3rd generation Okinawan to represent Brazil in judo

26-year-old Charles Chibana, whose grand parents emigrated from Yomitan Village to Brazil, has been selected to the national judo team of Brazil to represent his country at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games this summer. He competes in the 68kg weight class.

He will be the first person ever with roots or relatives in Yomitan to take part in the Olympics.

Chibana trained with a judo team in Yomitan when he spent time in the village as a primary school student. People of Yomitan, including his relatives and former judo teammates, are rooting for him and expect him to do well in the games.

06:59 29 Mar , 2024