February 7-9, 2009
WSKO President Yuuki So revisits Banda Aceh

Newly constructed dojo with various rooms.

On December 26, 2004, an unprecedented huge earthquake occurred off Sumatra, Indonesia, causing enormous tsunamis. People who had never experienced any tsunami were happily gathering fish left on the coasts of receded tide farther than ever, which was actually the warning of tsunami. These devastating earthquake and the tsunamis killed more than 200,000 people.

Being interviewed by national and local TV reporters and journalists. "I want the local children, especially those who sufferred in the disater, get the most of the philosophy of Shorinji Kempo and this dojo, and live a happy life."

Shorinji Kempo members in Indonesia also became victims of this disaster. On the day of the earthquake, they were running a Shorinji Kempo local Taikai in Banda Aceh, a town facing the Indian Ocean located on the Northern part of Sumatra Island. It was fortunate that the damage to them was minimum due to their leader's good leadership and judgment. Still, however, there were many Kenshi who lost home to go back or who were traumatized deeply.

Planting a memorial tree.

The members of Shorinji Kempo worldwide learned the news and offered their donation to the Indonesian Federation. They decided to build a dojo of Shorinji Kempo in Banda Aceh. The government of Indonesia appreciated the idea of "developing individuals," the principle of Shorinji Kempo. They decided to offer subsidy for the construction as one of the recovery projects.

Memorial tree planted by Ms. So.

The completion ceremony was held on February 9, 2009, and WSKO President Yuuki So attended the ceremony at the invitation by the Indonesian Shorinji Kempo Federation.

The new modern facility has meeting rooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms. It will help the local people with further recovery from the aspect of developing healthy body and mind.

In a traditional costume presented by the Indonesian Federation, with Mr. Timbul Thomas Lubis, Indonesian Federation President.

Ms. So presenting a gift to Mr. Indra Kartasasmita, WSKO Board Member.

Banda Aceh is not a wealthy community in Indonesia. Many members living there cannot afford traveling to Jakarta, their capital, let alone to Japan. They had been eagerly waiting for WSKO President to arrive. They listened to Ms. So who had come all the way from Japan, with their whole hearts. They promised to her that they would strive further to develop quality of their people in order to restore their hometown.

Ms. So talking to the Indonesian leaders.

With local kenshi, after the ceremony.

Ms. So with durian

Ms. Yuuki So's previous trip to Banda Aceh

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