Fez — The Embassy of Japan in Morocco will host a National Kendo Seminar and Open Day tomorrow at the Abdelmajid Dolmi Indoor Hall in Casablanca, bringing together martial arts practitioners, officials, and the public for a full day of demonstrations and cultural exchange.
Organized in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Federation of Aikido, Kendo, Iaido and Jodo, the event will be conducted by Master Hideki Shogen, a 6th Dan kendo expert, and will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
The Ambassador of Japan to Morocco, Nakata Masahiro, will attend the event and deliver opening remarks.
A full-day program of martial arts and ceremony
The official program begins with a reception welcoming participants and officials, followed by an opening ceremony featuring a Qur’an recitation, the Moroccan national anthem, the Japanese national anthem, and official speeches.
The core of the event will be the national kendo seminar led by Master Shogen, offering participants an opportunity to engage directly with high-level instruction.
Demonstrations will follow, showcasing multiple Japanese martial arts disciplines including kendo, iaido, jodo, and aikido, each presented in short sequences designed to introduce the public to their techniques and philosophy.
The program will also include a tribute ceremony honoring Master Shogen, before concluding with an official lunch for invited guests and an afternoon open day accessible to the public.
Strengthening cultural ties through martial arts
The event reflects ongoing cultural cooperation between Morocco and Japan, using martial arts as a platform for exchange and mutual understanding.
Kendo, often described as the “way of the sword,” is not only a sport but a discipline rooted in discipline, respect, and personal development. Its inclusion alongside other Japanese martial arts highlights a broader effort to promote cultural heritage beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
By opening part of the program to the public, organizers aim to introduce Moroccan audiences to these practices while fostering interest in Japanese culture.
A public invitation
The afternoon open day, scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., will allow visitors to attend demonstrations and engage with practitioners in a more informal setting.
As outlined in the official program, the event aims to combine formal ceremony with accessible cultural programming, creating a space where diplomacy, sport, and public engagement intersect.
