Message
｢Kaicho's Inauguration Speech｣
Date：July 24, 2012
The Third International Kyudo Federation Sokai (General Meeting)
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Ishikawa Takeo, recently appointed President of the International Kyudo Federation.
Six years have already passed since the establishment of this federation in 2006. As the President of the International Kyudo Federation I am particularly glad about the world-wide expansion of 'Kyudo', one of Japan's traditional Budo (martial arts), in that time. I can also certainly sense the weight and size of the responsibility of this position. With the direction and support of the honorable members present here, I will devote all my energies to accomplishing the duties. Yoroshiku onegai itashishimasu!
The former President of the International Kyudo Federation, Suzuki Mitsunari undertook the colossal task of a once-in-a-hundred-year reform of a public service corporation during a particularly difficult time in Japan. In light of these efforts and contributions, I would again like to express my sincerest respect for him.
I am resolved to wholeheartedly putting my efforts into a 'functioning International Kyudo Federation'.
Now, I would like to offer my opinion on one or two issues that the International Kyudo Renmei will have to deal with. These issues are comprehensive and moreover wide-ranging outside the Soukai Ketsugi (General Meeting Resolutions) voted on just a while ago.
First, the promotion of affiliated countries to the International Kyudo Federation.
I feel that in line with the goal of the International Kyudo Federation to expand and promote the traditional martial art 'Kyudo' internationally, it is necessary for those countries or regions around the world that presently have active Kyudo groups to be made members as soon as possible, and that their activities be added to invigorate the international popularization of Kyudo.
At present, Japan has taken a leading role in supporting activities to popularize Kyudo in the Asia and Oceania regions with the Asia-Oceania Kyudo Seminars.
Second, the training of Shidosha (teachers).
As you are aware, the spread of Kyudo in countries and regions around the world thus far is the result of all the presently active Kyudo-ka's efforts. In this respect, it is necessary to recognize anew the importance of the Kyudo Shidosha. The All Nippon Kyudo Federation is also presently considering holding Koshukai and Shinsa in Japan for Shidosha active in foreign countries as a contribution to the popularization and promotion of Kyudo internationally.
This year, Koshukai for Shogosha (title holders) active in foreign countries are being held in Tokyo and in Nagoya. The International Kyudo Federation will actively participate in the training of the Shidosha at these events.
Following its establishment, the International Kyudo Federation has put a great deal of effort into the task of popularizing and promoting the traditional culture and Budo of Kyudo. There are still not many member nations in the International Kyudo Federation. Looking around the world, however, while some countries are still not members of the Federation, it is a fact that many of you are active in other countries and regions. We know from this that the area of (Japanese) Kyudo is expanding steadily and globally.
It is my conviction that this international spread of Kyudo will surely develop larger in future.
We have reached the end, and, with a call for your support, understanding and active participation in the International Kyudo Federation, I conclude these remarks.
Thank you for your kind attention.
