Tohkon Judo Academy Kagami Biraki (Jan 14th)
On Saturday, January 14th, a tradition of the start of New Year Martial Arts Training, Kagami Biraki took place at the Tohkon Judo Academy. This article is about this event.
Due to the pandemic, it has been 3 years from the last time this took place. The event is hosted by Tohkon Judo Academy, JASC (Japan American Services Committee) where 200 people participated including the kids and adults of the Dojo as well as the coaches and staff. We also had an honorable guest, Mr. Tajima, the Counsel General of Japan at Chicago.
Kagami Biraki Agenda
8:00 ~ 12:00
- Kagami biraki preparation – Kamidana, Taiko (Japanese Drums), Bleachers
12:00 ~ 12:30
- Kagami biraki preparation – Kamidana, Taiko (Japanese Drums), Bleachers
12:30 ~ 14:00
- Greetings from the Host (Doug Tono, Tohkon Judo Academy)
- Greetings from the Honorable Guests (Mr. Hiroshi Tajima – Counsel General / Mr. Mike Takada – JASC Chairman)
- Prayers – for Happiness and Safety
- 2022 Awards (Individuals with Notable Match Records, and persons who helped the Jojo Operations)
- Japanese Taiko Demonstration
- Kids Judo Demonstration (Dojo was full with excitement with 40 kids’ powerful demonstration)
- Group Photo
14:00 ~
- Lunch at JASC Large Assembly Hall
Mochi Tsuki (Pounding Rice Cake)
Mochi Tsuki is pounding sweet rice with a hammer. A traditional New Year Event in Japan which is getting less and less even in Japan but I was surprised to see this in the United States.
Pounded rice cakes were immediately prepared for eating (cut in small pieces, mixed with red bean paste, etc)
This fun event lasted until noon.
Kids had fun too
Paired with the Counsel General
Very powerful
Pounded Rice Cakes were formed on a table. Japanese Tradition is shared here too.
Kagami Biraki
From 12:30 the main event, Kagami Biraki started!!
This was a real deal!! Dojo became the stage, the bleachers were full, even with people standing to watch. A great entertainment.
Greeting from Mr. Tajima and Mr. Takada, followed by Prayers for Safety and Happiness, Award Ceremonies, and Taiko Demonstration. The climax was the Kids Judo Demonstration where the voltage was at MAX. Kids worked hard for this event and it paid. It was a cold day in Chicago, but appropriate for a New Year event.
Warm message from Mt. Tajima the Counsel General of Japan at Chicago
Japanese Drums Demo – Very Exciting Stage
Kids Judo Demonstration
Ukemi and Randori – a bit nervous?
Look at this leap!!
Standing ovation from the Bleachers!!!
Award to Mike who fought hard at the US Championship. This year we’re gonna win it!!!
Remarks
This Kagami Biraki at Tohkon Judo Academy has a theme “This is JAPAN” which is appropriate for the New Years. A new years in Japan means a “Fresh Start” where excitement and anxiety mix for everyone. The fact that this tradition is being shared in the United States, was very touching. Watching kids enjoying the Mochi made by everyone, and seeing people enjoying the day, I was proud to be a Japanese.
Also since we were able to have Mr. Tajima as an honorable guest, the event was filled with motivation, not just for the kids, but for myself as well. I would like to thank the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago for their cooperation.
Lastly, through my activities in GKJN, I again understood that I need to work as a conduit between USA and Japan not just for Judo, but for these cultural exchange programs which then promotes interest in Japan as well as broadening the minds of Children. There is a lot I need to do but I need to keep my inspiration at its prime, and maintain and grow my network to make it happen.
