Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Government of Japan announced on Friday the Japanese recipients of the 2022 Spring Decorations.

The UAE’s Wrestling and Judo Federation’s former Chief Judo Coach Toyoaki Yoneda is among this year’s recipients.

Yoneda will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays in recognition of his contributions to promoting Judo for nearly 40 years in the UAE.

The Embassy of Japan in the UAE will pay tribute to Yoneda for his distinguished service on the occasion of the conferral.

Yoneda who graduated from Department of Special Physical Education, Kanazawa University came to the UAE in 1979. As Judo was still unknown in the country at that time, Mr. Yoneda firstly organized a series of promotional activities, such as Judo demonstration at local police offices. This effort eventually led to the adoption of Judo as a training program for police officers at Dubai Police.

In 1990, he joined UAE Judo, Karate and Taekwondo Association, and later joined UAE Wrestling and Judo Federation where he served as Head of Education and Promotion Committee as well as Advisor. With unflagging passion and efforts, he worked for the spread of Judo such as introducing Judo at public schools, and trained a number of Judo players at Dubai Judo Kai. He also trained Judo athletes including those who belonged to UAE National Team and instructors for nearly 40 years in the UAE until his return to Japan in 2018.