Yasukuni Jinja Dedication Demonstration
On April 22, 2023, as part of the celebration of the Yasukuni Shrine Annual Spring Rites, 8 Japanese traditonal martial arts schools including Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu from among the member schools of the Japan Kobudo Promotion Society performed dedicatory demonstrations at the Noh theater on the precincts of the shrine. (Japan Kobudo Promotion Association HP: https://kobushin.jp/news/202304222042/)
It was the first time for Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu to participate, but we solemnly offered martial arts in front of the spirit that was the foundation of this country enshrined at Yasukuni Jinja.
After the demonstration, we went up to the main hall together with the participants of other schools and worshiped quietly. It was a time to think about how this country came to be and the future, and pledge peace from the bottom of our hearts.
Hideto Usuyama
Kyoju-dairi, Vice Headquarters Director and Setagaya Branch Chief
Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu
(Upper row) Usuyama Hideto (Lower row from left) Kono Junichi 4-dan, Takiguchi Taishi 3-dan, Ajioka Takuma 3-dan
