On November 9, 2025, approximately 1,100 distinguished guests, Aikido practitioners, and supporters from across Japan and around the world gathered at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo to celebrate a historic achievement in the martial arts community. Ueshiba Moriteru, the current Aikido Doshu, was honored for receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, a prestigious national recognition that marks an unprecedented three-generation legacy of imperial honors within the Ueshiba family and the Aikido tradition.
The Significance of the Award
The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 during the Meiji era, represents one of Japan's highest civilian honors. The Gold Rays with Rosette distinction is specifically awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in education, culture, and welfare, as well as to leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the development of Japanese society.
This recognition is particularly meaningful as it continues a remarkable family legacy. Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, and Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the Second Doshu, both received imperial honors during their lifetimes. The awarding of this decoration to three consecutive generations of the Ueshiba family stands as an unprecedented achievement in the world of Japanese martial arts, reflecting not only individual excellence but also the profound cultural and social impact of Aikido itself.
Over a thousand practicioners attended the event.
The Ceremony Program
Mr Hayashi Michio, Managing Director of the Aikikai Foundation and celebration initiator, opened the ceremony with a reflection on the significance of this three-generation achievement. He emphasized that these honors are unprecedented in martial arts history and represent recognition not merely of individual accomplishments, but of Aikido itself as a spiritual and cultural practice.
Hayashi Michio giving his speech.
Mrs Yamatani Eriko, Member of the House of Councillors, former Minister of State, and Director of both the Nippon Budokan Foundation and Aikikai Foundation, delivered a deeply personal address. Having practiced Aikido for over 50 years, she spoke of experiencing "the beauty, purity, and power of Aikido" with unchanged joy and gratitude. She emphasized that Aikido allows practitioners to harmonize body, soul, and mind while connecting to universal principles of harmony and unity.
A message from Mr Junichi Kawai, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, was read to the assembly. It expressed deep respect for Doshu's long-standing efforts in promoting and developing Aikido and his significant contributions to both the Japanese public and the international community. The message congratulated Doshu on this exceptional honor and wished him continued success and further achievements.
A noteworthy moment occurred when representatives from five cities historically associated with Aikido were introduced and invited to the stage. These included officials from Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture (the founder's birthplace), Engaru Town in Hokkaido, Ayabe City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kasama City in Ibaraki Prefecture, and notably, Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo, which had just been added to this distinguished list. The previous day, a signing ceremony had been held establishing these locations as sister cities, creating a formal network of places connected through their association with Aikido's history and the Ueshiba family. This initiative represents a unique intersection of cultural preservation, municipal cooperation, and martial arts heritage.
The program continued with the presentation of a commemorative gift by Ozaki Sho, Japan Aikido Federation Advisor, followed by a presentation of flowers by Doshu's grandsons, Ueshiba Hiroteru and Ueshiba Tomoteru—a symbolic gesture representing the continuation of the Ueshiba lineage into its fourth generation.
Doshu with his wife and grandchildren.
Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu then took the stage for his acceptance speech, during which he spoke with his characteristic humility and vision. He expressed sincere gratitude for the gathering of so many supporters and recounted that the Spring Imperial Decoration recipients were announced on April 29, 2025, with the presentation ceremony held on May 21, followed by an audience with His Majesty the Emperor. Reflecting on the 94-year history since the founding of the Aikido Honbu Dojo, Doshu emphasized that this honor represents recognition of Aikido by society rather than personal achievement alone. He considers the award representative of all people currently practicing Aikido and those who deeply understand its principles.
Doshu reminded the assembly that Aikido was perfected by founder Morihei Ueshiba as a path embodying the belief that true martial arts are not about relying solely on strength to compete with others, but rather constitute a pursuit of self-perfection. He provided impressive statistics on Aikido's expansion: when Kisshomaru Doshu succeeded to the position in 1969, Aikido had spread to approximately 15 countries; when Moriteru assumed leadership in 1999, this had grown to approximately 80 countries; today, it has reached 140 countries and regions worldwide.
The founder's vision that "Aikido would become a silver bridge connecting Japan and the world" has truly become reality, Doshu observed. However, he acknowledged that as Aikido grows—like trees in nature facing various difficulties as they mature—it too faces challenges from changes in social environments and contemporary trends.
Doshu stated that while Aikido must adapt to changing times, the philosophy and techniques founded by Morihei Ueshiba remain unchanged and must not be altered. He compared the contributions of everyone involved in Aikido to nourishment for a tree, allowing its branches and leaves to grow strong. His responsibility, he emphasized, is to ensure these branches flourish even more while passing on Aikido's philosophy—which involves training the mind and body and respecting one another through practice—to the next generation in the most accurate way possible.
In closing, Doshu declared he would not consider this honor merely as a reward for past efforts, but rather as encouragement to continue striving forward in Aikido without ceasing to improve.
Doshu and his wife Kyoko with our group of regular members of the Hombu Dojo
Kuki Ietaka, Chief Priest of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, delivered the ceremonial toast. His remarks connected Aikido's philosophy with spiritual traditions, noting that Kumano Hongu, located in Tanabe City, is known as a place of rebirth and regeneration. He spoke of the Japanese concept of "sakae" (prosperity) and expressed wishes not only for continued success and dedication of Doshu and the Aikikai, but for the spread of Aikido as a symbolic Japanese martial art representing peace and serving as a place of solace for the heart. The chief priest offered prayers that the harmonious principles of Aikido would spread from 140 countries to 200, 250, and beyond, with Japan at the center of this peaceful expansion. His toast encompassed wishes for world peace, the safety of all present, and the continued development of all nations through the spirit of Aikido's harmonious principles.
Attendees were then given ample time to mingle and enjoy the large variety of foods and beverages that were on offer. Those large gatherings are always a great opportunities for heads of dojo from across Japan and abroad to reconnect and plan future collaborations. This was very much the case here and I am looking forward to seeing many visitors to Yokohama AikiDojo.
Catching up with friends Okamoto Yoko Sensei from Sandokai Aikido Kyoto and John Brinsley Sensei from Los Angeles Daiwa Aikido.
Ueshiba Mitsuteru, Hombu Dojo-cho and son of the Doshu, delivered the closing address. He expressed happiness and pride at being able to celebrate with so many practitioners from Japan and around the world. While acknowledging the greatness of his father's achievement, he emphasized that this recognition also reflects the dedication and spirit of all those who practice Aikido daily across the globe. He encouraged everyone to continue working hard in their daily training under Doshu's guidance while cherishing the spirit of Aikido. Notably, he revealed that the commemorative gift presented by Doshu to the attendees was Wajima lacquerware, selected by him with the hope of contributing to recovery efforts following the previous year's earthquake that occured in the Noto Peninsula, illustrating Aikido's connection to broader social concerns.
Gifts presented to all attendees at the end of the party, including the program and a lacqueware from Wajima.
The afternoon at the Keio Plaza Hotel demonstrated that Aikido is far more than a martial art—it is a living philosophy, a cultural treasure, an international community, and a practical path toward harmony and self-understanding that continues to resonate with people across all boundaries of nationality, language, and culture. The recognition bestowed upon Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu honors not just one man's lifetime of service, but the collective achievement of everyone who has contributed to making the founder's vision of Aikido as a "silver bridge" connecting Japan and the world an enduring reality.
