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January 1, 2021

Happy New Year.

I would like to extend my sincere best wishes for the New Year to all the Officials, Teachers, members, and parents of IKGA and JKGA.

The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, spread throughout the world, has been rampant throughout the year.

I would like to express my deepest condolences for those who died of the infection, and I would like to express my sympathies to those who have suffered from it. We must do everything we can to get through and overcome this situation.

I am deeply grateful to the scientists and medical practitioners throughout the world engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 for all their hard work and dedication.

Each country has different measures and precautions, but in order to maintain the security of our medical systems, each person should be self-aware, establish a new way of life, and reconsider their everyday lifestyle.

Unfortunately, most of the domestic and international events of Gojukai during the past year have been cancelled or postponed. My annual overseas travel also set a record of zero trips for the first time.

During the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, last year we posted two YouTube messages, held domestic online seminars, and held remote Web meetings.

We have been forced into a situation where we had to change the way we communicate due to infections transmitted through close contact, but we do not forget the importance of friendship.

In times like this, we should continue interacting with one another through changed methods.

Of course, we must refrain from spreading the COVID-19 virus, but it is equally important to imagine a bright future when competitions and seminars will be resumed, and friends can gather and be close to one another with peace of mind!

Japan is now aiming to host the postponed “2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics” in 2021, and All Japan Karatedo Gojukai Association will host the 8th Karatedo Gojukai Global Championship in Japan in 2022. Enduring with dreams and hopes, we are waiting for the sure-to-come dawn of tomorrow.

International Karatedo Gojukai Association – All Japan Karatedo Gojukai Association

President Goshi Yamaguchi