The president of JBDF speech

My name is Sakiko Ishizaki, and I have been appointed as the new president of the Japan Ballroom Dance Federation following the passing of the previous president, Motoko Inagawa. After the brilliant achievements of the previous president, I wondered whether someone with little experience as a board member and no experience in ballroom dancing could fulfill the role of president. After much thought and with the support of the board members, I have decided to accept the position.
Until now, Chairman Inagawa has always expressed his deep love for ballroom dancing and his desire to bring Japanese ballroom dancing to the world level, no matter what it takes. He has also always said that he wants to bring together the many people who aspire to ballroom dancing, regardless of federation, and promote ballroom dancing in Japan. I would like to continue his strong will, however small my contribution may be.

Personally, I have been involved in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics for a long time. I have always been interested in and liked sports and dance in general, which involve physical activity and compete for beauty. In that sense, I think ballroom dancing is a wonderful sport and I have enjoyed being involved as a board member. This dance is thought to be a dance for wealthy adults, but after watching a competition for elementary and junior high school students, I realized that we need to prepare more environments where these boys and girls, who will be the future, can take part in this sport just like other sports. In addition, this dance, which originated in Europe, is also a dance with a long history that plays a role in art and culture. In the same way as the sports slogans of "watch", "do" and "support", we feel that it is our responsibility to enjoy watching the dance even if we don't dance ourselves, or to support it so that it can continue for a long time.

From now on, we will work towards the goal of having Japanese dancers win prizes at the "World Professional Dance Championships" to be held next October, and strengthening the efforts of the younger generation to get involved in ballroom dancing, with the aim of having this reach a wide audience through the media. I would like to conclude by expressing my sincere gratitude for the cooperation and encouragement of all our members, dance enthusiasts, and all those involved, despite my limited knowledge and ability.

Sakiko Ishizaki, president of JBDF