Time flies fast, and this will be my last message for the year. I imagine that all of you are very busy with various year-end activities. I am now on the way to my last overseas trip for the year.

With the end of the World Open Karate Championship last year, I received many overseas invitations, and I did my best to coordinate my schedule and visit as many countries and regions as possible. The fierce battle of strong spirits, between competitors around the world who have gone through hard training for the tournament. Men and women of all ages in their white dogi, and their tsuki (punch) and keri (kick), carried out with full strength and strong determination. Branch Chiefs and Contacts, who work hard in their dojo management, teachings, and organization of tournaments and events. Each and every element touched a deep part of my heart. The unification of such effort around the world, acts as a strong bond of friendship that ties together a Budo organization like WKO. I wish to express my appreciation and respect to the various efforts on your side.

With the history of Kyokushin Karate, founded by Sosai Oyama, surpassing 50 years, and especially in the chaotic times in the Full Contact Karate world that followed after the passing of Sosai, I believe that I was fortunate to have great Shihans and Sempais around me, and I feel that their encouragement and wisdom, guided me to become the person I am today. In order to return such kind favors from them, I am determined to carry out my mission and responsibilities. It is also important to have a sense of appreciation towards Sosai Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, and even after his passing, demonstrate such feeling by supporting his family.

This was a year of change for the Karate world, with the inclusion in the Olympic Games. In such time of change for the Karate world, it is important to determine what will not change, or what should not be changed, and what needs to be changed, and with the pride of Full Contact Karate in our hearts, we need to join hands with many friends, and move forward towards the future.

WKO is our organization, built by our hands. I believe that the firm grip we have on each other’s hand, is made strong by appreciation and friendship. Let us continue our work together to make WKO, a gathering of wonderful friends, the strongest and largest Budo organization that is unique and respected around the world.
In closing, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of your cooperation and efforts this year. Please take good care of your health, and I hope that you will face the New Year with great hope.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.