The Handover Ceremonies for “The Project for the Construction of Judo-jo for the Federesen blong Judo blong Vanuatu” under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects and “The Project for Sports Diplomacy Enhancement” (17 July 2026)
2026/7/21
On 18 July 2026, H.E. Mr. OKUDA Naohisa, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Vanuatu, handed over a new Judo-jo (Judo Hall) and Judogi (Judo Uniform) in Port Vila.
The new Judo-jo was constructed through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects with a grant of approximately 200,000 U.S. Dollars together with additional support for the solar power generation facilities by the French Embassy and the total of 187 used tatami mats by the All Japan Judo Federation and the Japan United by Diversity and Olympism (JUDOs) (International shipping costs of the tatami mats were collaboratively supported by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. and South Pacific Shipping (Vanuatu) Ltd.).
Besides, a total of 200 Judogi were provided from the All Japan Judo Federation and JUDOs to the Vanuatu Judo Federation with a partial support by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan under “The Project for Sports Diplomacy Enhancement,” part of “Sport for Tomorrow.”
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of France to the Republic of Vanuatu, H.E. Dr. Jean-Baptiste JEANGENE VILMER along with members of the Vanuatu Judo Federation, in total of more than 200 people. Through these projects, that the friendly relations between Vanuatu and Japan will be further strengthened through sports, and that Judo will contribute to the healthy development of youth.
The new Judo-jo was constructed through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects with a grant of approximately 200,000 U.S. Dollars together with additional support for the solar power generation facilities by the French Embassy and the total of 187 used tatami mats by the All Japan Judo Federation and the Japan United by Diversity and Olympism (JUDOs) (International shipping costs of the tatami mats were collaboratively supported by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. and South Pacific Shipping (Vanuatu) Ltd.).
Besides, a total of 200 Judogi were provided from the All Japan Judo Federation and JUDOs to the Vanuatu Judo Federation with a partial support by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan under “The Project for Sports Diplomacy Enhancement,” part of “Sport for Tomorrow.”
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of France to the Republic of Vanuatu, H.E. Dr. Jean-Baptiste JEANGENE VILMER along with members of the Vanuatu Judo Federation, in total of more than 200 people. Through these projects, that the friendly relations between Vanuatu and Japan will be further strengthened through sports, and that Judo will contribute to the healthy development of youth.