| Unveiling
Ceremony for the Statue of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba and Celebration
Party(Written2009/12/8) |
| The unveiling
ceremony for the statue of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba was carried
out on the 8th November at the Aiki Shrine in Kasama City, Ibaraki
Prefecture. After the priests had entered, there was a purification
ritual and offerings of Shinto prayers, sacred sprigs and an “Amatsu
Norito” (Poetic Shinto Prayer) and there was a report to the spirit
of the Founder, following which the Founder’s statue was unveiled.
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unveiling, as representative of the Founder’s Statue Building Action
Committee, Hiroshi Isoyama said “This splendid statue was raised through
everyone’s kind cooperation. You have my heartfelt thanks.” Doshu
Moriteru Ueshiba said “Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba purchased this
plot of land in Iwama in Showa 15 (1940) then in Showa 18 (1943),
he erected the Aiki Shrine and an outdoor dojo was built. Then until
things calmed down in post-war Japan, he lived a life of “buno-ichi”
(Budo and agriculture as one). On this occasion I would like to show
my appreciation on behalf of the Ueshiba family, firstly to the people
who organised this and also to everyone studying aikido that enabled
this magnificent statue to be erected and presented to the Aiki Shrine.
Now the Aikido Founder’s philosophy and techniques have been spread
to ninety-five countries and are understood by many people. It is
our responsibility to pass on this wonderful aikido to future generations
in the best form. With that in mind, I believe the construction of
this statue as a symbol of the Founder has great significance.” Prefectural
Governor Hashimoto also took the time to say “We are very happy that
this wonderful statue of the Founder Morihei has been completed. I
am deeply moved, since I also practiced aikido while at university.
I hope that this opportunity will advance the development of the region
and that many people will come here from overseas. My respect goes
out to the efforts of everyone concerned and I pray for the further
growth of Aikido.” Kasama City Mayor Nobuki Yamaguchi continued “Today
many people have gathered from inside and outside of the country for
the ceremony for the erection of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba’s
statue and I give my heartfelt congratulations for carrying it out
splendidly. This Aiki Shrine is a major famous place for Kasama City
and with the building of the Founder’s statue, there is another symbol
that Kasama can boast. I hope I can also contribute to the spread
of aikido through my administration.” After this a memorial photograph
was taken in front of the statue with the Doshu at the centre. |
The celebratory party
was held after relocating to the Pax Garden Place where Hombu Shihan
Hiroshi Tada gave a speech, saying: “We are very grateful that we
were able to raise the funds for the construction of Morihei Ueshiba
sensei’s bronze statue in this very difficult economic situation.
I think this also shows the virtue and splendour of aikido. I see
many people who want to pass on Japan’s culture through aikido. More
and more, we must strive in our training with Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei
at the centre. To your good health and let us take this opportunity
for everyone to increase our dedication and furthermore let us pray
for the growth and bright future of the Aikikai.” After Doshu Ueshiba’s
greetings, there were guest speeches by Diet Member Fukushiro Nukaga
of the Lower House, House of Councillors Member Eriko Yamatani, Kasama
City Deputy Mayor Chiaki Watanabe, Tanabe Deputy Mayor Takuma Shodo
and Managing Director Shoji Koto of the Aikikai Foundation.
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| After that,
Company Director Kimihiko Morioka of the Rittai-Shashinzo Corporation
and Chairman Takehiro Nakano of the Inada Stone Manufacturing Cooperative
were presented with a letter of gratitude from Hombu Shihan Tada.
Board Chairman Kazuhiro Fujieda of Ibaraki Prefecture Aikido Federation
led the toast and the audience was roused by speeches from representatives
attending from overseas and a dance display by the Founder’s disciple,
Ms. Fumie Mirumachi (who joined in Showa 28 − 1953). Finally, the
event was brought to a close with a speech from the Founder’s Statue
Action Committee representative Hiroshi Isoyama.
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| Doshu
Special Seminar(Written2009/12/8) |
The Doshu’s
Special Seminar was held over two days from the 19th to the 20th of
September at the founder’s Aikikai Foundation Ibaraki Branch Dojo
in Iwama (present day Kasama City).
This year was the 5th seminar and it was attended by 123 people of
first dan and above from 32 federations, coming from Hokkaido to the
north, Kagawa to the south and from Denmark and Holland overseas.
