Nippon Budokan Foundation dispatched a 71-member martial arts experts delegation to India to hold Japanese Martial Arts Demonstration on 3rd November 2012 at K D Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, which was one of the most important events of the 60th Anniversary of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations. The delegation was led by Mr Shimamura Yoshinobu, former Minister of Education, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Mr. Onkar Kedia, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mr Sidharth Birla, Vice President, FICCI, H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to India and Mr. Shimamura Yoshinobu inaugurated the Event. Surprise guest was Mr. Rahul Gandhi, M.P. and General Secretary of Indian National Congress.

The demonstration comprised of 12 disciplines, namely, Judo, Karate, Kendo, Sumo, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata, Kyudo, Jukendo, Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu, Enshin-ryu lai Suemonogiri Kenpo, Kingai-ryu Karate Okinawa Kobujutsu. During the demonstration, some Indian children were invited to practice Judo and Sumo with the experts. The goodwill gesture was greatly appreciated by the audience. Around 6,400 audience members gathered at the Stadium who not only keenly observed the sophisticated movements of the experts but also cheered every intricate movement.

The largest ever martial arts event could be materialized only with the whole-hearted cooperation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and FICCI. The Delegation conducted special demonstrations at Delhi Police’s Special Protection Unit for Women & Children and Japanese School in Delhi. The visiting Karate experts, Judo experts and Aikido experts also conducted special workshops for dojos in Delhi.