In Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are now in full bloom, and the warmer air lets us feel the arrival of spring with all our senses.

We are pleased to share the latest updates for the always popular Aikikai Hombu Dojo Shihan Seminars.
This edition includes the July seminars as well as newly added information for April.

〇 Lentestage 2026

This morning, we needed to head to Seibukan before 8:30 so we could join the zazen session.

Since attending the 9:30–11:00 class would mean missing our hotel checkout time, we decided to bring all our luggage and meet in the hotel lobby.

Even though we had already become familiar with the route, everything feels different when you’re carrying bags.

Our luggage was only for three days, so it wasn’t too bad, but the New Zealand members were carrying three weeks’ worth of belongings.

Going up and down stairs naturally took more time.

G carried M’s bags without a single complaint, looking every bit the gentleman—as if to say, “This is a man’s job.”

Spring is becoming more noticeable day by day here in Tokyo, bringing a gentle lightness to the heart.

This year’s pollen levels are quite high, which must be difficult for those with allergies, but the thought of the cherry blossoms blooming soon fills me with excitement.

This time, I am pleased to share the latest updates for the always well received Aikikai Hombu Dojo Shihan Seminars.

Below are the newly updated seminar details for April–May and June, led by Hombu Dojo Shihan.

〇 April 12 – Shihan Seminar

Today’s practice began at 10 a.m.

I enjoyed a slow breakfast in my small hotel room and met up with the New Zealand group around 9. Unlike yesterday—when I got a little lost on the way to the train—I made it to the platform without any trouble this morning. Relying on my memory and Google Maps, I headed back to Seibukan.

Seibukan：https://seibukan-kobe.org/

Last night, Mr. Nakao and Ms. Akiko were working in the kitchen at Nadaya, but today they were in the dojo dressed in their gi and hakama.

Since it was Saturday, and because it was Mr. Nakao’s class, nearly three times as many students gathered compared to yesterday. The moment I spotted a familiar face—Mr. I—I felt a wave of relief.