Shotaro Tabata, a 23-year-old judo volunteer from Nara Prefecture, Japan, is working to expand the reach of judo in the Republic of Palau as a member of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, world-diary.jica.go.jp reported. Dispatched to the island nation in 2025 following a university graduation and a six-month stint in judo-related work, Tabata operates under the umbrella of the Palau Olympic Committee and the Palau Judo Federation.
Roots on the Mat and the Path to Palau
Tabata’s immersion in judo began at birth. Raised by a father who worked as a judo instructor, he experienced a complicated relationship with the sport throughout his elementary and middle school years, frequently considering quitting despite occasional moments of enjoyment. He continued competing through high school and university, developing a deep appreciation for the sport’s community despite falling short of his competitive targets. During his undergraduate studies, Tabata served as an international exchange officer, hosting visiting international athletes and coaches at his alma mater and supporting the non-profit organization JUDOs. Those interactions highlighted how judo transcends national borders to connect people, prompting him to apply for the JICA volunteer program shortly after graduation.
Coaching Kindergarteners and High Schoolers Across Palau
Tabata’s daily operations in Palau center on two distinct groups. First, he conducts weekly classes twice a week for roughly 15 children ranging from kindergarten age to elementary school. Recent scheduling shifts—triggered by an international conference utilizing the gymnasium—temporarily halted indoor sessions for a month and a half. Rather than focusing strictly on technical throws, Tabata structures these sessions to foster a genuine enjoyment of the sport. Second, he trains a core group of four high school students who began judo at a young age. Lacking a dedicated indoor dojo for these advanced sessions, Tabata conducts training drills on the sand at local beach volleyball courts, aiming to eventually prepare athletes for international competition.
Broadening the Definition of Judo in an Island Nation
Beyond regular classes, Tabata organizes introductory judo events at local elementary schools and sets up promotional booths during Palau’s Independence Day celebrations. While residents generally recognize judo as a Japanese martial art, actual opportunities to watch or practice it remain scarce. Tabata noted that his traditional training background in competitive judo required adjustment upon arriving in Palau, where competitive infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. Drawing on principles from judo founder Jigoro Kano—who defined the discipline as the most effective use of physical and mental energy—Tabata incorporates games into roughly 80 percent of his classes for younger children. He observes that maintaining order and enjoying these structured games requires children to listen closely to instructions, making the play an integral part of learning the discipline.
Martial Arts Values Promote Respect in Palau
Tabata has observed distinct cultural differences regarding respect for property and etiquette compared to Japan, noting that communities in Palau have grown accustomed to external aid and foreign support. He suggests that the foundational tenets of martial arts—teaching practitioners to show gratitude, respect, and consideration for others and their surroundings—provide significant value beyond physical athletics. Tabata continues his assignment in Palau as part of the ongoing bilateral exchange programs facilitated by JICA volunteers.
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