[Anaedilla]

Hi Forum,

Some of you may have practiced at Noma dojo (Kodansha publishing company's dojo), and are aware of how fantanstic an old traditional dojo it is. Kodansha have recently decided to knock down Noma dojo and move the members to a nearby modern dojo.

Nomo dojo has an extremely strong and long history. It was completed in Taisho 14 by the founder of Kodansha Noma Seiji with the support of Nakayama Hakudo. Japan's last Tenran Jiai (Kendo competition with the Emperor present) too place there and it was home to many famous sensei, including Noma Hisashi, Mochizuki Masafusa and the most famous of the twentieth century Mochida Moriji sensei. Although it is has not been a member of the zenkenren for some time, it is still the most popular dojo in Tokyo with many top sensei coming there from all over Japan and the world.

I don't have any further details other than they plan to knock it down September 2007, but I thought that I would make the members on the forum aware of the fact. I beg you all to write letters to Kodansha Japan and explain the importance of such a dojo being preserved as a cultural experience for foriegn visitors and the impotance of practicing kendo in that enviroment etc. The current members of Noma need all of the support that they can get. If I can find the website for making petitions I shall post a link soon, and I shall also search for a direct address of the person responsible at Kodansha.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Paul Martin

[horaAppagob]

In case people dont know what/where Noma Dojo is, here is a link to it. There is an English section as well:

Noma Dojo http://www.kodansha.co.jp/dojo/noma_dojo.html

[CreativeAcrobate]

What a loss if they tear that place down. I had the opportunity recently to participate in shiai there. To actually see the place after you learn about how old it is, its history and the many famous sensei who have taught there over the years - its amazing. Really smacks of the old style, its a piece of history (and the best floor i`ve ever seen, moves like a sprung judo floor).

I found myself thinking the same thing......surely something can be done? I don`t know anything for certain, but I heard that the present head of Kodansha company, a woman belonging to the Noma family but having no connections to budo, made the decision to knock it down for obvious financial reasons (the land its on, in the middle of tokyo, must be worth a fortune).

So im saying....what about getting it recognized as some kind of historical site? National treasures can be people (swordsmith`s, polishers etc..), objects (actual old swords, calligraphy, works of pottery, paintings etc..) and sites, so I wonder if we could go about nominating Noma dojo for recognition as a historical site. Aparently, if the monbusho (did i get that right?) were to give it that kind of status, nobody could touch it.

anybody know anything more about this kind of thing?

Tyler

[Nutpoode]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your words of support. I am in the process of constructing an online petition that can also be posted on other forums etc. I am just trying to word it carefully in a way that may apeal to Japanese sensibilities. PLease continue to spread the word of this injustice to Noma. The members of Noma too will be very grateful for all your support.

If anyone has any good friends at the Bunka-cho, that may be a way to go too! As for mentioning owning current publications, nice idea, but how about if we threaten to boycott Kodansha's future publications? Just a thought.

Paul

[Xibizopt]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your words of support. I am in the process of constructing an online petition that can also be posted on other forums etc. I am just trying to word it carefully in a way that may apeal to Japanese sensibilities. PLease continue to spread the word of this injustice to Noma. The members of Noma too will be very grateful for all your support.

If anyone has any good friends at the Bunka-cho, that may be a way to go too! As for mentioning owning current publications, nice idea, but how about if we threaten to boycott Kodansha's future publications? Just a thought.

Paul

Then you may wish to consider approaching the company directly first, before making it a public issue. Since the company has not (apparently) had an opportunity to even confirm the plan, let alone reasons for it, threats and a forced response to public pressure are probably not the best opening position.

[CreativeAcrobate]

Hi Perry,

It has been announced in the August edition of Kendo Nippon, and is been the topic of open discussion at Noma dojo for some time now. I recently was asked to appear on Japanese television (Sakura channel July 16 Budotsushin) for other Budo reasons, but senior members of the dojo asked me to speak about the plight of Noma dojo and state some objections and ask for the publics assistance.

Best

Paul

[IvJlNwum]

Hi Guys,

I'm still working on the wording and the polite translation of the petition foreword, but in the meantime here is the name and address of the President and CEO of Kodansha. Please write a polite letter, also mention that you had read in the Noma guide (English version) that Noma dojo was registered as a heritage building. I'll get the petition up asap.

Noma Sawako sama
President and CEO
Kodansha Ltd
12-1 Otowa 2-chome,
Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo 112-8001
Japan

Best

Paul