The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced the launch of World Judo Day at the end of 2010. It takes place every year on October 28, the birthday of judo's founder Jigoro Kano.

World Judo Day aims to promote the values of the sport and its education system to all judo clubs and all judoka, through IJF Member Federations and with the help of modern communication tools.

Each year has its own distinct theme.

The 2022 theme was inclusion as the IJF set the aim of increasing the number of women participating in judo across all levels and ages.

The governing body said that, by focusing on inclusion, it wanted to show that there is "a path to a fairer, more equitable society".

IJF President Marius Vizer called on athletes and National Federations to show that all are welcome in the sport.

In China, the day was celebrated at the club founded by Olympic women's under-63 kilograms silver medallist Li Shufang.

Vizer travelled to Saudi Arabia, which celebrated World Judo Day for the first time.

In France, former world champion Cathy Arnaud led a training session.

In 2021, the theme was solidarity to tie in with efforts to come together after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vizer used the occasion to highlight projects which would not have been possible without solidarity, such as the Olympic refugee team and the first online judo festival.

"While judo is a sport which fosters noble moral values like friendship, respect and mutual aid, this year, more than ever, solidarity has been the key element of our existence," he said.

At the World Kata Championships in Lisbon, which took place in October 2021, athletes and officials gathered together for a final discussion about several themes and to celebrate World Judo Day.

In Belgium, the solidarity theme was adhered to after mats and equipment were donated to clubs that were affected by the floods which hit the country in July.

"Stronger together" was the theme for the 2020 edition, in a bid to bring the judo community together and hit back against the coronavirus crisis.

Countries celebrated on social media with in-person events not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The IJF acknowledged how difficult the pandemic had been for many, but stressed how it was important for people to communicate in new ways and stay connected even if unable to compete.

"Amid all that has been endured and the great cost incurred by separation, there is still our sport and it’s fundamental centrality of togetherness," the IJF said.

"So, we have found new ways.

"They are not ideal, they are not perfect, but they offer us small steps towards the happiness of togetherness that we crave."

For 2019’s World Judo Day, the IJF encouraged people to “Plant a Tree” as part of environmental-themed events.

In November, it was announced that more than 5,300 trees had been planted in 75 countries.

IJF President Vizer planted a tree at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

"With this operation we will contribute to preserving our environment and that of our children," Vizer said in Abu Dhabi.

"Climate change is something that affects us all, especially the disadvantaged ones.

"Planting a tree takes on a dimension that is both concrete and symbolic.

"By doing so, we are helping to build a healthier environment.

"It is also a strong symbol of unity and peace in the world."

In Japan, the Kodokan Judo Institute planted a tree in Abiko in Chiba, on the former site of Kano's villa.

In 2018, World Judo Day had the theme of friendship.

Three-time world champion and Athens 2004 Olympic gold medallist Ilias Iliadis of Greece led a special World Judo Day masterclass during the break on day two of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

Local children and senior members of the United Arab Emirates national team alike were put through their paces by the legendary judoka who officially retired in 2017.

Iliadis, who won Olympic gold at the age of 17, led a warm up as the world watched live on the IJF Facebook page.

The children’s smiles were beamed around the world in a fun and friendly atmosphere that, it is claimed, beautifully illustrated the 2018 theme.

Greece’s Beijing 2008 Olympic flagbearer squared off against each participant of the masterclass in randori, a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe freestyle practice.

The younger members also politely requested a second contest against their world-renowned coach, who duly obliged.

Iliadis credits judo with shaping his life and making him the man he is today.