What do you think of when you hear the word “Japan”? If you are familiar with Japan, I am sure many things come to your mind. Then, when people in your country hear the word “Japan,” what generally comes to mind?
Cherry blossoms? Cars? Ninja? How about Samurai?
Samurai are warriors who serve their lord and are trained not only in swordsmanship and fighting techniques but also in etiquette and the spirit of the samurai.
Samurai as a profession no longer exists in today’s Japan. Still, there are people who have inherited the spirit and techniques of the Samurai of that time and continue to spread its culture as an art form.
Who is Kengi-shu KAMUI (剱伎衆かむゐ)?
“剱伎衆かむゐ (KENGISHU KAMUI)” is the only “SAMURAI Artist” group in Japan that fascinates people all over the world with its entertainment that combines swordsmanship and art. They have established their own SAMURAI method, “剱伎道 (KENGIDO)”, and have dojos in Japan, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Belarus, the USA, and other countries. They also use their skills to teach choreography and acting.
In Quentin Tarantino’s Japan-inspired “Kill Bill“, the leader Tetsuro Shimaguchi performed and lectured on sword fighting and choreography.
In 2019, he was appointed as the Tourism Ambassador of Aizu Wakamatsu City and Fukushima Prefecture (“Aizu Wakamatsu City Tourism Ambassador [会津若松市観光大使]” and “Fukushima Prefecture Attaka Fukushima Tourism Ambassador [福島県あったかふくしま観光大使]”), which have close ties to the Samurai era.
He continues to promote “SAMURAI” as Japanese culture and art to the world.
A new dojo opens in Aizu Wakamatsu!
A Dojo is a martial arts gym, and their new dojo opens at Ookawaso in Ashinomaki Onsen, Fukushima Prefecture. Ookawaso is a beautiful, historic hot spring hotel that is said to be the model for the Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer.
Located on the second floor of this famous hotel, the Dojo is a great place to learn the samurai’s techniques, courtesy, and spirit.
Visit the Dojo when you come to Aizuwakamatsu City.
Useful links
KAMUI
Ookawaso (Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel)
Aizu Wakamatsu – A City to Feel the History of the Samurai Period