Instruction of the course was carried out over two hours from 1pm
to 3pm by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. On the first day of the course the
importance of the basic movements of irimi and tenkan were explained
from katatedori, morotedori, ryotedori and shomen and yokomen uchi
with all techniques including these movements. Also the methods of
attacking katatedori, ryotedori and shomenuchi were instructed. |
After the
course had finished, an informal gathering was held with the Doshu
from 6pm inside the Ibaraki Branch Dojo. There were introductions
from the attending federations, recent news and the attendees deepened
their friendships within the Founder’s dojo.
On the second day of the seminar, basic posture, metsuke, ichidori
and so on were instructed from katadori-shomenuchi, ushiro-ryote-dori
then finally, the two-day course was reviewed and came to an end. |
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| Ground
Breaking Ceremony for the Statue of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba(Written
2009/9/25) |
| On the 19th
September, a “ground breaking” ceremony was held for the erection
of the statue of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, beginning at 10am
within the grounds of the Aiki-Shrine. The ceremony was attended by
Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu and Hiroshi Isoyama from the Aikido Founder
Morihei Ueshiba Statue Action Committee and was carried out by master
of ceremonies Gorou Ebisawa of the Iwama Oomoto Branch. Once the master
of ceremonies’ Shinto prayers had been offered, the Doshu dug the
first sod, sacred sprigs were presented and the ground breaking ceremony
was carried out without hindrance. |
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| Aiki
Jinja Rei Taisai(2009/5/19written) |
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The Aikikai
Foundation held two events on April 29 from 11:00 AM in Kasama City
(formerly named Iwama) in Ibaraki prefecture at the Aiki Jinja (Aiki
Shrine): “Aiki Jinja Taisai (Grand Festival)” and “Kaiso (Founder)
and Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ireisai (Memorial Service).” On this day
there were approximately 1500 participants gathered for this occasion.
The Aiki Shrine Grand Festival began with Shubatsu (purification ritual)
and Norito (Shinto ritual prayer) in which Tamagushi (sacred branches)
were offered first by the Ueshiba family and then by representatives
from various fields, giving their best wishes. All of the worshippers
present then moved to the second ceremony − Ireisai - in honor of
Founder Morihei Ueshiba and the Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
The Ireisai consisted of ritual prayers in honor of the ancestoral
spirit (sorei), The Founder and Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Then
the Tamagushi ceremony was done by the Ueshiba family, representative
disciples, representative executives of the Aikikai, relatives of
the Founder, relatives of the Second Doshu, and representatives of
the worshippers. After this, the Amatsu Norito prayer ceremony was
performed.
In continuing, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba said: “I would like to thank
you all for taking the time to gather together to honor the Founder
and Second Doshu at this ceremony. The Founder Morihei Ueshiba passed
away in the early dawn at 5 a.m., April 26 in the year Showa 44 (1969).
And then Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed on at 5 p.m. on January
4, in the year Heisei 11 (1999). “
The host of the ceremony Doshu Moirteru Ueshiba made the following
speech: “In the period of 40 years since the Founder passed on, the
magnificent Aikido that the Founder created has spread like a large
circle throughout the world to 95 different countries. I sincerely
believe that this flow was begun by Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba
and the great and sincere efforts of all the seniors. I myself try
to honor this effort to spread Aikido through dedicated practice day
in and day out, so that as many people as possible will gain an understanding
of Aikido.
I have sworn a vow in front of the Aiki Shrine today to continue to
pursue these endeavors. And from now on, I would be very grateful
if everyone should, each and every day, not forget their devotion
and continue to try to do their best. Thank you very much.”
After this speech, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba performed a ceremonial Aikido
demonstration in the Aiki Jinja. At 12:30 P.M. the festival finished.
From 12:50 P.M. on the dojo grounds and inside the dojo, with the
azaleas in full bloom, the festivities began. The party was officially
opened with a speech by Ueshiba Doshu. The speeches continued, with
guest representative Mayor of Kasama City Mr.Yamaguchi, and then Mr.
Fukuda (Chamberlain of Tanabe City). Then Hombu Dojo Shihan Hiroshi
Tada proposed a “Kampai” (toast).
