Newly-added to the Olympic repertoire is the “kata” element of karate - a series of precise movements executed through steps, kicks and turns. Kata, literally meaning “form”, is embedded in traditional performing arts as well as in modern-day sports, and remains an indispensable element of Japanese culture and spirit. Classical Japanese “Kyogen” actor Mansai Nomura and karate athlete Kiyou Shimizu embody Japanese culture and identity as they exhibit the kata of their respective art forms.
These displays of traditional Japanese culture form part of the One Team Project, an initiative whereby creators and innovators who represent Japan share their various visions of Tokyo 2020.
You can access English subtitles through the Closed Captioning (CC) button at the bottom right of the screen.