Uchideshi notes. Day 1. Tokyo
After I knew that quarantine is no longer necessary for fully-vaccinated people with negative PCR tests, I decided it was time to go to Japan to get a fresh “Aikido-air” from the first hands. My flight was rescheduled and rerouted due to the war in Ukraine, but we arrived in Narita in time. Japan was still closed to tourists, so Narita was terrifyingly empty. It was more staff than passengers, but it was the swiftest passing through all customs and security I have ever experienced in Japanese airports. I left my staff in the hotel, ate lunch, and headed to Hombu Dojo, where Fujimaki sensei led afternoon practice at 3 pm. Previously I met him in Iwama in Ibaraki Branch Dojo, so I was happy to see him again. Poster of Aikido Hombu Dojo at Wakamatsu-Kawada station Unfortunately Japanese are still very concerned about COVID, so they were practising wearing masks. Luckily Fujimaki sensei almost immediately put his mask on the chin, so most students did the same. Nevertheless, it was swelter...