I am pleased that we are able to hold the 50^th All- Japan Aikido Demonstration with such a large number of people here today at the Nippon Budokan. This is the biggest event hosted by the Aikikai Foundation and approximately 7,800 practitioners who are members of Hombu Dojo, of the registered dojos, and of enterprise clubs from all over Japan, can all take part together. The first demonstration was held at Yamano hall in Tokyo in 1950 with 180 participants. Since then, 50 years have passed and the number of participants has grown to 50 times that of the first one.
I believe that this is because of the greatness of Aikido founded by Kaiso, Morihei Ueshiba. We can never forget Kisshomaru 2^nd Doshu when we think about the history of the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration. After World War II, when he worked to spread Aikido, he decided to open Aikido demonstrations to the general public. It’s not an exaggeration to say that his decision and effort led to the spread of Aikido to 95 countries. Kisshomaru 2^nd Doshu, who devoted all his energy to the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration, would be happy to see that it has become such a big event.
We who have inherited this demonstration, have to not only make it big, but also make it rich and varied. I believe that everyone participating in today's embukai will show the successful results of our daily keiko with our whole heart.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and to other relevant groups for their support.
The organizer greeting (Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu)
I am pleased that we are able to hold the 50^th All- Japan Aikido Demonstration with such a large number of people here today at the Nippon Budokan. This is the biggest event hosted by the Aikikai Foundation and approximately 7,800 practitioners who are members of Hombu Dojo, of the registered dojos, and of enterprise clubs from all over Japan, can all take part together. The first demonstration was held at Yamano hall in Tokyo in 1950 with 180 participants. Since then, 50 years have passed and the number of participants has grown to 50 times that of the first one.
I believe that this is because of the greatness of Aikido founded by Kaiso, Morihei Ueshiba. We can never forget Kisshomaru 2^nd Doshu when we think about the history of the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration. After World War II, when he worked to spread Aikido, he decided to open Aikido demonstrations to the general public. It’s not an exaggeration to say that his decision and effort led to the spread of Aikido to 95 countries. Kisshomaru 2^nd Doshu, who devoted all his energy to the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration, would be happy to see that it has become such a big event.
We who have inherited this demonstration, have to not only make it big, but also make it rich and varied. I believe that everyone participating in today's embukai will show the successful results of our daily keiko with our whole heart.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and to other relevant groups for their support.