Ushigome-Yanagicho
Ushigome-yanagicho
Station lies
on the Toei Oedo subway line in
the Shinjuku Ward of Tokyo.
The
station derives its name Ushigome-yanagicho
from the previous name
of the neighborhood. The area was
previously known as Ichigaya-yanagi
and it was located in the former
ward of Ushigome. Ushigome-yanagicho
is today a quiet residential neighborhood
of Shinjuku. The only prominent
feature of the place is the headquarters
of Aikido.
Aikido
World Headquarters
The
Aikido World Headquarters is located
only a minute's walk from Ushigome-yanagicho
Station.
Aikido
is a traditional Japanese martial
art form created by Morihei Ueshiba,
a specialist in all martial arts
in 1920. The thought behind Aikido
is that it is the path of the warrior,
which combines the spirits of the
heaven and earth in the heart, and
fulfills life's destiny with unconditional
love for everything. The goal of
Aikido is not perfection, but improving
one's character according to the
rules of nature. Aikido's movements
are characterized by flowing circular
dance-like motions. Though these
may seem soft and smooth in nature,
in reality they are greatly effective.
Besides being a great form of defending
oneself, Aikido teaches proper behavior
and etiquette. Aikido was officially
recognized by the Japanese Government
in 1940.
Through
its Headquarters, Aikido works towards
developing it and promoting it throughout
the world. The present head of the
organization is Moritero Ueshiba,
the grandson of the founder.
