Clash of the New Year: Witnessing the Aikido Spectacle in Tokyo

You mightn’t associate Aikido with the New Year. But I and many other people do in Tokyo. A group of aikidokas gave their annual display at Hama Rikyu Gardens on January 2 and 3. It’s a part of the holiday celebrations. Here is what I saw in 2023.

What is aikido?

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba. He blended martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs to create a fighting style that limits injury to both practitioner and attacker. With many different styles, it is practiced in about 140 countries.

The New Year's aikido demonstration

Taking place at Hama Rikyu Gardens every January 2nd and 3rd, this display serves as the prelude to the popular falconry demonstration. The crowd is substantial; I’d estimate at least 1000 people were gathered to watch.

After a host guided the audience through the history and development of Aikido, the masters took to the mat, sending opponents down with deft throws.

The demonstration also showcased brutally effective holds. Powerful wrist locks caused opponents’ faces to contort in pain, and I’m sure I would last less than two seconds before tapping out. While Aikido may not be used in MMA, it is clearly sufficient for most people’s self-defense needs.

The performance also included sword-fighting displays using bokken, traditional Japanese wooden swords. If one of them hit, I bet they’d hurt. It was fascinating to watch.

Photography tips for the Hama Rikyu aikido display

  • A telephoto lens of at least 300mm is essential, as you’ll be shooting from a distance of about fifty meters. This allows you to fill the frame and capture the intensity on the aikidokas’ faces. The Fujifilm 100-400mm lens I used for these photos performed perfectly, a purchase I definitely don’t regret.
  • For camera settings, I recommend using a fast shutter speed (above 1/1000s) to freeze the fast-paced action of the throws.

Attending the New Year aikido display

  • What: A traditional Aikido martial arts demonstration.
  • Where: Hama Rikyu Gardens, Chuo City, Tokyo.
  • When: Annually on January 2nd and 3rd, usually late morning and afternoon.
  • Cost: The standard garden entrance fee is required.
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early to get a seat if you don’t want to stand for the length of the demonstration.
  • For complete details on getting to the gardens, current entrance fees, and opening hours, please see our Ultimate Guide to Hama Rikyu Gardens.

Conclusion

The Hama Rikyu Gardens Aikido display is more than a martial arts demonstration; it’s a vibrant piece of Tokyo’s New Year tradition. From the throws to the intensity of the swordwork, it’s a captivating spectacle. If you find yourself in Tokyo on January 2nd or 3rd, add this unique event to your itinerary—and if you’re a photographer, don’t forget your long lens.

Have you ever photographed martial arts? Share your experience in the comments below.

Date of photos: 2 January, 2023

Picture of Rohan Gillett

Rohan Gillett

Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. There are no plans to stop.

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