กรุงเทพฯ--6 ส.ค.--Sports Authority of Thailand
One of the purposes of the 1st Asian Martial Arts Games is to promote the tourism industry. This purpose reached its initial objective yesterday when the Karate team from Japan opted to spend their spare time with the magnificence of the must-visit Wat Chetupon, often referred to as Wat Pho.
Japan is known not only for its fashion, food and technology, but the country is also hailed as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia. Besides, it is undeniable that culture and fashion from Japan and Korea have been significantly influential to Thai teenagers. The fact that Japan and Thailand have a chance to exchange and show our own distinctive culture is a good sign for Thai tourism.
On the way to their first destination, Wat Chetupon, both athletes and staff coaches expressed their interest in and excitement at the city scenes and buildings.
Kazuhiko Nobukane had to put his duty at the Thai Karate Association as the coordinator for the Japanese team and acted as a special tour guide and also a translator for the Japanese team, introducing the details about the Bangkok surroundings.
“We have been in Thailand for six times including this trip. We have a passion for Thai food and also Thai traditional massage,” said Japanese head coach Kagawa Masao, who was always in a calm posture with a light smile on his face.
The Japanese were impressed from the extravagant architecture and decoration of the famous temple, Wat Chetupon.
As this time is more special than their previous trip in the Land of Smiles, the coach also mentioned about the Games.
“We are looking forward to bringing back home good memories about the competition as well as the medals. We are sending our athletes in the Kumite category. Shinji Nagaki and Miki Kobayashi, who won the gold medal in the Universiade Games in Serbia, will shoulder the hope of Japan. We believe they will win the medal,” he added.
After the interview was over, The team from the Games’ Public Relation Committee wished the Japanese team the best of luck in this competition and wished them for great experience in Thailand” We did not want to waste their time as the cruise trip on the Chao Phraya River awaited them”
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