~ Gratitude to sponsors, Public Lecture, Preparation for 2023 and returned to cold Chicago ~
After my move to the United States, I have made a visit to my home country Japan after 16 months. In this article, I wish to share the activities there together with what I felt, what I was surprised at, etc.
The objective of my Japan Trip was to show my gratitude to my sponsors (with the tight schedule, I couldn’t visit all of them – my apologies), my first public lecture (Rotary Club in Odawara-Naka) Preparation for the US Kids Judo Camp in Japan, and visits to Adidas Japan, Mizkan, Ryukoku University, and meeting Prof. Kaori Yamaguchi.
Below was my schedule. No vacation time!! But mission accomplished!!
(1) My first Public Lecture (Dec 1st at Odawara-Naka Rotary Club
One of my large mission was this event. I was invited by Mr. Michihito Urago a chiropractor who took care of my body when I was an active athlete. (He takes care of Ryutaro Haga and Kosei Inoue – a legend in this area) The content of the lecture was based on my Judo Life and the activities of GKJN.
The audience was 50 celebrities from Odawara which was a first for me. It made me so nervous that I could talk even 30% of what I prepared… I leaned that talking about my dreams is not that easy. However, I am grateful to the Chairman Mr. Yoshizawa as well as Mr. Miyako for giving me this opportunity.
Me, very nervous – but very grateful to the given opportunity.
I’ll be back, after brushing my skills 😊
(2) Visit to Mizkan Headquarters (Dec 6th, Handa-City, Aichi Pref)
This visit was also something I was looking forward to. Mizkan, famous for Vinegar (current owner of Ragu) was found in Handa City, my birthplace. They provided 500 sets of Health Snacks for kids during the GKJN Cup held back in June 2022, and my main objective was a “thank you” visit. Met with Mr. Takagi, Director of Public Relations and Mr. Sawada. They took me through the Mizkan Museum (MIM) which was a wonderland of Vinegar and the culture of food. They promised to continue to support my activities. Great visit – and I do recommend visiting this museum too.
Mizkan HQ
The Mizkan Museum – tells you how to make vinegar
My original Soy Vinegar!!
(3)Prof. Kaori Yamaguchi (Dec 7th, Tsukuba University, Tokyo Campus)
A nervous visit to the legend of Judo. A meeting with Ms. Kaori Yamaguchi (Professor at Tsukuba University) Ms. Kaori Yamaguchi is the first Womens’ World Champion of Japan. She was called the Women Sanshiro and was the model of animation “YAWARA.” I was close to having a nervous breakdown but she was very sweet and easy to get acquainted with. She taught me how to popularize Judo outside of Japan, what is the significance of challenging, and how women can live tough – she gave me a lot of advise. What made me most happy was that she promised to support the GKJN activites!! I vowed that I will follow her footsteps and become her successor (in 100 years?)
A Baby!! Read to the end!!
(4)US Kids Judo Camp in Japan – visiting candidate sites (Dec 12th – Aso, Kumamoto)
Last major mission before returning to Chicago was to visit the site where US Kids and Japan Kids mingle for Judo, Nature and Culture exchange. The location is Minami Aso Nature School located in Takamori-cho, Minami Aso-gun, Kumamoto. Mr. Takahama, my teacher’s dojo is located here.
Was able to observe the beautiful nature, the sports and culture institute as well as the local Judo Kids. The local jurisdiction, railroad companies all raised their hands to support this activity. Wow!! I am glad that I chose this location for the US – Japan Kids Relations where they get together and overcome the barrier of language and culture. I am confident that this will be a wonderful experience for them.
The great nature of Kumamoto!! From the natural sports and cultural experience facilities to the joint training camp judo hall and the cooperation of the Takamori town side, it was the best inspection for the realization of the U.S. Judo Kids Japan Dispatch Program~!!
(5) Lastly
The 3 weeks in Japan was very busy, but busy is good. There’s a lot to do with a bunch of challenges, but this is only made possible by the supporters of GKJN. I would like to thank every and all. In 2023, the 2nd GKJN Cup will take place as well as the 1st US Kids Japan Tour. A lot to do!!
Lastly, this is private, but I was fortunate to give birth to a boy on August 19th. My other dream was to be a mom which was granted. My second life will be devoted to supporting the growth of my son and Judo in United States.
Thank you for a wonderful 2022.
Megumi Ishikawa
December 31, 2022
In Cold Chicago
