Shihan Kazhiro Sawada, Instructor of JKA Belgium (8th Dan, Shihankai Member and International Shihankai Member), has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation, and on October 16, a certificate was presented to him by Ambassador Masahiro Mikami at the Conferment Ceremony held at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence. The Ambassador Mikami also expressed deep gratitude and respect for his longstanding contributions.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas.
Shihan Sawada has been involved in promoting Karate-do based in Belgium for many years. He has been recognized and appreciated for his contributions to the dissemination of Japanese culture and international goodwill through Karate.
As the Japan Karate Association, which hopes for world peace through Karate, we sincerely rejoice in Shihan Sawada’s commendation and express our gratitude for his contributions thus far.

Press releases by Japan’s Mofa and Embassey in Belgium

◎Mofa: 28th August 2025
https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_01608.html

◎Embassey in Belgium: 16th October 2025
https://www.be.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/news_251017.html