Program detail pages are currently available in Japanese. The summaries below cover the key information in English.
LearnWatchFreeA dojo information corner inside the Shinkokai office, introducing Okinawa karate dojos. Original goods, including the dojo directory, are also on sale.
Details (Japanese page) →LearnWatchFreeSee, learn and feel — a panel exhibition on Okinawa, the birthplace of karate.
Details (Japanese page) →LearnWatchFreeLearn the history of Shuri Castle, whose main hall returns this autumn!
Details (Japanese page) →LearnWatchFreeUnder the theme of "international cooperation through karate", JICA presents panel exhibits, collects karate-gi donations through its "Smiles for the World" program, and shares its international exchange and human-development work carried out through overseas volunteers and training programs.
Details (Japanese page) →LearnWatchFree- Panel exhibition - Merchandise sales
Details (Japanese page) →LearnPaidAwamori seminars by the Okinawa Regional Taxation Office, held twice daily in the Meeting Room of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan ((1) 11:00–11:30, (2) 12:30–13:00, about 20 people per session).
Details (Japanese page) →LearnFreeA lecture seminar by Nakamura Ken, researcher at the Okinawa Traditional Karatedo Shinkokai, tracing how Okinawa's karate spread across the world. A guided tour of the reference room follows the seminar.
Details (Japanese page) →LearnFreeA panel exhibition by Gotemba City on its "karate town development" initiatives, held daily at the Exhibition Building entrance of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan.
Details (Japanese page) →LearnWatchFreeA panel exhibition on Tomigusuku City, home of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, held daily at the Exhibition Building entrance.
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TryLearnFreeTry karate, watch demonstrations and break roof tiles — free!
Details (Japanese page) →TryPlayFreeTry breaking a roof tile yourself. Held daily 10:00–16:00 at Entrance B (dojo side) of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, free throughout the week.
Details (Japanese page) →TryPlayPaidPaint your own magnet of the shisa, Okinawa's guardian lion (1,500 yen).
Details (Japanese page) →TryFree- Flyers and ticket sales for the July 31 event - Photo corner with life-size Noh panels and face-in-hole panels - Noh mask try-on corner
Details (Japanese page) →TryLearnPaidA casual two-hour program to experience culture unique to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. After learning about the history and spirit of Okinawa karate, you make traditional sweets such as sata andagi, then finish by touring karate-related sites and Okinawan neighborhoods by e-bike. A hands-on program that connects you with Okinawa's history, culture, food and people through karate.
Details (Japanese page) →TryFreeDuring the tournament period, Dojo B at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan is open as a practice space for karate practitioners (Jul 28 – Aug 3). No reservation needed.
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WatchLearnFreeWatch demonstrations of Shuri-Tomari-te, Naha-te, Uechi-ryu and kobudo at Dojo A of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan — every day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Details (Japanese page) →WatchLearnTryPaidGuided tours of sites connected to each karate style, accompanied by specialist karate guides and masters of each style (planned). 1) Standard course (Okinawa Karate Kaikan, Shurijo Castle Park, Sakiyama Park, etc.) 2) Shuri & Tomari-te course (the "No First Attack in Karate" monument, the Matsumora Kosaku monument, etc.) 3) Naha-te course (Matsuyama Park, Fukushu-en Garden, etc.) 4) Uechi-ryu course (the statue of Uechi Kanbun, the Uechi-ryu head family dojo, etc.)
Details (Japanese page) →WatchLearnTryFreeExhibits cover a wide range of information on Okinawa karate, from specialist material for karate practitioners to content for beginners and general visitors. Try the worksheet challenge too!
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EatTryPaidAn introduction to Ryukyu awamori with tasting corners at Entrance B (dojo side) of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan (Jul 28 – Aug 3, 9:30–17:00) and at the Okinawa Convention Center (Jul 30 – Aug 2). The Kaikan's Meeting Room also hosts awamori seminars (daily at 11:00–11:30 and 12:30–13:00, about 20 people each). Whether it is free or paid will be posted here once confirmed. On the day, please check at the venue information desk.
Details (Japanese page) →EatPaidFood trucks will be at the Okinawa Convention Center. Vendors and menus will be posted here once confirmed. On the day, please check at the venue information desk.
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PlayTryPaidEnjoy festival games: cork-gun shooting, basketball, shuriken throwing and kick darts — 200 yen per game (prize included).
Details (Japanese page) →PlayWatchFreePick up an uchiwa fan at any of the three venues' information desks, collect two stamps, and try the monster capsule lottery at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. Prizes include a special prize (5 winners a day), festival game tickets, karate stickers and more. Free to join, once per person per day.
Details (Japanese page) →EatPaidTwo food trucks operate under the eaves (piloti) of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, daily 9:00–17:00 (on Aug 1 & 2 the trucks are run by the Okinawa Local Ingredients restaurants). Menus and prices will be posted here once confirmed; on the day, please check at the venue information desk.
Details (Japanese page) →EatPaidOkinawan restaurants with a passion for local ingredients come to the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. Rediscover the appeal of Okinawan produce through dishes you can only taste here.
Details (Japanese page) →TryPaidMake your own original button badge — open 9:00–17:00 on Jul 28–31 and Aug 3 (closed Aug 1 & 2). The fee will be posted here once confirmed; on the day, please check at the venue information desk.
Details (Japanese page) →PlayFreeA photo spot for commemorative pictures at the Special Dojo (daily 10:00–17:00, free).
Details (Japanese page) →* Descriptions are shown as provided by each exhibitor (English text is a courtesy translation).
Main Venue
See what happens in which room, on which day.
* Programs and times are subject to change; please check at the venue information desk on the day.