The “Daiwa House presents 野村道場 FUN TO JUDO Vol.3″ event took place on June 28, 2026, at the Daiwa House Group Miraikachi Kyoso Center Kotokurie in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, according to organizer Kabushiki Kaisha Nextend.
Star-Studded Coaching Lineup and Special Guests
According to Nextend, the event featured a roster of elite athletes who have captured Olympic and World Championship titles. Regular Nomura Dojo instructor Donmai Kawabata also joined the team on the floor.
The event introduced a crossover attraction dubbed the “Judo Hajimete Guest,” bringing in Ayaka Hirano, the 2012 London Olympic silver medalist in table tennis. According to Nextend, Hirano participated from the perspective of a judo novice, working alongside attendees to experience the sport’s fundamentals firsthand.
Interactive Programming for Beginners and Families
The daytime schedule divided activities into distinct formats designed to accommodate both active participants and general spectators. According to Nextend, the first part of the program featured the “Fureai Judo Kyoshitsu” (Touch-and-Feel Judo Class), an introductory session focusing on etiquette, traditional manners, and basic movements. Rental judogi were made available to remove barriers for participants who did not own traditional uniforms.
While the active participant slots required advance registration that eventually closed prior to the date, the venue welcomed the public to watch all activities free of charge. According to Nextend, the second half of the day shifted to a community program featuring a talk show where the elite instructors shared stories from their competitive careers and answered questions from children in the audience.
Community Engagement and Prizes
The afternoon segment concluded with a gift lottery sponsored by participating corporate partners and the coaching staff, handing out prizes to attendees.
“FUN TO JUDO is an event where anyone can experience the fun and appeal of judo regardless of whether they have experience or not,” Nomura stated in an official release detailed by Nextend. “I hope they feel the joy of moving their bodies, the importance of etiquette, and connections with people, rather than just winning or losing.”
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