Japan’s Parliamentary Karate Support League (PKSL) held its general assembly on 26 October, reaffirming its commitment to the development of karate in Japan and worldwide, with a particular focus on the sport’s Olympic prospects.
36 members and leading karate figures
The meeting was attended by 36 members, including former Sports Minister Daichi Suzuki, World Karate Federation (WKF) General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, Japan Karate Federation (JKF) President Yoshihiro Sasakawa, and Takashi Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the JKF and Honorary President of the WKF.
A new president and a kata legend
The assembly unanimously elected Masahiko Shibayama as the league’s new president, while WKF kata legend Atsuko Wakai was appointed as the organisation’s new secretary.
Eyes on Brisbane 2032
Discussions focused on karate’s Olympic prospects for the Brisbane 2032 Games, as well as the development of the sport in Japan and internationally.
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Tokyo on the calendar in 2027 and 2028
JKF President Yoshihiro Sasakawa outlined plans for two major international competitions in Tokyo: the 2027 Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships, and the 2028 Karate World Cup. Both events are expected to strengthen Japan’s role in international karate and provide important opportunities to promote the sport.
Antonio Espinós: “an important force”
WKF President Antonio Espinós said: “Japan’s Parliamentary Karate Support League is an important force behind the progress of karate. Its commitment helps strengthen our sport in Japan and supports our efforts to secure karate’s place in the Olympic programme, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”
He offered special thanks to Toshihisa Nagura “for his continued efforts to ensure that karate’s importance in Japanese society, rooted in its rich history and tradition, remains strong and continues to grow.”
He also thanked Yoshihiro Sasakawa “for his commitment and active involvement in ensuring the cooperation between Japan’s political representatives and the karate community and in bringing major international karate events to Japan, further strengthening the country’s position as a leading force in our sport.”
Source: wkf.net, 30 October 2026. Photo: WKF.