The Embassy of Japan in Rwanda and the Rwanda Karate Federation (FERWAKA) со-organized the 7th Ambassador’s Cup Karate Tournament 2025 on Saturday, March 15th, at Paralympic Gymnasium in Kigali. About 20 karate clubs with 128 athletes got together for the competition, which consists of Kata in which players demonstrate a combination of various techniques and Kumite in which two players fight against each other.
At the ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Isao FUKUSHIMA, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, expressed his gratitude to FERWAKA for its effort to promote karate in Rwanda. The philosophy of Japanese martial arts, such as respect for others, discipline, and self-reflection, is deeply rooted in the Japanese people’s mind even today. Furthermore, it respects peace and harmony, and these principles have built today’s Japanese society.
Mr. Damien NIYONGABO, the President of FERWAKA, stated “it is a great pleasure for me to express my great sense of gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Isao FUKUSHIMA, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda for his valuable contribution to the promotion of Karate in Rwanda.”
The Embassy of Japan has been cooperating with FERWAKA to promote karate in Rwanda. In September 2018, the Embassy donated karate equipment including 400 tatami mats to FERWAKA. In 2018, FERWAKA was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for its promotion of karate in Rwanda for more than twenty years. Also in 2021, Mr. Theogene UWAYO, a former president of FERWAKA, was honored with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” by the Emperor of Japan.
The Embassy of Japan keeps on working together with FERWAKA for further strengthening sportif exchange between Japan and Rwanda. (End)