The 63rd All Japan Aikido Demonstration

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.

The Budokan was still quiet at that hour, but by midday it would be packed with people. Before things got busy, we took a commemorative photo at the main entrance.

Taking group photos here has become a yearly tradition.

Although the official opening time was 11:00, someone had already lined up before 7:30. I was impressed by the dedication of those who come early to secure good seats.

Since the meeting points differed for indoor and outdoor security teams, I parted ways with Mike at the security room and headed to my assigned location.

Under the large Japanese flag, the VIP guest seating and five tatami areas were already fully prepared.

The ceiling of the Budokan is made of layered octagonal structures, each slightly rotated, forming a beautiful geometric pattern like a kaleidoscope. It’s impossible not to look up in awe.

After receiving instructions and confirming positions inside the venue, I headed to the women’s changing room.

While the men’s changing rooms are located in two places inside the arena, the women’s changing room is in a separate building—above the Nakadojo and past the first floor restaurant.

The partitions were arranged differently from previous years, which was a bit confusing at first.

We managed to remove one section, but the room was still about one third smaller than last time. Even so, we arranged it as best as we could so everyone could use it comfortably.

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At 9:45, an announcement came on:

“We will open the venue ahead of schedule.”

When I had walked around earlier, I had already seen a long line forming, so it made sense. Although the official opening time was 11:00, we usually open an hour early due to the crowds.

This year, we opened an additional 15 minutes earlier, and I felt grateful that so many people had come.

After completing the evacuation drill, we took our positions.

During one of the three rotating breaks, I peeked into the arena and saw that the seats were already filled with spectators.

Performers enter the venue from here. Seeing the packed audience must heighten their nerves and excitement even more.

Unfortunately, those of us assigned to the changing room cannot watch the demonstrations in full. There is a monitor inside, but with the constant flow of people, we rarely have time to look at it.

During one break, I managed to step into the venue briefly, but between greeting friends and discussing upcoming plans, there wasn’t much time to relax.

After the first part ended and the second part began, it was soon time for us to change into our uniforms for the Hombu Embu.

When we headed to the Nakadojo, the arena was crowded with participants. We waited in the hallway, received instructions inside the Nakadojo, and then moved toward the venue.

My partner was F chan, who always takes good care of me. Having her by my side was very reassuring.

The Homnu Embu follows a training method format: we observe the Dojo cho performing techniques on the white tatami and then perform the same techniques ourselves.

There were three techniques in total. The usual demonstration time is 1 minute 30 seconds, and this one was just as short.

After each technique, we were supposed to return to our original positions, but the time was tight and sometimes someone else was standing where I needed to be.

It was a bit hectic and made me nervous, but I still enjoyed the demonstration very much.

After finishing, we quickly changed and returned to our security duties.

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This year, there were some changes in the lineup, including adjustments to Tada Shihan’s demonstration, which made me feel the passage of time.

The event concluded as scheduled at 5:00 p.m., but people continued coming to the changing rooms afterward, and by the time cleaning was finished, it was past 6:00 p.m.

After that, we attended the appreciation gathering, and by the time I arrived home, it was already after midnight.

Despite the many challenges throughout the day, I was filled with gratitude and satisfaction that we were able to work together and hold the demonstration safely once again this year.

To everyone who participated in the demonstrations, and to all who supported the event—especially those involved in security and operations—thank you very much for your hard work.

I truly appreciate your efforts.

I hope next year’s event will be just as wonderful.

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