Visit to Japan by Iraqi Karate Players

May 25, 2006

From May 28 (Sun) to June 7 (Wed), the Government of Japan will invite eight members of the Iraqi Karate Federation and its Al-Muthanna branch, with a view to promoting understanding of and strengthening goodwill toward Japan in Iraq through sports exchange.
During their stay, the visitors, with the cooperation of the Japan Karatedo Federation, the Japan Defense Agency (JDA) and others will participate in training at universities in Tokyo and the Physical Training School of the Self Defense Forces (SDF) and give karate demonstrations at the 45th All SDF Karate Championship. They will also pay courtesy calls on government officials and visit places of interest in Tokyo.
This project is being implemented at a time when there is increasing interest in karate in Iraq, mainly in Samawah, thanks to the interchange between the Ground Self Defense Force units dispatched to Iraq and karate players in Al-Muthanna as well as through efforts by the Japanese side, including the provision of karate equipment by the Japan Karatedo Federation.
It is expected that through this invitation, the friendly relations with Iraq will be enhanced and Iraqis' understanding toward Japan will be deepened through the spirit of martial arts of karate, Japanese traditional sport.

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