On this day, 6 March 1921, Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, led a karate demonstration in front of Crown Prince Hirohito. The demonstration was performed at the Great Hall of Shuri Castle, in Okinawa.
Crown Prince Hirohito had visited Okinawa while en-route to a visit to Europe. The ship’s captain, Captain Norikazu Kanna, was an Okinawan by birth. He suggested that the Crown Prince observe a karate demonstration.
The demonstration was arranged, and Funakoshi was granted the honor of taking charge. Students from the Naha First High School took part in the performance.
After the performance Kanna, the ship’s captain, suggested that Funakoshi introduce karate to the Japanese.
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