Lesser Known Ibaraki: Home to Aikido

When I lived in Mito City, Ibaraki, I was part of a relatively large community of foreigners. Everyone had their own reasons for coming to Japan, but the person who intrigued me most was an American who moved to Ibaraki specifically because of his love of Aikido. Through him, I learned that Ibaraki is actually the birthplace of Aikido—a well-known fact in the martial arts world, and a major draw for practitioners from around the globe.

Reportedly, in 1942, Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba (known respectfully as O-Sensei), retreated to the peaceful countryside town of Iwama, which is now part of Kasama City, in central Ibaraki. Seeking harmony between martial training, spirituality, and nature, Ueshiba spent his later years farming the land while refining the graceful, non-violent defensive techniques that define Aikido today.

During his time in Iwama, Ueshiba built the sacred Aiki Shrine (Aiki Jinja). As far as I know, it is the only Shinto shrine in the world dedicated specifically to Aikido. Every year on April 29th, martial artists from across Japan and around the globe gather in Kasama for the Grand Spring Festival to honor the founder’s legacy. For martial arts enthusiasts, visiting Ibaraki isn't just a countryside trip; it’s a pilgrimage to the spiritual heart of Aikido.