Spain and Japan Unite Through Guardian Girls Karate in Tokyo
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Guardian Girls International (GGI), the World Karate Federation (WKF), whose world headquarters are based in Spain, and the Embassy of Spain in Japan, in collaboration with Koyamada International Foundation Japan, Guardian Girls Japan, and rYojbaba Co., Ltd., hosted the Guardian Girls Karate (GGK) Reception at the Embassy of Spain in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, and international sports organizations to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality through sport.
The reception was welcomed by H.E. Iñigo de Palacio España, Ambassador of Spain to Japan, and brought together distinguished guests from government, international sports organizations, and the diplomatic community. Among the attendees were:
- Mr. Shin Koyamada, Secretary General of Guardian Girls International
- Mr. Iwao Horii, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Member of the House of Representatives
- Mr. Masahiko Shibayama, Member of the House of Representatives
- Ms. Seiko Hashimoto, President of the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC)
- Ms. Atsuko Sakai, Member of the House of Councillors
- Mr. Yoshihiro Sasakawa, President of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF)
- Mr. Takashi Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the JKF
- Mr. Toshihisa Nagura, General Secretary of the World Karate Federation
- Mr. H.E. Teimuraz Lezhava, Ambassador of Georgia to Japan
- Mr. H.E. Masahiro Takasugi, Ambassador of Japan for TICAD
- Mr. H.E. Takahiro Nakamae, former Ambassador of Japan to Spain
- Mr. Junichi Watanabe, President of Sakai Osteopathic Group
along with other distinguished leaders from government, sports, and civil society.
The reception was moderated by Paula Esguerra, President of Guardian Girls Japan, and featured opening remarks by Ambassador Iñigo de Palacio España. Additional remarks were delivered by JKF President Yoshihiro Sasakawa, WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, GGI Secretary General Shin Koyamada, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii.
A presentation on the Guardian Girls Karate programme was delivered by Antonella Nanni, Director of the WKF Legacy Programme, highlighting the initiative’s global impact in empowering women and girls through karate-based self-defense and community engagement.
A key highlight of the evening was the formal signing of the Guardian Girls Karate National Agreement between the World Karate Federation and the Japan Karate Federation, officially welcoming the JKF as the national implementing partner for the GGK program in Japan. Through this agreement, the program will expand nationwide to promote women’s empowerment and help prevent violence against women and girls.
During the event, Guardian Girls Karate lead instructor Teresa Garcia of Spain presented a Karate performance, followed by a Guardian Girls Karate demonstration led by Amy Connell of Scotland and Teresa Garcia, showcasing practical self-defense techniques for women in various real-life scenarios.
In Spain and Japan, the Guardian Girls Karate programme was launched in Guadalajara, Spain, and Fukuoka, Japan, in 2023, and has since expanded internationally. The programme uses Karate as a tool to strengthen confidence, personal safety, and leadership among women and girls, contributing to the advancement of gender equality through sport.
Shin Koyamada, Secretary General of Guardian Girls International, stated:
“On behalf of Guardian Girls International, it is my honor and privilege to host the Guardian Girls Karate project in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and the World Karate Federation in Tokyo. We look forward to further developing and implementing the program in Japan and across Asia. I firmly believe in the power of sports to safeguard women and girls and to help prevent violence against women and girls.”
Ambassador Iñigo de Palacio España said:
“It is our pleasure to welcome distinguished guests to the Embassy of Spain and to support the Guardian Girls Karate project as a meaningful initiative that strengthens friendship and sports diplomacy between Spain and Japan while contributing to the empowerment of women and girls.”
Yoshihiro Sasakawa, President of the Japan Karate Federation, stated:
“We are delighted to formally join the Guardian Girls Karate project by signing the agreement with the World Karate Federation today. We look forward to expanding the program across Japan and creating a positive social impact for women and girls through karate.”
Toshihisa Nagura, General Secretary of the World Karate Federation, said:
“We are grateful to the Embassy of Spain in Japan for hosting this reception and for supporting the global partnership between the World Karate Federation and Guardian Girls International. With the collaboration of Guardian Girls Japan and the Japan Karate Federation, we look forward to further expanding this important initiative throughout Japan.”