Special gratitude
Mr. Hiroshi SOMEMIYA, 7 Dan AIKIKAI
The Haiku* runs as follows: "Iku te ni wa kumo hitotsu nashi Koinobori" ("Koinobori! There is not a cloud in front of you that would obstruct your way" (translation of the author), March 27, 1994). This poem was written and presented in a time very difficult for our Dojo, when we were in utter need of encouragement.
It is possible that even the haiku dedicated to the Dojo, this sign of attention on the part of a person who had studied Aikido from the Founder himself, inspired us to continue our way in Aikido.
We should point out that among the modern Japanese it is very hard to find people who can write haiku, because haiku is not simply a poem. It unites a work of poetry and of calligraphy and represents a spiritual testament of a Master, an example of the highest sincerity and devotion, harmonious expression and simplicity.
* Haiku is a genre and form of Japanese poetry. It is a tercet of three lines of 5-7-5 syllables. Until XIX century was known as hokku.
