Judo Workshop in Germany##germany
The Asahi Kasei Judo Team regularly hosts the “Asahi Kasei Judo Workshop” in Düsseldorf, Germany. Although judo originated in Japan, it is highly popular in Germany. Through these workshops in Düsseldorf, home to Asahi Kasei Europe, we provide opportunities for people to experience and appreciate the joy of judo.
Event synopsis
At the 2-day workshop held on February 18–19, 2026, General Manager Kenzo Nakamura, Coach Ryunosuke Haga, and team member Takanori Nagase served as instructors, offering classes for both elementary students and experienced practitioners. Many of the more than 200 participants commented that the workshop was highly enjoyable and very satisfying. While in Düsseldorf, the instructors also gave a talk and demonstration for first- and second-grade students at the local Japanese school, where children shared their impressions such as learning the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, reaffirming the significance of judo as a means of nurturing young people.
Judo Workshops in Japan##judo
To support local communities and help energize judo in Japan, where participation is declining, the Asahi Kasei Judo Team regularly hosts judo workshops for elementary, junior high, and high school students around the country. Participants have the rare opportunity to observe world-class techniques demonstrated by instructors who have competed on the global stage. Through playful, game-based exercises, children can learn judo movements in an enjoyable way and experience the excitement of judo up close.
Event synopsis
A workshop was held in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, On December 20, 2025, with three instructors from the Asahi Kasei Judo Team: General Manager Kenzo Nakamura, and Advisors Yoshio Nakamura and Yukimasa Nakamura. Around 100 elementary, junior high, and high school students from the Ashikaga region joined. Each instructor demonstrated and explained key points of their signature techniques, providing hands-on guidance. Following the workshop, students shared enthusiastic comments such as, “I was amazed by the sharpness of the techniques,” and “The explanations were clear and very helpful. I want to use what I learned to become stronger,” making the event a great success.
Children’s Judo Experience: AKJT Kids Project##kids
The Asahi Kasei Judo Team launched this project for young children at kindergartens and nursery schools in and around Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, where the team is based. The goal is to share the joy of judo and the fun of physical activity. Children first learn simple judo etiquette, then watch the athletes demonstrate throwing techniques, and even get a chance to try throwing the athletes themselves.
Event synopsis
On July 13, 2023, 44 children from nearby Totoro Kindergarten were invited to the Asahi Kasei Judo Dojo in Nobeoka for judo experience and a chance to spend time with the athletes. They learned judo etiquette, watched powerful throwing demonstrations, and even tried throwing the athletes themselves. Despite initial nervousness, the children soon relaxed and enjoyed the fun of judo through warm interactions with the athletes.
The Golden Games in Nobeoka (GGN)##ggn
The Golden Games in Nobeoka (GGN), a long-distance track competition, is an annual event held in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Having begun as a small competition by Asahi Kasei's Track Team, GGN has grown year by year with the enthusiasm and cooperation of the local community. GGN has now become a fixture of Nobeoka as a unique track competition that brings world-class athletes together with students, attracting around 25,000 spectators from all around Japan while uniting local residents through sports.
Features of the event
GGN is a community-based event jointly organized by the Asahi Kasei’s Track Team, local companies, public authorities, and student volunteers. For the athletes, it serves as an important competition that can influence their selection for international tournaments. For local elementary and junior high school students, it offers a rare opportunity to run on the same track as top athletes, playing a vital role in nurturing the next generation. With the energy created by enthusiastic spectators and the athletes’ passionate performance, the event fosters community engagement and invigoration through sports.
Other activities ##other
Support for martial arts lessons in junior high schools
The Asahi Kasei Judo Team provides support for judo lessons as part of martial arts education in junior high schools across Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Team members and coaches visit schools to demonstrate and teach fundamental techniques such as defensive falls, as well as safe instructional methods. Their activities not only convey the joy of judo and the values of respect and discipline, but also help ensure a safe environment for students and enhance the overall quality of instruction.
