Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The First Sword School for Actors held a performance at Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday during the commemoration of the assassination of Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai by a far-right faction in 1932.

Several demonstrations of Kobudo, Aikido, Iaido and choreography for film were performed by teachers, actors and students from the Fuchu-based Takase Dojo, founded by actor Masatoshi Takase.

In a patriotic atmosphere, the participants of the event observed a minute of silence for the souls of the deceased fallen on the battlefields, the souls of whom are “enshrined” at Yasukuni.

After the Japanese national anthem, a troupe of percussionists from the southern island of Kyushu performed with Japanese instruments.

One of the founders of the dojo then made cuts of a rolled-up tatami (straw mat) that was placed vertically on a wooden stand.

Several graduates of the school also produced scenes worthy of the great samurai films, with one fighter disarming his opponents and using his katana (sword) to rout four opponents.

Young students performed ritualistic katas during which they manipulated their swords, sheathing and unsheathing them with graceful fluidity. There were also performances of Aikido and Naginata that delighted the many spectators.

Pamphlets were distributed explaining the event was organized to keep Japan’s military spirit alive and calling for the restoration of the Imperial military. Direct reference was made to Inukai’s assassination by military men who wanted to carry out a coup.