JUDO
FEDERATION

During our conversation, she spoke several times about the fate . Yuka Akashi sincerely believes in that she was meant to connect her life with judo. She is not an athlete, not a coach , not even an expert in any federation , but for two years did not miss a single competitionof judo . She is a freelancer , speaks five languages , and the first foreign language for her it was the Russian language, which she chose as the main specialty at a Japanese university.

- I can not say why I chose the Russian language, just liked it, - she said in an interview specifically for www.confederation.kz.

- I like the way it sounds, and perhaps out of curiosity, I went to university to learn it. The school has taught English, I would not say I knew it perfectly, but did not want other four years to learn the same language, so took up another. I was invited on the sporting events to help with translation. But Russian was not popular in Japan, so as to be closer to the sport, I started to learn other languages.

- What languages do you know ?

- In addition to Russian , Japanese and English , even Chinese and Korean. I know a few words of Kazakh language , would like to learn for myself at least a basic word , but, unfortunately , there are no textbooks. We need to live in Kazakhstan, to learn Kazakh . By the way, when I got into judo, all Russian-speaking judges laughed at me when I call my name . Then I realized that they just remembered about the assessment of judo " yuko " .

- Yuka, tell us how you came to do judo and what is your aim?

- A lot of reasons, but above all, perhaps, it is fate. I accidentally hit by chance judo and very happy that it happened. First came to the competition, I thought it was the first and the last time. But for two years I have been doing with it. Last year in Nanjing took place Youth Olympic Games, and the year of the competition was to test tournament in which I was a volunteer. I really liked it, and I stayed in the sport. And now, even if they invite for other kinds of tournaments, I first check whether the date falls on judo, and if so, always choose it. During tournaments - do everything. I work with the teams , helping as an assistant to assistant to the president of the Asian union federations. I help them as a translator. I guess I can call volunteer , because my work is not paid , since I am not in the state of the federation. All I do is by the great love of judo.

- What are you so "hooked" the sport?

- I really like the atmosphere during competitions in judo, like people in judo. Acquainted with them once I had the feeling that I know them a hundred years. Every person who works during large events - like one big family, of which I like to be. I have worked with many other sports, but only felt an atmosphere here. I was invited to work at the Grand Prix of China, Grand Slam Tokyo, at the Asian Games, games Paraziatskih, East Aziatskieh games at the Asian Championship and the World Cup.

- Share your impressions of the world Championships ?

- Chelyabinsk was very cool ! Such an atmosphere it is difficult to forget. The organization was at a very high level, it was felt that Russia loves judo. But I think your world championship will also be very good.

- By the way, about this world championship. We hope that you will see in August in Astana.

- Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this World Cup. Now I have to work until three proposals at this time in Astana. Last year I worked in Chelyabinsk with the Japanese television company, which owns the rights to broadcast this year they invite back to help them. Also, I'm in the Japanese Judo Federation, as our coaches want me to help them. And your Judo Federation, that offered to help them during the World Cup. I still think, but tend to your federation, because it will be a very good experience for me.

- Is this your first visit to the capital?

- Yes, but the third in Kazakhstan. The first time I came on a business trip, when I worked in another Japanese trading company, from left because of judo. The second time came to your championship of Kazakhstan in Shymkent last year. And finally, I am now able to see Astana. I came here with our TV company that wanted to discuss all issues related to the broadcast, and coach of Japan, which wanted to see the hotel, transportation, facilities, gyms in Kazakhstan before the competition in August.

- Do you think the guests from Japan were satisfied by performance ?

- Yes, very surprised when they were told how old is your capital. I do not believe it. The first two days I worked with the television , and other two days was with the coaches . We all know that in Chelyabinsk was the high level of organization . But I think that you will have as well as they have. After I saw off Japanese turned to get to Karaganda at the Games . And I really liked the organization of the tournament. I remember the event in Shymkent , also there it was at a level not less than tournaments IJF. Olympics took place no worse than the same Grand Slam or Grand Prix. Even in Japan we all differently. Our competition, though well-run, but they are doing so, as before, traditionally in Japan, while the IJF and the world are doing differently. Therefore, I do not doubt that you will have any problems with the organization. Even my fellow citizens, our national coach when all looked, have told me that they no longer have any questions and, probably, Astana will host the best World Cup in history. And this is not a gesture of politeness, as they talked to me about this one, but not the Kazakh side. That’s why, we are looking forward to this World Cup.

We know that you are already familiar with many of our athletes with the federation .

- Yes, I know a lot of people from Kazakhstan . It does not specifically happened, just all Kazakhstani people are very kind , hospitable and open people . And when I go to the competition , they will find me . When we met at least once , you will never forget , always hello , write. Therefore , I can say that Kazakhstan is my favorite country . There are a lot of friends.

- Yuka share with us with the development of judo in your country?

- Judo is really our traditional sport , but it is not very popular . Few people watch it , they know the rules. Youth, unfortunately, are not interested the sport , and I was among them , until she ended up in this environment . Our wrestlers are not considered professional athletes . These include football , volleyball and baseball , which is our Olympic Committee and the Japan Ministry of Sports paid a salary. Other athletes , including wrestlers , work in the ordinary companies. Most often before lunch working in offices, and in the afternoon in the gym. And those fans of Japanese wrestlers who come to the competition - it is usually their colleagues . For the company itself is considered prestigious , as have the opportunity to advertise their company.

- But judo is in the school curriculum in Japan , if we are not mistaken ?

- Yes, there is , but it's a big question. Judo must pass all students , but in reality it is not. Because some physical education teachers simply do not know judo. So it turns out that someone Judo is simply on paper, so it was in my school , somewhere held theory , and there are schools where it is really taught. Of course , a little ashamed to say that Judo is not very popular in Japan.

- At the Olympic Games plan to get there?

- Oh, this is my big dream ! I was in Sochi , but there was no judo and it was not so interesting (laughs - Ed . ) . I do not know yet how I will be able to go, but I would very much like to get to Rio.

- Yuka , tell us what are your future plans? You plan to continue with judo ?

- Yes of course. In the nearest plans to start practicing judo in order to further understand the sport . But this is only plans , as time is short . I would like to work in some of the national Judo Federation to further inside to learn about the sport and help develop it on another level . It's great that now Judo develops all over the world . Previously, this had been a traditionally strong Japan, Korea , and now athletes win medals in Central Asia and Europe. I would like to see more countries know and love this sport as I love it . And I am ready to continue to apply to this all my strength.