2025 - NYNJKYUDO
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Past Events
Japan Parade and Street Fair 2025
Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Time: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: 72nd street (Between Central Park W & Columbus Ave)
The 10th Asia-Oceania Kyudo Seminar (Nagoya)
April 6th, 2025 marked day one of the 10th Asia-Oceana Kyudo seminar in Nagoya, Japan. The three day seminar was followed by the Special International Chuo Shinsa, where many participants traveled from all over the world to attend.
11 of us from New York/New Jersey participated in the seminar, 7 of which tested for the Shinsa.
This year the events took place at the traditional Kyudojo located in Nippon Gaishi Hall. We used three shajos and divided into groups according to our rankings. Each group was guided by 3 highly skilled instructors. They worked meticulously to prepare us for the Shinsa. The authentic setting of the kyudojo was truly captivating. This combined with the sincere dedication of our instructors easily made us forget what jetlag was.
Each day started with various demonstrations from our instructors, one of which our Sensei, Fumiko Takada, performed flawlessly as Kaizoe #2 in the Yawatashi ceremony. The remainder of each day were filled with lectures, taihai practice, and yakazu.
On the day of the Shinsa, over 200 participants tested. The day was heavy with tension, yet the overwhelming support was unmistakable and felt by all. There was an observation room to the right of the Shajo. People were packed in, eagerly watching each tester’s performance. The collective cheers, gasps and applause spoke volumes, uniting everyone, regardless of their Renmei group.
We are happy to announce that many of us successfully passed! We hope that more of our members will challenge this wonderful experience in the future.
(Text H.O. photo by M.O.)