Elias Abi Gets Japan’s Patent of Decoration for Promoting Karate

ADDIS ABABA – Former vice president of the Ethiopia Karate Federation, Elias Abi has received Japan’s 2023 Patent of Decoration “the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays”.

The decoration is given to individuals who contribute to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries.

Elias, who studied the sport in Japan, has helped to promote karate in Ethiopia and France for more than 40 years, the Embassy of Japan says.

He received the award in a ceremony that took place at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia on Friday.

The embassy says he worked to increase the number of black-belt holders and promote proper karate in Ethiopia.

He is still active in the profession as the chairman of the Dan (grade) examinations.

Friday’s awarding ceremony also saw 100 Karate mats and 30 uniforms handed over to the Ethiopian Karate Federation from Japan Karatedo Federation.

There are 182 Dojos (Karate training halls) in the country and more than 10,000 are actively involved in the sport.