The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, has officially launched the 2025 Japanese Ambassador’s Cup, a prestigious martial arts championship featuring four traditional Japanese martial arts: Judo, Karate-do, Kendo, and Jiujitsu.
The championships are scheduled to take place on November 15-16, 2025, at the DG Hathiramani Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium; the event promises to be an exciting celebration of martial arts, culture, and friendship between Ghana and Japan.
The Ambassador expressed his delight in the joint organization of the tournament by the four Budo organizations, praising their enthusiasm and solidarity.
“I would like to commend the four Budo organizations—Judo, Karate, Kendo, and Ju-Jitsu—for taking the initiative, for the first time, to jointly organize this combined tournament and hold this press conference together,” he said.
The championship aims to promote cultural exchange, discipline, and mutual respect between Ghana and Japan. The events will feature demonstrations and competitions showcasing the skills and philosophy of the four martial arts disciplines.
Ambassador Yoshimoto emphasized the significance of Japanese Budo, saying, “Japanese Budo is more than just a sport or a fighting discipline; it is a profound spiritual culture that emphasizes discipline such as ‘Rei’ (courtesy/respect), ‘Kiritsu’ (discipline), and ‘Jiko-Tanren’ (self-perfection).”
Nathaniel Johnson, President of the Ghana Karate-do Federation and chair of the planning committee for the 2025 Japan Ambassador’s Cup, highlighted the importance of martial arts in building character, resilience, and leadership among youth and athletes.
“Martial Arts is more than sport; it is a discipline that builds character, resilience, and leadership among our youth and athletes,” he said.
“Through this event, we aim to elevate Ghana’s profile in international Martial arts, showcase our athletes’ dedication, and deepen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Japan.”
The Vice President of the Ghana Kendo Federation, Sensei Dickson Enam Kwame Acolatse, expressed gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for their support and appealed for help with air travel for their athletes to compete in the International Kendo Championship in Tunisia.
“We therefore make a humble appeal to corporate Ghana, public institutions, and all individuals who believe in the power of sport to join hands with us in making this dream a reality,” he said.
The President of the Ghana Jiujitsu Federation, Master Maxwell Borketey Borquaye, expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for inviting them for the first time to compete in the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup and promised that their athletes are poised and ready for the championship.
Elkanah Dodoo, head coach of the Ghana Judo Association, also expressed excitement, stating that they are the longest participating member of the championship and have benefited from their long relationship with the Japanese Embassy.
“We are excited to be the longest participating member of the championship and have benefited from our long relationship with the Japanese Embassy. Our athletes are ever ready for the championship,” he said.
The 2025 Japanese Ambassador’s Cup promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the skills and sportsmanship of Ghanaian and Japanese athletes.
