It is a great surprise and immense pleasure. Even though judo is essentially seen as a physical activity throughout my studies, I have tried to put the stress on the socio-historical aspects of Kano Jigoro’s method, considering its diffusion worldwide and its evolution as a research topic, as a reflection and a bridge between Japanese and Western cultures.

I want to congratulate Michel Brousse for having been awarded with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette and for his contribution to the development of judo. On that special occasion I want to thank Dr. Brousse for his work in collaboration with the International Judo Federation, having the common goal of spreading the values and principles of judo worldwide in mind.