25/03/2026
𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐈 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐖𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄.
On February 24, 2026, the Governor of Okinawa, Denny Tamaki, conferred upon Master Andrea Guarelli the title of Uchinaa Minkan Taishi, or Goodwill Ambassador of Okinawa (ウチナー民間大使).
This recognition is awarded to non-Japanese individuals (or Japanese residing abroad) who have a strong connection with Okinawa and actively work to promote it overseas. The title of Minkan Taishi was established on the occasion of the first Uchinanchu Taikai (Worldwide Festival of Okinawan Descendants), which was held in 1990.
Beyond being a great honor, this recognition is of utmost importance for Master Guarelli's nearly fifty years of activity and his commitment to spreading and promoting Okinawan martial arts and culture throughout the world.
On behalf of all enthusiasts and members, the Board of Directors of AIKO and IMKA extend their most sincere congratulations to Master Guarelli.
Dott. Giacomo Mannocci
AIKO Vice President
