COPA GINGA
JAPÃO

The upcoming Copa Ginga Japão aims to enhance Capoeira’s potential as a sport. Although Capoeira as a sport began in Brazil 27 years ago, its unique blend of performance and music has turned it into a distinctive event with various formats held worldwide.
This tournament, which has yet to be held in Japan, will debut in the Kanto region with an open format, allowing anyone to participate. The event’s goal is to foster connections between Capoeira groups in Japan and to unify Capoeira culture.
While the specific competition details are still being finalized, the focus will be on strengthening the athletic aspect of Capoeira by incorporating strong martial arts elements. The tournament will be open to participants ranging from elementary school students to adults, with a total of 8 to 10 categories.

As Japan becomes increasingly internationalized, the need for multicultural coexistence and intercultural communication is more pressing than ever. It's not just about learning a language and being able to converse, but about living together with an understanding and acceptance of the cultural differences that shape us.

Brazil ranks fifth among the top ten countries of origin for foreigners staying in Japan long-term, making it a key partner in Japan's multicultural coexistence. Since Brazil itself is a nation of immigrants, Capoeira, which originated there, embodies the qualities needed to address the challenges of multicultural coexistence that Japan may face in the future.

Capoeira brings people together in a circle, where they connect through its vibrant rhythms, music, and graceful movements. When people gather to practice Capoeira, it creates an environment where they can easily overcome the cultural differences they grew up with and build friendships. This, in turn, fosters interest in and awareness of each other's cultures.

As Capoeira instructors and members of the tournament executive committee, we have witnessed this kind of connection many times over the years. The goal of this tournament is to harness the appeal of Capoeira to expand the circle of multicultural coexistence in Japan.

The Copa Ginga Japão Executive Committee is composed of representatives from Capoeira groups based in the Kanto region.

• Committee Member: Ejivani Jose dos Santos (Mestrando Neguinho)
• Committee Member: Toshio Oguihara

Capoeira is believed to have originated as a martial art developed by enslaved Africans in South America. They practiced it in the form of dance to avoid detection by their overseers. Today, Capoeira is recognized as a significant part of Brazilian culture.

In Capoeira, the objective is not to strike or attack the opponent. Instead, the movements are performed without making contact, with each participant taking turns to apply pressure. This unique style makes it a blend of martial art and dance.

It’s said that enslaved Africans incorporated music into their practice to disguise it as dance, and the distinctive instruments used in Capoeira add to its lively and engaging performances.

There are several theories about Capoeira’s origins. Some believe it was brought by African slaves, while others suggest it has roots in the traditions of indigenous Brazilians. However, the most widely accepted theory is that Capoeira developed independently in Brazil, with similarities to samba’s basic steps.

Capoeira has three main styles: Regional, known for its intense, acrobatic movements; Angola, which features slower, more animalistic movements rooted in African martial arts; and Contemporânea, which blends elements of the other two styles.

On November 27, 2014, Capoeira gatherings were recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, Capoeira is practiced widely, with numerous groups active across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Famous Mestres (masters) regularly visit Japan, further establishing Capoeira as a distinct aspect of Brazilian culture. Currently, there are over 50 Capoeira groups in Japan, and the art is practiced in more than 160 countries worldwide.