the profile of Japanese martial arts in Ghana.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr Nathaniel Johnson, urged the athletes to remain focused, determined and disciplined, stressing that continued commitment would be essential to their development and success.

At the end of the championship, the first three finishers in each of the four disciplines received certificates and medals in recognition of their performances.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

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