Sato Kumi sensei (Sweden) awarded the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation 2025

On Thursday, 28 August, Kumi Sato sensei of the Sweden Kendo Federation was awarded the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation for the 2025, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The award was given for her outstanding contribution to enhancing friendly relations between Japan and other nations through kendo. The Embassy of Japan in Sweden on the 30th October reporting the award ceremony in the following post.

We would like to congratulate Sato Kumi sensei (kendo 7th dan) for her prestigious award. We wish her best in furthering her future success and presence in Women's Kendo and more.

Presentation Ceremony for the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation to Ms Kumi Sato

On 28 October, a ceremony was held at the Ambassador's residence to present the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation for the year 2025 to Ms Kumi Sato. Following congratulatory remarks by Ambassador Mizukoshi and a speech by Jimmy Thorsell, former President of the Swedish Kendo Federation, commending Ms Sato's achievements as a kendo practitioner in Sweden, the commendation certificate was presented. In her acceptance speech, Ms Sato first expressed her gratitude to all those who had supported her. She also stated that since moving to Sweden with her kendo equipment in 1997, she had gained many valuable experiences. She described how sharing Japanese culture in Sweden brought her joy and pride, how kendo had connected her with many people, and how she had grown as a kendo coach thanks to the Swedish kendo community. She then declared her determination to continue striving for the promotion of kendo in Sweden, before once again expressing her gratitude to her family.

Furthermore, LiLiCo, a friend of Mr Sato who is active in diverse fields including as a film commentator and singer, attended as a special guest from Japan and performed both national anthems a cappella.

The Embassy of Japan in Sweden once again extends its congratulations to Ms Sato on her award.

(Original Japanese text translated by FLKW)

Photos by Embassy of Japan in Sweden