'Osaka Taekwondo' Listed on Japanese Tourism Site...Protests Claiming "Not Japanese"

Professor Seokyeongdeok Criticizes Osaka Tourism Website
"Foreigners May Misunderstand Taekwondo as a Japanese Sport"

There has been a claim that Taekwondo is labeled as 'Osaka Taekwondo' on the website operated by the Osaka Tourism Bureau in Japan.

Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University wrote on Facebook on the 13th, "The official Osaka tourism site has a section called 'Tourist Attractions and Experiences,'" and pointed out, "Next to the sumo experience, one of Japan's traditional martial arts sports, there is a Taekwondo experience, which could lead foreigners to mistakenly believe Taekwondo is a Japanese sport."

In the image of the Osaka tourism homepage attached by Professor Seo, the phrase 'Osaka Taekwondo' is written next to the photo of the sumo experience on the left. Professor Seo expressed concern that this image might give the impression that Taekwondo is a Japanese sport.

Image published by Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University [Image source=Seokyung Deok Facebook]

He also criticized, "Most foreign tourists check the content in English or other languages, but there is no explanation provided in languages other than Japanese." The image includes a description in Japanese stating, "Taekwondo was founded in Korea in 1955 and has spread to over 200 countries worldwide."

Additionally, the Osaka Tourism Bureau mentions Okamoto Yoriko, who won the bronze medal in the women's 67kg category at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where Taekwondo was adopted as an official Olympic sport, and introduces the 'Dream Taekwondo School' that she operates in Osaka.

Professor Seo said, "It is appreciated that even Korean Taekwondo is being promoted," but emphasized, "I hope a clear explanation is added so that foreigners do not misunderstand it as a traditional Japanese sport."

He added, "If they are not going to provide an accurate explanation about Taekwondo, I also suggested that it might be better to introduce Japan's judo instead."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.