Dear Branch Chiefs and Contacts,

As always, I would like to start my message, by expressing my deepest appreciation and respect to all of you for your dedication and hard work for our WKO.

 

As to the recovery after the big earthquake, which we understand is a source of concern for everyone, the reconstruction work is still continuing and many people are still evacuated from their homes. In Tokyo, where the supply and demand of electricity is a source of concern, people are carrying on with their lives, while conserving as much electricity as possible. As to the issue with the nuclear power plant, the government is doing its best to improve the situation, and informing us of the necessary information at the appropriate timing. We are currently preparation our response to provide the necessary cooperation when needed, in line with the instructions from the government. In any case, Japan is moving forward.

Meanwhile, we have announced the tournament draw for the 10th World Championship, the Karate Olympics held every four years. It was not an easy task to organize the tournament draw. Careful thinking was applied, again and again. For the participants, this tournament marks that start of their battle of their lives, and this is why it is so important for us to be fair, correct and at the same time take previous results, experience, country and region, and other factors of importance into consideration when making the draw. Many different elements have been taken into consideration, to make this tournament. Completion of the draw, has started the battle to decide the new Champion. The more you look at the draw, the more you will understand how difficult it will be to reach the top. We can absolutely declare this tournament as the strongest and largest World Championship. I will expect the fighters in the tournament to utilize the time they have left, and do their best to spend each day and each moment on their training.
 

Last month, I was invited to the Summer Camp in Indonesia. The camp was actively managed under the leadership of Branch Chief Sujoto, and I very much enjoyed my stay there. I would like to express my deepest respect to Branch Chief Sujoto, who always sees things in a wide point of view, and puts the growth of WKO as his top priority. As a recent movement, large groups of members from other Kyokushin groups, continue to join our organization. I believe this is a sign of high regard for our persistent work, and more than anything, I am convinced that it is a sign that the tight bond of friendship between us, has shined upon others like the sun. WKO does not belong to one person. WKO belongs to all of us. I deeply feel that these shapeless feelings and friendships, is indeed the fascinating part of WKO.