February 14th, AIU President Dr. Mineo Nakajima passed away at the age of 76. A fellow student snapped this photo just before the memorial service.
Clicking the image will direct you to the official announcement and photos of the service.
Photography by Phil Nguyen
All of us in the summer program wearing yukata.
Photography by Simon Chua
A yukata 「浴衣」 is a casual kimono worn in the summer when attending a matsuri (festival) or hanabi (fireworks display); however, it is not uncommon for a young woman to wear one in public simply as a fashion statement. These were traditional everyday summer-wear in pre-westernized Japan. They are often made of cotton or linen or a blend of the two. Women’s yukata are brightly-colored and quite ornate, whereas men’s are traditionally navy and have a either simple pattern, or none at all. Prices vary greatly depending on the fabric, texture, and quality. I picked up a cotton/linen blend one at a Daimaru (Japanese equivalent of Bloomingdales) in Osaka that set me back over $300 (and it was one of cheaper ones!), but I’ve seen them go for as low as $75. Keep in mind though that the
I just survived my first training session with AIU’s Aikido Club. Although I was too busy trying to catch my breath to take any pictures, I do happen to have a fantastic shot in the archives from AIU’s 2012 Summer Program.
Photography by Simon Chua
According to Ōsensei (lit. Great Teacher) and founder of Aikido,
Morihei Ueshiba 「植芝盛平」
“Aiki is the way of the Kami and was born of the will of the Kami.
Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale the breath of heaven and let the cosmos inside. Next breath up the rich vibrance of the earth. Blend these breaths with your own breath and become the breath of life itself. Your mind and body will be gladdened, heartache and disappointment will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude.
The movements of Aikido which unite human being with great nature are all given by Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami. Aikido is Misogi..a purification of ourselves…the way of the universe.”
