Asahi Kasei held a judo workshop on February 28, 2017, in Düsseldorf, Germany, where Asahi Kasei’s European regional headquarters, Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH, is located. It was the first judo workshop held by Asahi Kasei outside of Japan.

The Asahi Kasei Group’s Basic Framework for Community Fellowship includes Nurturing the Next Generation and Promotion of Culture, Art, and Sports as major themes of focus. In accordance with this framework, Asahi Kasei has held judo workshops for children in Japan for many years, mainly in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, where Asahi Kasei was founded. Although judo originated in Japan, it is now increasingly popular around the world, notably in Germany. The judo workshop in Germany was held as part of Asahi Kasei’s commitment to deepen community relationships in the city of Düsseldorf, home to Asahi Kasei Europe since April 2016.

Asahi Kasei Judo Team members Shohei Ono, 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, and Takanori Nagase, 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medalist, served as instructors at the workshop in Düsseldorf. The 184 participants were divided into two groups: one for judo novices and children up to lower grades of elementary school, and another for people with judo experience and children from upper grades of elementary school and above. Many spectators enjoyed watching the very successful workshop, including Mr. Thomas Geisel, Düsseldorf City Mayor, other city officials, and Mr. Ryuta Mizuuchi, Consul General of Japan in Düsseldorf.

Asahi Kasei will continue to work to deepen relationships with the communities where we operate around the world, including through sports and cultural activities.

Overview of the Asahi Kasei Judo Workshop in Düsseldorf

Venue

Städtisch Comenius-Gymnasium (Municipal Comenius High School)

Number of participants

90 judo novices and children up to lower grades of elementary school
94 people with judo experience and children from upper grades of elementary school and above

　

Scenes from the judo workshop in Düsseldorf