From Okinawa, the Birthplace of Karate, to the World: The 3rd Okinawa Karate World Festival Kicks Off in July 2026!

Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, will host the "3rd Okinawa Karate World Festival (OKINAWA KARATE WORLD FESTIVAL)" from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Okinawa Convention Center. This global karate festival is held once every four years. The previous event (2nd Okinawa Karate Youth World Festival, 2024) saw a total of 1,845 participants from 26 countries and regions. This year's festival will consist of three main pillars: a competition for youth, a demonstration tournament for adults, and Okinawa Karate seminars, bringing together karate enthusiasts from all over the world in Okinawa.

■ Event Overview

Event Name

3rd Okinawa Karate World Festival OKINAWA KARATE WORLD FESTIVAL ～ DEMONSTRATION and TOURNAMENT ～

Dates

Reiwa 8 (2026) July 30 (Thursday) ～ August 2 (Sunday) ※4 days

Main Venue

Okinawa Convention Center (Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Organizers

Okinawa Karate World Festival Executive Committee / Okinawa Prefecture / Okinawa Traditional Karate-do Promotion Association

Official Website

https://okinawa-karate.okinawa/

■ Achievements of the Previous Event (2nd Okinawa Karate Youth World Festival, 2024)

Participating Countries/Regions: 26 countries/regions

Total Participants: 1,845 people (1,438 in competition, 407 in seminars)

■ Overall Schedule (Venue: Okinawa Convention Center)

■ Program Content and Highlights

【Competition (Youth)】

This is a competition for youth consisting of four divisions: Shuri-te/Tomari-te style, Naha-te style, Uechi-ryu, and Kobudo (Bo staff). Athletes aged 6 to 14 (as of April 1, 2026) will compete in their techniques in "Okinawa, the birthplace of karate."

Eligible Age: 6 to 14 years old (as of April 1, 2026)

Competition Divisions: Shuri-te/Tomari-te style / Naha-te style / Uechi-ryu / Kobudo (Bo staff)

Participation Categories: Participants from within the prefecture (participate from prefectural qualifiers) / Participants from overseas, outside the prefecture, and remote islands within the prefecture (participate from the main selection) *Prefectural qualifiers have already been held.

Participation Fee: 3,000 yen per division (includes injury insurance)

Application Deadline (Main Selection): Until 23:59 on Friday, April 24, 2026 ★Deadline approaching!

Application Link: https://okinawa-karate.okinawa/entry-tournament

【Demonstration Tournament (Adults)】

A demonstration tournament showcasing Okinawa Traditional Karate and Kobudo on a global stage. Enthusiasts of karate and kobudo with roots in Okinawa will perform demonstrations highlighting the characteristics of each style. Part 1 features traditional Okinawan techniques, and Part 2 showcases karate and kobudo that have spread worldwide.

Date and Time: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 13:00-15:30

Venue: Okinawa Convention Center

Participation Requirements: 15 years or older (as of April 1, 2026), and affiliated with a karate dojo, etc., with roots in Okinawa.

Participation Fee: Free

Participation Format: Individual and group participation allowed (selection process. Prioritizing dan-ranked practitioners and group participation)

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Deadline passed *Participants have been selected.

Details: https://okinawa-karate.okinawa/entry-demonstration

【Okinawa Karate Seminar】

A karate seminar where participants can receive direct instruction from masters and instructors of various Okinawan styles and schools. Open to beginners to advanced practitioners. This is a valuable opportunity for karate enthusiasts worldwide to directly experience the techniques passed down in "Okinawa, the birthplace of karate."

Date and Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 15:00-19:30 (1 seminar is 2 hours / Part 1: 15:00-17:00, Part 2: 17:30-19:30)

Venue: Okinawa Convention Center

Tuition Fee: General (15 years or older) 5,000 yen per seminar / Children (under 15 years old) 2,000 yen per seminar

Application Deadline: Until 23:59 on Sunday, May 31, 2026 ★Currently accepting applications!

Application Link: https://okinawa-karate.okinawa/entry-seminar

■ Application Deadline Summary

Competition (Main Selection) for participants from outside the prefecture, overseas, and remote islands within the prefecture: Until Friday, April 24, 2026 / 3,000 yen per division

Okinawa Karate Seminar: Until Sunday, May 31, 2026 / General 5,000 yen, Children 2,000 yen

Demonstration Tournament: Deadline passed on February 28, 2026 / Free

■ New Initiatives for the 3rd Tournament

・Change to a quadrennial holding cycle. Simultaneous holding of "Youth Competition" and "Adult Demonstration Tournament" to achieve synergy and sustainable operation.

・The youth competition encourages growth and continued training, while the adult demonstration tournament showcases techniques and the spirit of "martial arts for peace" to the world.

・The week including the tournament period will be designated as "Okinawa Karate Week," with free admission to the exhibition and資料室 at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, and karate-related events (karate experience classes, tours of places associated with Okinawa Karate, etc.) will be held. (Please check the official tournament website for details.)