Today, I’m planning to meet up with my local friends and others in the morning, and they’ve kindly offered to take us sightseeing.

As I was getting ready and munching on a banana, I suddenly felt a slight discomfort in my throat…

Not a great sign.

Maybe I caught something during the training the day before the trip, when I practiced with a friend who had just arrived from overseas. Or perhaps it was from the noisy young people on yesterday’s train.

Either way, it seems quite possible that I picked up a bit of a cold.

I’m always a little vulnerable to overseas bugs, and even though the trip has only just begun, I already have something to worry about.

We’re supposed to meet at 9 a.m. in central Prague.

Google Maps showed several routes, but I chose the tram since it didn’t require any transfers.

On May 23, 2026, I took part in the 63rd All Japan Aikido Demonstration held at the Nippon Budokan. This year as well, I participated not only as a performer but also as a volunteer, helping with security staff duties. I’d like to share a glimpse of how the day unfolded.

Although the opening ceremony began at noon, Mike—who was in charge of security outside the venue before and after the event—had to gather at 7:30 a.m.

I was assigned to the women’s changing room and wasn’t required until 8:00, but I decided to head there together with him.

I left home before 7:00 and arrived at Kudanshita Station a little after 7:15, where I saw a few people in suits already walking around.

The morning temperature was 13°C, and even during the day it stayed below 20°C—a rather chilly day. Still, thanks to the warm weather we’d had recently, the greenery around the Budokan moat was lush and vibrant, giving off a sense of early summer.

At the entrance, a large sign was already set up, and people waiting for friends were gathered around.

I ran into several acquaintances there and was surprised to learn that everyone had arrived early despite the official 8:00 meeting time.

When we arrived at the station in Prague, a wave of people poured out of the train all at once.

The moment I finally stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air, I felt an unexpected sense of relief. We waited on the platform for the crowd to settle before moving on.

All that was left was to head to our hotel—but first, we had an important mission: getting our hands on some Czech koruna.

We had a bit of euro with us, but paying in koruna is much more cost effective in this country. Having cash is essential.

Before we know it, May has already arrived—time truly does pass quickly.

On May 23, the 63rd All Japan Aikido Demonstration will be held, and more and more international aikidoka have begun gathering at Hombu Dojo.

Today, we are pleased to share the latest updates on the always well received Aikikai Hombu Dojo Shihan Seminars.

Below are the seminars scheduled for August and September, along with newly added seminar information.

✔ Aikido Seminar