Remarks at the Demonstration of Japanese Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts by the Nippon Sport Science University on Saturday, February 18th 2012
Mr Yosuke Yamamoto and Members of the Delegation from the Nippon Sport Science University,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Boys and Girls,
It is my honour and pleasure to address you at the opening of the 2012 Japanese Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts by the Nippon Sport Science University.
At the outset, as already mentioned by Mr Yamamoto, I also would like to convey my utmost gratitude to the people of Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia for their sincere sympathy and massive support extended to Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Japan will surely recover and will repay everyone’s kindness by strongly contributing to the international community again.
As for Japanese martial arts, judo and karate are popular around the world, and here in Victoria sumo is practiced by a number of Australians, as demonstrated in the Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival a week ago.
Today’s event offers an opportunity to witness some of the best practitioners in their particular arts.
While the concept of ‘martial arts’ is often associated with strength and force, in Japan the beauty of the movement and respect for the opponent are also valued.
So, representing the residents here, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to the Delegation from the Nippon Sport Science University.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Delegation from the Nippon Sport Science University and participants of this event and look forward to witnessing good performances by the Delegation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I hope you will all enjoy today’s event.
Thank you.