Home

As part of the Olympic Dreams international sports camp project, young Ukrainian judokas from the cities of Bucha, Hostomel, Irpin and Chernihiv trained for almost a month with the best judo masters in Japan. 

This camp, the third since 2023, supported by Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, is unique in its programme. Thus, Ukrainian judokas had the honor to train with the best athletes of Japan in the heart of world judo - Kodokan Institute, Tenri University, Shutoku High School, and Adachi High school. In addition, the All Japan Judo Federation organised masterclasses by Japanese judo legends such as Kenzo Nakamura, Aaron Wolf and Joshiro Maruyama, Anai Takamasa, Ono Yoko and Miku Takaichi, while the physical training of the Ukrainian team was provided by Ono Yuki, the physical training coach of the Japanese national judo team.

The visit of the athletes ended with a traditional gala event with the participation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, the All Japan Judo Federation, the Japanese Olympic Committee, the Kodokan Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan Sports Agency, and other distinguished guests. 

In the photo from left to right: Oleksandra Novikova, Kenzo Nakamura, Anatoliy Boyko, Soya Nakazato, Karen Balaian, Oleksandra Starkova
 

Vice president of AJJF Soya Nakazato said: “We are proud to be able to support Ukrainian athletes in this difficult time. The exchange of experience and cultural interaction strengthens the friendship between our countries and contributes to the development of future champions. They have shown the strength of spirit that defies all odds.”

In the photo: Speech of Sergiy Korsunsky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan

Ambassador Extraordinary