Shiatsu Day

Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy in Vancouver B.C. Canada

Shiatsu Day　Apr. 2008

To mark the inception of "Shiatsu Day" on April 8, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo Dome Hotel in the Tenkuu room. The 400 invited guests included Kiyoshi Ikenaga of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy, representing Canadian Shiatsupractors. The ceremony celebrated the official registration, on the Japanese calender, of April 8 as "Shiatsu day".
In addition, the ceremony recognized the discovery of an asteroid called "Namikoshi". This main belt asteroid is located b between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered by Stephano Sposetti, a Swiss astronomer and member of the European Shiatsu Association, who named it in honour of Tokujiro Namikoshi, the founder of Shiatsu, and his achievements.
Another guest at the event was the multitalented TV personality and entertainer, Tsurutaro Kataoka, who had been an associate of Namikoshi. Kataoka demonstrated his skill in Japanese calligraphy by writing "Shiatsu no hi" in one outstanding brush stroke. The Japan Shiatsu College, organizer of the event, presented every guest with a copy of "Chihi no Senaka" ("My Father's Back") which was written by Kazutami Namikoshi, chairperson of the college.
The following is an expert from chairperson, Kazutami Namikoshi's Memorandum of Intent concerning the celebration of "Shiatsu Day".

Prospectus on Shiatsu Day April 8, 2008

written by Kazutami Namikoshi

(Chairperson of Namikoshi Gakuen in Tokyo)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak of the purpose and significance of "Shiatsu no hi" (Shiatsu Day) at the celebration. Tokujiro Namikoshi established and systematized "Shiatsu". With his experience, insight and efforts, he established it as a therapeutic technique. In Japan, he established the legal foundations for the "Anma, Massage and Shiatsu practitioners, Acupuncture practitioners, and Moxibustion practitioners Act. With a goal of preserving traditional Shiatsu for successive generations, as well as contributing to its popularization and progression, the Japan Shiatsu College was established. It has produced many promising graduates who will be engaged in Shiatsu in the future. As a social mission and an effort to help fill the needs of the aging society in the 21st Century, we have participated in volunteer activities at various nursing-care facilities.
Shiatsu is now accepted world-wide. Its effectiveness is scientifically verifiable. It has proved to be a means to long term health. Its contribution to an on-going state well-being has established Shiatsu globally.
"Shiatsu no hi" (Shiatsu Day) has been honoured symbolically with a main-belt asteroid being named "Namikoshi" by its discover, the Swiss astronomer Stepano Sposetti.
In comparison to western medicine, with its ongoing research and "high tech" developments, Shiatsu, and other hands-on therapies of traditional Eastern medicine may be prone to stagnation. While we firmly maintain the basic principles, we are working on improving techniques, and advanced training, as well as the diligent acquisition of necessary medical knowledge and information. We will endeavour to popularize Shiatsu at every opportunity.
Your understanding and continued support are integral to our making the next leap forward. I appreciate the opportunity that this ceremony has provided for everyone to reaffirm Shiatsu as a treatment that is gentle to the body. It is my hope that Shiatsu will contribute to goodwill and solidarity among people and a sense of well being throughout the world.


Guest Tsurutaro Kataoka, multitalented TV personality and entertainer,		Tokujiro Namikoshi sensei, the founder of Shiatsu		Individual thumb style of light