April 29th, 2015
On my way to Nepal after the earthquake in April, I stopped by Japan to buy more needed supplies.
Down below revelers party at the shrine at the shrine- up here, a serious ceremony takes place.
While in Japan I attended a memorial that was dedicated to honor the past historical leaders of Aikido at the home of Hitohira Saito Jukucho, Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Dento Iwama Ryu dojo in Iwama, Japan.
On this special day a memorial offering table is set to honor past contributors to Aikido history
The memorial ceremony I attended was taking place right next door to the Aikido Ibaragi dojo Aiki Shrine and the Aiki Shrine Tai Sai Grand Festival.
Not so long ago, the late Morihiro Saito Shihan, Aikikai Aikido 9th degree black belt lived here in this family home as the keeper of the Aiki Shrine and neighbor to the Aikido Ibaragi dojo. Today Hitohira Saito, his son, organizes this separate ceremony for the Iwama Ryu dojo that coincides with the Aiki Tai Sai Festival on a particular day.
It has been tradition for the Aikikai Foundation to hold the Grand Aiki Shrine Festival (Aiki Tai Sai) every year at this time. What has changed is the meaning of this festival. Under current leadership, the image of the Founder has been turned into one of almost a god and this third generation of the reigning family uses this festival more to demonstrate their position and authority than to honor the past.
On this day of remembrance, there are so many high-ranking Aikido Shihan that have passed from among us but left so much to our practice of Aikido; they too need to be remembered. Some of the last words of the Founder were “Aikido is Love”. It seems a little incongruous not to honor the many that have paved the way on our Aikido journey on this special day.
Report by
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho