The documentary series Nihon no Chikara (The Power of Japan) will feature the story of Kumiko Takagami, a judoka with Down syndrome, in an episode airing on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. JST on BSS Television.
The program highlights her journey as an athlete within the Nagoya Kaigo-kei Judo Club.
The Nagoya Kaigo-kei Judo Club operates on a philosophy of inclusivity, welcoming participants regardless of age, experience, or disability. The club maintains specialized support systems, including assistance for those with physical or intellectual disabilities, drawing practitioners from both within and outside the city. Masaru Takagami, 60, serves as the club’s advisor and has been instrumental in fostering this environment.
Masaru’s 24-year-old daughter, Kumiko, has been a member of the club since she was in her third year of junior high school. In addition to having Down syndrome and an intellectual disability, she manages a congenital heart condition. Despite these challenges, she has dedicated herself to the sport, training as an ID (Intellectual Disability) judo athlete.
For the current year, Kumiko Takagami has established two primary objectives: obtaining her black belt and winning a national tournament. Her training regimen is rigorous, involving the mastery of “kata” (forms) required for promotion examinations as well as academic study for certification tests. Outside of the dojo, she works at a farm that supports employment for individuals with disabilities.
The documentary captures the shift in Kumiko’s demeanor when she wears her judogi, contrasting her typically cheerful, peace-sign-flashing personality with the focus she displays during practice. The program, produced by Nagoya Broadcasting Network (MBN), shows the daily realities, struggles, and small joys experienced by Kumiko and her father as they live together.
The episode, titled “Tatami no Ue de, Watashirashiku — Chichi to Ayumu Down-sho no Judoka” (Being Myself on the Tatami: A Down Syndrome Judoka Walking with Her Father), features narration by MBN announcer Shiori Suzuki. The production is supported by organizations including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation; and the JA Group.
The series is planned by the Association of Private Broadcasting Education and has been designated by TV Asahi as a recommended program for youth. Further information regarding the documentary and its mission can be found on the official website of the Association of Private Broadcasting Education.
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