Annual Themes of the Bujinkan
Compiled By Joe Maurantonio
Showa 57 (1982)
He first travels to West (to Dayton, Ohio, USA) to teach Budo. First Tai Kai held in Japan.
Showa 58 (1983)
Yumoa Mura was the site of the very first Tai Kai.
Showa 61 (1986)
Received the "Best Instructor Award" from the Black Belt Magazine (as voted by the readers). First Bujinkan related video released. First foreign Taikai: USA. [First USA Tai Kai had a focus on basic kihon happo, taihenjutsu and kusari fundo.]
Showa 62 (1987)
First travel to Europe (London, UK) to teach Budo. Taikai in: United Kingdom and USA.
Showa 63 (1988)
Acted in Jiraya, a 50 episodes children's adventure series made by Asahi Television. Played the part of "Yamaji Tetsuzan" (Jiraya's father and teacher). Taikai in: USA, UK, and Sweden.
Heisei 1 (1989)
Taikai in: USA, UK, Sweden, and Israel.
Heisei 2 (1990)
He was the "Chairman of the International Division, Japan Literary Artist's Club" 1990-94. Taikai in: USA, UK, Sweden, and Spain.
Heisei 3 (1991)
Received a letter of appreciation from US President George Bush on his 60th birthday. Honorary Member of Texas Rangers. Theme of the year is Jutte and Sojutsu. Taikai in: USA, UK, Sweden, Spain, and Germany.
Heisei 4 (1992)
Honorary degree of Ph.D. Natural Science from a U.S. University. Received the Cross Medal and Sun Medal from Juan Carlos, King of Spain. Accepted the position as the Director of the Japan Literary Club, International Section. Taikai in: USA, UK, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Australia, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Israel.
Heisei 5 (1993)
Main Theme this year was Rokushaku Bojutsu & Taijutsu. Taikai in: USA, Spain, Australia, France, and Argentina.
Heisei 6 (1994)
Main Theme this year was Sojutsu (Yari) & Kodachi. Became "Knight" at Frankfurt. Taikai in: UK, Germany, and USA.
Heisei 7 (1995)
Main Theme this year was Naginatajutsu & Daisho Sabaki Gata & Taijutsu. Renamed ninjutsu to budo taijutsu to reflect the growth of training available to students. Was awarded the title Todo Hanshi (Master teacher of the way of the sword) by Nakazawa Toshi, President of Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (Sword Federation). Honorary Member of Arizona Rangers. Received Letters of thanks from FBI. Taikai in UK, New Zealand, Spain, and USA.
Heisei 8 (1996)
Main Theme this year was Bikenjutsu & Taijutsu. Opened the Bujinden (honbu dojo) September 9th. Taikai in: Holland, Spain, and USA.
Heisei 9 (1997)
Main Theme this year was Jojutsu, Tachi and Taijutsu. Taikai in: Spain and USA.
Heisei 10 (1998)
Main Theme this year was Shindenfudo-ryu Dakentaijutsu Happo Biken. Taikai in: Italy, Sweden, and USA.
Heisei 11 (1999)
Main Theme this year was Kukishin-ryu Taijutsu Happo Biken. Recieved the Grand Prize from International Cultural Promoting Association, signed by the Japanese Emperor. Taikai in: Germany, UK, and USA.
Heisei 12 (2000) - Year of Tatsu-Kanoe (Dragon-Metal)
Main Theme this year was Koppojutsu. In November, Hatsumi Sensei receives "Cultural Award". Taikai in: Holland and USA.
Heisei 13 (2001)
Main Theme this year was Kosshijutsu. In May, receives Papal recognition. Taikai in: Spain and USA.
Heisei 14 (2002)
Main Theme this year is Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu and the formal wear of the year is Hakama. Taikai in: Norway and USA.
Heisei 15 (2003)
Main Theme this year is Juppou-sesshou, Kunai, Ninja-tou, Tessen, Kyoketsushoge. Taikai in England and USA. Officially, this is the final year that Hatsumi Sensei will do Taikai overseas.
Heisei 16 (2004)
Main Theme this year is Roppo Kuji no Biken Budo no Kiso. Special Taikai held in Japan. Emphasis placed on Yûgen no Sekai (world of the unmanifested)
Heisei 17 (2005)
Main Theme this year is Gyokko-ryu Happo Biken, Bo and Ken with an emphasis on Kasumi no Ho (encompassing mist).
Heisei 18 (2006)
Main Theme this year is Shinden Fudo Ryu with an emphasis on --.
Heisei 19 (2007)
Main Theme this year is Kukishin Ryu with an emphasis on Kuki Taisho (nine smiling demons).
Heisei 20 (2008)
Main Theme this year is Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu with an emphasis on Kieru no Kankaku (feeling of disappearing).
Heisei 21 (2009)
Main Theme this year is Mu (no theme) but later emerged a focus of Sainou (ability), Tamashii (spirit) and Utsuwa (capacity) [which can alternately be pronounced Sainou-Kon-Ki]. Emphasis was placed on nawa no kankaku (the feeling of rope).
Heisei 22 (2010) - Year of the Metal Tiger
Main Theme this year is Rokkon Shoujou (influencing the spirit through laughter) with an emphasis on the Tachi.
