SKB Participates in NKS 130th Anniversary Commemorative Event in Japan
Official chronicle and photographic exhibition of the 1998 Shotokai Karate Budo delegation to Japan: 130th anniversary of Master Gichin Funakoshi's birth, 60th anniversary of Shotokan Hombu Dojo, and training with Master Genshin Hironishi and Master Sugimoto
SKB Participates in NKS Commemorative Event in Japan
Official Delegation Chronicle • October 1998 • Tokyo, Kamakura, Chiba & Okinawa
In October 1998, Karateka from around the world gathered in Japan for a historic series of commemorations organized by Nihon Karate-do Shotokai (NKS). The events marked the 130th anniversary of the birth of Master Gichin Funakoshi and the 60th anniversary of the central Shotokan Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.
Representatives of the highest level attended from Europe, the Americas, and throughout Japan, including Master Genshin Hironishi, Master Takagi, Master Sugimoto, Master Shundo, Master Atsuo Hiruma, Master Mitsusuke Harada, and other leading figures of traditional Budo.
The Chilean delegation, led by Sensei Humberto Heyden accompanied by Claudio Fariña, joined delegations from Spain, Italy, and Portugal under the guidance of Master Atsuo Hiruma.
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Archival Photographic Plates • Japan 1998
Shotokan Hombu Dojo Gathering
Master photo (47k) of the international delegation assembled in the historic Shotokan Hombu Dojo in Tokyo beneath the portraits of past masters.
Tomb of Master Shigeru Egami
The delegation paying solemn respects at the resting place of Master Shigeru Egami, foremost successor to Master Gichin Funakoshi.
NKS 130th Anniversary Ceremony
Official opening ceremonies on October 18, 1998, featuring formal addresses by Master Genshin Hironishi and Master Takagi.
Master Atsuo Hiruma • Kanku Dai
Sensei Atsuo Hiruma demonstrating the classic form Kanku Dai during the international commemorative exhibitions.
Reception by Master Sugimoto
Master Sugimoto warmly receiving the Chilean and European delegations at the Shotokan Hombu Dojo for special training.
Katori Jingu • Shinto Shrine
Visiting Katori Jingu in Chiba, one of Japan's most sacred martial shrines and the cradle of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu.
Sacred Shrine Exploration
Sensei Humberto Heyden and practitioners from Chile, Spain, Italy, and Portugal exploring the classical temple grounds.
Hakone Onsen • Rest & Comradeship
Experiencing traditional Japanese hot spring (*onsen*) culture in Hakone amidst the autumn mountain landscape.
Matsuri Street Festival & Mikoshi
Witnessing traditional regional Shinto festival processions, portable shrines (*mikoshi*), and cultural drumming.
Autumn Festival in Chiba
Cultural immersion during festival days prior to the international martial arts commemorative proceedings.
Meeting with Senior Masters
Informal dialogue and shared reflection with senior Japanese Shotokai masters following training at the Hombu Dojo.
Special Training Session in Tokyo
Intensive partner practice uniting foreign delegation leaders and top Japanese Shotokai black belts.
Formal Reception with NKS Leadership
Evening banquet fostering international unity and mutual respect between delegations from four continents.
Cultural Journey & Classical Temples
Walking through ancient castle and temple corridors, deepening understanding of Budo's historical roots.
International Delegation Assembly
Final assembly of the Chilean delegation with international colleagues, concluding an unforgettable journey into the heart of Shotokai.
Official Chronicle of the Visit
Initial Arrival & Cultural Exploration
The Chilean delegation arrived first, consisting of Sensei Humberto Heyden accompanied by Claudio Fariña. The time prior to the NKS event was devoted to visiting historical places of martial heritage. They visited the Katori Jingu Shrine in Chiba Prefecture, cradle of classical sword styles, followed by attendance at an autumn Matsuri festival.
After October 13, the Chilean representatives were joined by the official delegations from Spain, Italy, and Portugal under the leadership of Master Atsuo Hiruma.
Training at the Shotokan Hombu Dojo
Following the arrival of the European group, a visit to the historic Shotokan Hombu Dojo was arranged. Master Sugimoto graciously welcomed the visitors and led an unforgettable training session under the portraits of past and living masters: O-Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, Giei Funakoshi, Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi, Master Shigeru Egami, Master Genshin Hironishi, and Master Takagi.
Okinawa Pilgrimage
Despite a typhoon warning, the group traveled to Okinawa, birthplace of Master Funakoshi and the historic fountainhead of Karate-do. Notable highlights included training sessions with renowned Okinawan masters:
- Master Shinzo Chinen, Technical Director of the Jundokan Karate-Do Association (Goju-Ryu).
- Master Yoshitaka Taira (Shorin-Ryu).
- A visit to the dojo of Master Katsuya Miyahira (Shorin-Ryu).
Homage to Master Shigeru Egami & Master Gichin Funakoshi
Upon returning to the mainland, the delegation made a pilgrimage to the tomb of Master Shigeru Egami to pay respects to Master Funakoshi's notable successor. Following this, Master Sugimoto oriented a special advanced class in the Hombu Dojo exclusively for foreign delegation leaders, followed by a celebratory banquet.
The delegation also journeyed to Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura, visiting the memorial monument of Master Gichin Funakoshi, bearing his immortal inscription: Karate ni sente nashi ("There is no first strike in Karate").
The Commemorative Celebrations • October 18, 1998
The main NKS event commenced at 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, 1998. The ceremonies opened with addresses by Master Genshin Hironishi, Master Takagi, and other senior authorities.
Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, delegations of Karateka from all regions of Japan and foreign countries presented kihon, kata, and kumite before the illustrious assembly. Sensei Humberto Heyden met and conversed with Master Mitsusuke Harada, Master Tamae, and numerous senior instructors.
The participants departed with a profound sense of continuity, confident that the memory, sacrifice, and spiritual heritage of Master Funakoshi and his direct successors remain vibrant and faithfully preserved within Karate-do Shotokai worldwide.
