Honorary Doctor Ben Nighthorse Campbell's family (middle of the back row) and the Judo Club
On September 6, Mr. Colin Campbell, the son of Honorary Doctor of Meiji University and former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, visited Surugadai Campus with his family.
Honorary Doctor Campbell trained at the Meiji University Judo Club for four years from 1960, and participated in the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games as captain of the U.S. national team. This time, owing to his advanced age, he was unable to come to Japan, so his family visited Meiji University in his place.
After visiting Liberty Tower, the group visited the dojo of the Judo Club, where they met with the club members and exchanged commemorative gifts. Mr. Colin Campbell presented the Judo Club with money to support its activities, the club coach NAKAHAMA Shingo presented the group with the club’s original polo shirt, and the club captain KATSUKI Aoi, a fourth-year student of the School of Political Science and Economics, presented the group with a product of Mejiro, a mascot of Meiji University.
Mr. Colin Campbell said, “My father still talks to our family about the Meiji University Judo Club. He says, ‘it was a tough time, but the experience is still alive within me today, and it was an invaluable time.’”
The group also observed the practice of the Judo Club and actively asked questions of the members. A family member who experienced judo for the first time commented, “It was very exciting and interesting.”
Finally, club coach NAKAHAMA said, “It is a great honor to welcome the family of Honorary Doctor Campbell, who has been a bridge for exchange between Japan and the United States in the field of judo, and I am proud that he still cares about our university.”