Attendance at the Celebration Banquet for Dojo’s Government Decoration

On Sunday, November 9, a celebration banquet will be held at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, to commemorate the conferment of a government decoration upon Dojo.

Representing KAU, Dojo Head Sung Juhwan of Incheon Samsungdang will attend the event.

On April 29 of this year, Dojo was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of sports by the Japanese government.

The Order of the Rising Sun is comparable in rank to Korea’s Order of Civil Merit (Dongbaek Medal). It is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation or the public across a wide range of fields, including politics, economics, society, education, culture, sports, and the environment.This decoration is conferred not only on Japanese nationals but also on foreign recipients, and is announced twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Meanwhile, Christian Tissier (8th Dan) of France was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays on November 3, in recognition of his contributions to the spread of Aikido in France and to international friendship.

For reference, in 2015, the parents of the late Lee Soo-hyun, who lost his life while rescuing a Japanese citizen during the 2001 Shin-Okubo Station track accident, were also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. This was in recognition of their contributions to promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Korea and Japan, including the establishment of the Lee Soo-hyun Scholarship Foundation in their son’s name.

KAU (Korea Aikido Union)

• KAU is a federation of Aikido dojos in Korea that follows the goals and vision of the Aikikai Foundation, aiming to promote and expand standard Aikido in accordance with headquarters guidelines.

• KAU views Aikido as a healthy physical and cultural activity, and hopes that those who practice Aikido will grow into healthy and responsible members of society.

• KAU is independent of religion and politics, and stands firmly against discrimination and hatred.