Official Visit to Miyazaki — Preparing the TICAD Games Symposium and the 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament

From 18 to 21 July 2026, the Tunisian Kendo League conducted an official visit to Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, as part of the preparations for two major upcoming events: the TICAD Games Symposium and the 2026 Tunisia–Japan Diplomatic Relations 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament, both to be held in December.

The visit, led by the Deputy Secretary General of the Tunisian Kendo League, aimed to strengthen the network of partners and stakeholders supporting these upcoming events, while developing lasting relationships between the Tunisian and Japanese kendo communities and promoting broader cooperation between Tunisia and Japan through kendo, sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, tourism, and international cooperation.

18 July — Kendo community exchange

Official dinner and exchange with the Miyazaki Bank Kendo Club, marking an important first meeting and laying the foundations for future kendo exchange between Tunisia and Miyazaki in preparation for the 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament.

19 July — Cultural and institutional exchange

Visit to Misogi Pond, with an introduction to Japanese mythology and the cultural heritage associated with the region.

Visit to Udo Shrine, accompanied by Mr. Tanaka of Neighborhood. The visit included an introduction to the shrine’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its connection to the origins of Japanese swordsmanship and the annual kendo tournament held at the site.

Official dinner and meeting with the Chief of the Nichinan Police, an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and explore potential avenues for future cooperation and exchange.

20 July — Cultural and kendo exchange

Visit to Aoshima Island, an important cultural and natural landmark of Miyazaki, providing an opportunity to discover the region’s heritage and strengthen cultural understanding.

Kendo practice and exchange with the Miyazaki kendo community, with the participation of several highly experienced practitioners, including multiple 8th Dan senseis. The session was an important opportunity for technical and cultural exchange, and further strengthened the connections between the Tunisian and Japanese kendo communities ahead of the 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament.

21 July — Institutional and international cooperation

The final day was dedicated to a series of meetings with key organisations and local authorities: JETRO Miyazaki, the Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association, JICA Miyazaki, the Mayor of Miyazaki City, and representatives of the International Exchange Section of the Miyazaki Prefectural Government.

These meetings focused on strengthening cooperation and identifying opportunities to support the TICAD Games Symposium and the 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament, while exploring broader avenues of collaboration in kendo, sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, tourism, international cooperation, and international exchange.

Acknowledgements

The Tunisian Kendo League expresses its sincere appreciation to all the organisations, authorities, kendo practitioners, senseis, and partners who contributed to the success of this official visit and to the preparation of these important upcoming events.

This mission represents a significant step in strengthening the foundations for the TICAD Games Symposium and the 2026 Tunisia–Japan Diplomatic Relations 70th Anniversary Kendo Tournament, while contributing to the development of lasting institutional and sporting ties between Tunisia and Japan.

Together, we continue to build bridges between Tunisia and Japan through kendo, sport, and international exchange.