Twenty-three children aged 10-16 from Biel, along with six adults, are preparing for an extraordinary adventure that will take them to Japan this October. The group shares a passion for Aikido, a martial art promoting harmony and non-violence.
Biel/Bienne, a bilingual city in northwestern Switzerland known for its watchmaking heritage and cultural diversity, is the home to these Aikido Kids who train at the local dojo under the guidance of Eric Graf, a 6th Dan holder and mathematician.
The KIDS JAPAN 2025 project, scheduled for October 4-19, 2025, represents the third edition of this cultural exchange program. Previous trips in 2014 and 2018 proved transformative for participants, advancing their personal development significantly.
The journey aims to help children discover Aikido’s roots while immersing themselves in traditional Japanese philosophy and culture. Participants will train with Japanese peers, visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, and experience authentic cultural practices.
The parent association Aikido Friends Biel actively supports the project with numerous fundraising activities and events. While the initiative has already gained backing from renowned organizations such as the Japan Foundation, the Swiss Embassy in Japan, and the Swiss Youth Aikido Association, we are still seeking additional private sponsors to help make this unique cultural exchange possible for all participating children.
For many participants, this represents their first extended time away from home, creating memories that will last a lifetime while fostering international understanding and cultural appreciation.
If you would like to support our project, we look forward to hearing from you by email at president@aikido-friends-biel-bienne.org.
You can find more information about the KIDS JAPAN 2025 exchange on our website aikido-friends-biel-bienne.org.
Kids Japan 2025 in Dojo (above)
and demonstration outside in Biel/Bienne, March 2025 (below)
