Japan’s envoy to Rwanda has announced that it will donate over 400 pieces of Tatami Mats as part of his country’s continued support to the Rwanda Karate Federation.

His Excellence Takayuki Miyashita made the announcement at the Japanese embassy at Nyarutama while marking the birthday celebration of the Majesty the Emperor of Japan, this week.

"I take this opportunity to announce with pleasure that my government has just decided to donate 400 pieces of Tatami Mats to Rwanda Karate Federation,” he said announced, adding that, "The mats will arrive in Rwanda early next year.”

The envoy further noted that, "When I arrived in Rwanda, I was rather surprised to know that the Rwanda Karate Federation had more than 3,000 members throughout the county, who enjoy Karate every day.”

Karate is Japanese martial arts similar to the Korean Taekwondo; in 2020 the sport will be an official event of the Olympics for Tokyo 2020.

Rwanda Karate Federation president Théogène Uwayo expressed gratitude saying that, "The Tatami mats will be distributed to different districts in order to promote and develop Karate talent across the country.”

Every year, the Japanese Embassy sponsors the annual Karate Ambassadors Cup, which is organized by Rwanda Karate Federation.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw