Seiryoku-Zen'yo, Jita-Kyoei KANO JIGORO-DEN YAWARA-NO-MICHI Chapter 5: Judo Spreads Its Wings The first time Kano Jigoro toured Europe, his judo demonstration in France received a lukewarm reception. However, 44 years later, before a crowd of diplomats and military personnel, the future of judo blossomed. Then, ten years later... The first French Judo Championship was held. I'm sorry it's sake from my home, but let me pour you a drink. We've finally made it this far, Kano-sensei. Ahh... This is exceptional! Both your family and mine brew sake. Which is why I've always felt a connection to you. I learned ingenuity in spreading judo by watching you. You adopted the Dan system from Go and Shogi to form clear goals and spark motivation. A black or white belt indicates whether or not someone is Dan-level. Who else could think of it but an educator? To promote more tangible advancement among foreign newcomers and French youth, I added five colors between white and black to create seven belts. I also assigned each technique a number to make them easier to memorize. This is probably the result of those. Slowly but steadily, judo was accepted in France. Kano-sensei, having had your sights set on the world from early on, you are always walking ahead of us. The Olympics?! Yes. My friend, a man named Baron de Coubertin, was inspired by the Olympics of ancient Greece and started an international competition to cultivate peace and friendship. That is the Olympic Games. Held once every four years, the first event was in 1896 in Athens, Greece. London hosted the 4th Olympics last year. Wow! The scale of the Games grows each time, no country from the East has yet to participate. The Olympics are world event. I'd like for Japan to participate as a representative of the East and also have you on the committee member. …… Is that so... To participate, we'll have to create a domestic organization of sorts. It will also be costly to train athletes and have them compete. Mister Kano. The founding principle of the Olympics is to foster world peace through sports. It isn't about winning. There is purpose in participation. ！ …… I understand. I'll certainly think it over! …… This won't be easy... Then, thanks to your innate tenacity,Japan did the impossible and entered the Fifth Olympic Games. Eve of the tournament Welcome to the Olympics, Jigoro! I'm honored to meet you, Baron. We're almost the same age! Let's chat freely. I'd love to. First, tell me about this "judo" of yours. Of course. Judo is... Meiji 45 (1912) Sweden The Stockholm Olympics Representing Japan were marathon runner Kanakuri Shiso and track and field star Mishima Yahiko. The results were a disaster, but... Forgive us, Kano-sensei. We didn't stand a chance! You don't intend to stay on the losing side, do you? The competition is just started! Train in body and spirit, then in our children's and grandchildren's generation, we will win… ！ There is purpose in participation. Sensei? Heh... Win or lose, it's not important. It is meaningful to participation… That's why you should both be proud. Uh... I understand the sentiment, but... Hahaha. Nothing better than winning a match, though, isn't it? If Tokyo is to host the Olympics someday, I'll need to prepare... Even if it takes the rest of my life. Then, 20 years later... Physical Education. To hone the body is to hone the mind and vice versa. To make our debut on the world stage, every last citizen needs a healthy body and sound mind. But for what purpose? The answer is society. The Olympics is an athletic competition that began in ancient Greece. As we all know, Baron de Coubertin has revived this tradition to spread its great benefits to the world. The world. Not just the West. To fulfill the true destiny of the Olympics, it is imperative the Far East participate as hosts. Our Japan is preparing to greet the world we so admire and come together to enjoy a glorious tournament. Effectively using one's mind and body to achieve a goal. That is "Maximum Efficiency." Bringing joy to all by helping one another. That is "Mutual Welfare and Benefit." The aim of judo and the spirit of the Olympics perfectly align. Showa 11 (1936) IOC Session in Berlin, Germany The next Olympic host is... …… Tokyo. It was then your dearest wish came true. However... Should we reconsider the Tokyo Games? The situation in Asia is tense as Japan-China relations break down. There's no way we can send athletes, plus preparations have stalled. That's right, that's right! …… ！ You may speak, Mr. Kano. …… Have you all forgotten? The origin of the Olympics or Baron de Coubertin's wishes?! ...!! Our nation debuted in the Stockholm Olympics. There, the baron and I shared our mutual feelings. To allow youth to connect through sports regardless of nation and foster world peace and friendship. That is the Olympic Games. Tensions in Asia are high right now. But that is precisely why the Olympics should be in Asia, in Tokyo. Congratulations, Kano-sensei! I'm looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics! The world will gather in Japan to compete. Your greatest wish has come true, Sensei. Please take it easy once you return. I can't. There's still much to do... Sensei! He has a terrible fever! Someone, call the ship's doctor! Huff... Huff... Bring...a camera... Photographs...are a good way...to depict kata... Hah... Kano-sensei... He thought about judo until the very end... At 79 (77) years old, you secured your Olympic bid and were able to die in peace. Even so... Two months later, it was repealed, and World War II broke out the next year... Hey, what would Kano-sensei do? He'd try to overcome any obstacle. After all, he always sought to unite the world through sports and judo! Maximum Efficiency! Use mental and physical energy most efficiently! He strongly advocated for Chinese exchange students and often provided financial support! Mutual Welfare and Benefit! Strive for the world everyone prosper! Yes! Kano-sensei would never give up! ！ Sensei, we should head to the venue. Right. How many reporters are there? Only five... Well, this is the first time. True. We've got a long way to go... Kano-sensei! ...!! Sensei, you are always walking ahead of us. Sensei! There are 80 reporters this time!! Yes...! The number of judokas continued to rise not only in France, but worldwide. Judo has now spread to over 200 countries and regions. Maximum Efficiency Mutual Welfare and Benefit End