January 11, 2009
2009 Kagami Biraki
On January 11th, 2009, "Kagami Biraki" the annual first event of the year was held at Headquarters of Shorinji Kempo Federation, attended by around 2000 people.
Shinshun Houe (New Year's Assembly) was held at Hondo from 9 am. Mr. Takehisa Urata, Representative Officer of Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji, gave his policy for the New Year. He commended some leaders who have made distinguished contribution to the organization. New rank holders of Daihanshi and 8th Dan received their certificates on the stage.
At Rensei Dojo from 9:30am, "keiko hajime (first practice of the year)" was held attended by around 500 kenshi both adult and children. After practicing "zentai kihon", they Mr. Tsunehiro Arai, President of the Shorinji Kempo Federation (and also the Board Chairperson of WSKO), greeted the participants, and encouraged them to keep their own pace in practicing and progress steadily, which is the principle of "zen zen shugaku" in this Year of Ox.
After the address, the participants were divided into the children's group in Rensei Dojo, and the adults' group in Hondo. Mr. Arai taught in the adult group and those who had never experienced his techniques were so impressed.
Embu demonstration was given after practice at Rensei Dojo. Various embu were presented by children and a family in front of the visitors and important guests, then Mr. Tsunehiro Arai showed techniques to the audience, followed by the demonstration by the Shorinji Kempo Federation Official Demonstration Team. Embu kai followed the demonstration, participated by 104 kenshi; adluts' kumi embu, solo embu, grou pembu, and parent/child pairs.
On Keidai, the front yard of the premises, "karuta", a Japanese traditional game, was played reviewing the keywords of Shorinji Kempo. Mochi-tsuki (rice pounding) was performed to offer to the visitors. Children participated in pounding even in the snowy weather.
Visitors enjoyed freshly pounded mochi and hot ame-yu (sweet ginger drink), and also hot zenzai (sweet red bean soup, traditional winter sweet) with two mochi, red and white color respectively, color combination of celebration. At the canteen, zenzai were provided for free, and hot curry and rice, udon noodles, and rice balls were sold. Kenshi warmed their cold bodies with various hot drinks and foods.
Mr. Yoshihisa Miyano, who has been taking pictures of Shorinji Kempo from the very early days, gave us an exhibition as last year.
Shorinji Kempo Group New Year Party was held at Kodo from noon. Officers and supporters of the Shorinji Kempo Group celebrated the New Year.
