HERE’S one that’s not just for kicks. Japan’s subtropical southern islands are to stage Karate Day, the big annual event showcasing the legendary martial art beloved of movie makers this Autumn.

Okinawa’s prefectural capital, Naha, will host the celebration on October 25, when karate masters from across the globe will gather in the city to demonstrate their skills, artistry and finesse. 

The main performances will take place along the 1.6km-long Kokusaidori  Street in Naha’s shopping district, where thousands of karateka dressed in crisp white karate uniforms will perform in unison.

It’s something they’re particularly good at.

Back in 2016, a similar demonstration made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people performing a kata at once – 3,973 of them, to be precise.

Elsewhere, there’ll be special sessions at the Shurei no Yakata dojo in Karate Kaikan – the largest museum and exhibition dedicated to karate in Okinawa – and history tours, zen classes and wellbeing treatments.

Okinawa is recognised as the birthplace of karate, which has roots that can be traced back more than 700 years in the prefecture. For more information about Karate Day, get your kicks here.