Ambassador’s Commendation Ceremony for Mr. Knud-Erik Hansen, President of the Zenshin Event

On November 5, the Ambassador’s Commendation Ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s official residence for Mr. Knud-Erik Hansen, President of the Zenshin Event, in recognition of his significant contributions over many years to the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Denmark, particularly with the city of Vejle.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Jens Ejner Christensen, Mayor of Vejle, Mr. Jais Valeur, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Vejle, and Mr. Hansen's family, among many other guests who gathered to honor his remarkable achievements.

As a distinguished judoka, Mr. Hansen has long dedicated himself to serving as a bridge between Vejle and Japan, embodying the martial arts philosophy of "Jita-Kyoei" (mutual benefit and prosperity). He has played a key role in organizing the Matsumae Cup Judo Tournament in cooperation with Tokai University. Since 2019, he has also launched the "Zenshin Event," which combines judo tournaments with business seminars, and has significantly expanded its scale and impact.

In recent years, the business seminars at this event, organized in close collaboration with the Embassy, have focused on crucial, human-centric themes for both Japan and Denmark as advanced, aging societies, such as life sciences, welfare technology, and combating loneliness. Thanks to Mr. Hansen’s tireless devotion, a vital platform has been established for both nations to seek solutions to these common challenges together.

The year 2027 will mark both the 160th anniversary of Japan-Denmark diplomatic relations and the historic 700th anniversary of Vejle City.

The Embassy wishes to express its heartfelt respect and gratitude to Mr. Hansen for his outstanding achievements and wishes him the very best of health and continued success.