Visit to Japan of Judo Athletes from the Middle East

January 6, 2006

The Government of Japan will invite a total of twelve Judo athletes and coaches from Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria from January 7 (Sat) to 20 (Fri), as part of its efforts to promote understanding of Japan and foster friendly relationship with peoples in the region through sports exchange.
With the cooperation of the Kodokan Judo Institute and the All Japan Judo Federation, the party, during its stay in Japan, will attend a Kagamibiraki ceremony (celebration of the New Year by cutting a large rice cake) at the Kodokan, participate in intensive training, a public workout and in the Jigoro Kano Cup International Judo Tournament. The participants will also pay courtesy calls on government officials and visit places around Tokyo.
It is expected that this invitation program will promote friendly relations with people of the Middle East and deepen their understanding of Japan through Judo, an ancient sport of Japan.

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