Japanese honor first Tanzanian JATA president

The Japanese Foreign Minister has honored Dudley Mawalla, the first president of the Judo Association of Tanzania (JATA), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting relations between Japan and Tanzania.

Japan's ambassador to Tanzania, Yasushi Misawa, presented the award to Mawalla on Wednesday, saying, "Mr. Mawalla's efforts so far in spreading Japanese culture in Tanzania are truly great."

The Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation is awarded annually to individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements in promoting relations between Japan and other countries and regions.

Mawalla is the third Tanzanian to receive the award.

Mawalla's contribution was the promotion of Japanese culture, Judo, and Karate in Tanzania.

He first came into contact with martial arts in the 1970s while studying in Italy.

He joined a Judo team at the University of Milan and developed his expertise in Judo in the city of Varese.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mawalla said, "I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible. Japanese Martial Arts, including Judo and Karate, are also played by various Tanzanians, from children to police officers and soldiers of the Tanzanian National Defense Force."

Mawalla's leadership in promoting Judo and Japanese culture in Tanzania has made a significant contribution to the relationship between the two countries.

His award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.

 "Mr. Mawalla's efforts so far in spreading Japanese culture in Tanzania are truly great." - Yasushi Misawa, Japan's ambassador to Tanzania.