The next part of the celebration became a social gathering - in full
vigor. Acting Chairman of the All Japan Aikido Federation Hiroshi
Isoyama was the closing speaker of the festivity. |
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| Words
of gratitude for the volunteer workers(2009/5/19written) |
| On Sunday, April 26, regarding
the volunteer work of cleaning both the Aiki Jinja as well as the
surrounding areas in preparation for the Taisai festival on the 29th
of April, expressions of gratitude are due for the more than 80 people
who came first of all from Tokyo Hombu Dojo and Ibaraki prefecture
and of course Kanagawa, Saitama as well as from outside these prefectures,
for so efficiently making these areas so sparkling clean. Because
of the great work done by these people, the participants at the Taisai
festival were able to pay homage at the shrine. I am grateful for
this. I should like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to
the volunteers who offered their help on this occasion. |
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Hiroshi
Isoyama, Acting Head of Ibaraki Branch Dojo |
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| Kagami
Biraki at Aikikai Foundation Ibaraki Branch Dojo(2009/1/30written) |
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The first
monthly ceremony at the Aiki Shrine in 2009 was held on January 18th
from 11:00am.
First, Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu stood before the altar and gave a speech.
Then worshipped before the shrine with many attendees.
Following that, at noon, a Kagami Biraki ceremony was held at the
Ibaraki Branch Dojo. The master of the ceremony was Chief of General
Affairs, Mr. Shigemi Inagaki. |
Firstly, Doshu
made a greeting address in which he said, “I am very glad to have
a Kagami Biraki ceremony with all of you in Ibaraki. Last year, there
was the International event and circle of the Aikido spread to the
world. We’d like to make the circle, which was spread by Founder and
Kisshomaru Doshu, spread to all over the world more. I’d like to care
for the daily practice, and to work hard with you.”
Then Acting Dojo Head for the Ibaraki Branch Dojo, Hiroshi Isoyama
said, “Last year was a bright year for Aikido even though the economic
situation was very bad. Let’s make another brighter year this year!”
Mr. Watanabe (The deputy Mayor of Kasama) and Mr. Machida (deputy
chairman of the city assembly) offered words of congratulations.
After a large cask of consecrated sake was opened, we enjoyed home
cooking prepared by member’s wives, Taru-zake, and sweet bean soup
with rice cakes. The ceremony ended up at 2 p.m. with happy talk. |
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| New
Year Greetings From Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru(2009/1/10written) |
Happy New
Year!
I am very happy to be able to celebrate this new year, as there have
been many unfortunate things happen in our busy world this past year.
Last year all our large events were successful, and I hope that Aikikai
will continue to do well this year as too.
This year marks the 40th year since the Founder's passing. I hope
that everyone will remember his spirit. |
合気道道主 植芝守央 |
The Founder
said, “Real Budo is the way to build our character by harmoniously
training hard with our partners daily. It should not be a fighting
sport in which we try to defeat our partners by using force.” Then
he shouted, “Aikido is love energy!” He also said, “In Aikido we never
attack. The reason someone attacks is that they are not confident
they can win. The attacker knows they are already losing spiritually.”
It has been 40 years since Kisshomaru Doshu took over the teaching
of this Aikido spirit from the Founder. Due to his efforts Aikido
has spread throughout the world and it continues to do so. In over
90 countries people who enjoy Aikido train daily to learn the technique
and spirit of Aikido. I think people are searching for Aikido because
it is a real budo. That is why it has continued until the present
day.
In Aikido we train our body and spirit. The world around us is always
changing and we may need to adapt to these changes, which is easier
said than done. But, we must always remember the philosophy of the
Founder and never change the principles of his Aikido philosophy.
The International Aikido Federation was established in 1976. Currently,
members from more than 50 countries have joined. Despite race, nationality,
and religion many people have come together to exchange ideas and
opinions. Last year the 10th annual International Aikido seminar was
held in Tanabe, Wakayama, the birthplace of the Founder. I am very
glad that there were attendees from all around the world. Even though
Aikido is spreading around the globe, we can not change the basic
ideas of Aikido. We must preserve and protect the Founders philosophy
as Aikido continues to become more internationally well known.
I would like to base Aikido in Japan and from there have it spread
around the world with the belief that Aikido is one of the honorable
budos of Japan. It would be wonderful if we could contribute to international
exchange through our activities. From this point of view the International
Aikido seminar in Tanabe was a very successful bringing together people
from Tanabe, Aikido practitioners and people from the international
community. Prior to the seminar, in February, during the 7th tour
of Tanabe by representatives of cities of importance to the Founder
there was a signing ceremony of the City Friendship Agreement between
four cities, ( Tanabe, Wakayama, Ayabe-Kyoto, Kasama-Ibaraki, Engaru-Hokkaido).
It was a great event in which we were all able to connect with each
other with a “harmonized spirit” that was part of the Fouder's philosophy.
For some people today's changing world is difficult to live in. However,
that is why harmonizing our spirit and sharing our hearts with others
is the most important things and we should strive to continue this.
May you all be healthy and do your best in your Aikido training this
year. |
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