My soul overflows with gratitude and appreciation.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you !

　For “Igarashi Dojo-cho 8th Dan Celebration”, more than 200 people from Japan, and more than 60 people from 11 different countries have come to celebrate with us. Thank you all for joining us.

　Igarashi Dojo’s 40th anniversary 4 years from now will just be a stepping stone, and I am eagerly looking forward to 2033, when I will be 88 years old to celebrate our 50th anniversary.

On receiving 8th Dan

　On the last year of the Heisei era, on January 13, at the Kagami-biraki of the Aikido Hombu Dojo, I received my 8th Dan certificate directly from the Aikido Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru Sensei.
　In his New Year’s message, Doshu said, “This year marks the 50th year of the passing of our founder, Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei; and the 20th year of the passing of the second Doshu, Ueshiba Kisshomaru Sensei.”

　Considering years and the passage of time, it has been 56 years since I started practicing Aikido in the 39th year of the Showa era (1964). With the eras changing from Showa (1926~1989) to Heisei (1989~2019) to the current era, Reiwa, I consider myself blessed to have received instruction from the founder, Morihei O-Sensei and the second Doshu Kisshomaru Sensei.
　I continue to receive instruction from the 3rd Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru Sensei and the Aikido Hombu Dojo-cho, Ueshiba Mitsuteru Sensei. I feel extremely blessed in being able to practice and receive instruction through four generations.

　My beloved master who first taught me Aikido, Kobayashi Yasuo Sensei, who will be turning 82 this year, has always said, “Practicing without taking ukemi cannot be called Aikido!” He continues to take ukemi during vigorous practice today. I continue to followSsensei’s path, but I feel that I am still a long way away.
　During the Kagami-biraki at Hombu Dojo, I was asked about my aspirations after receiving 8th Dan. I replied, “I would like to continue to devote my life to Aikido, treasuring every day that I am able to practice.”

　 I hope that you will continue to support and instruct me. From the bottom of my heart, my heartfelt gratitude to you all. 　Thank you.