SHAH ALAM: A group of Japanese martial arts experts took centre stage at the Panasonic Sports Complex here to commemorate 60 years of Malaysia-Japan diplomacy yesterday.
The exhibition captivated some 1,000 people who turned up at the venue also known as the Matsushita Stadium.
The 70 martial arts masters of different disciplines such as Kyudo, Aikido, Kendo, Karatedo, Judo and Sumo were specially flown here for the event organised by the Nippon Budokan Foundation.
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party vice president Masahiko Komura who led the delegation for a six-day visit in the country said friendly ties between the two countries could be further enhanced through various cultural exchange such as the martial arts exhibition by the masters.
"I strongly believe that both countries have a foundation of mutual trust and recognise the great importance of working together," said Komura, who is also the foundation president, in his opening speech.
Also present were Youth and Sports ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who received a courtesy visit from Komura on Thursday said trades between both countries would countinue to prosper, following numerous opportunities created and the expansion of the Look East policy.
Japan was the country's fourth biggest trade partner in 2016 while Malaysia was their tenth biggest trade partner.