I have, unfortunately, never been to the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Japan. Maybe someday.
The Hombu Dojo is somewhat unusual among dojos in the sentimental clutter adorning the walls. It may come across to those unfamiliar with Hatsumi sensei as the martial arts version of a Bennigans, Chilis, or Applebees. This kind of sentimental attachment to souveniers is a little unusal for Japanese, but not for Hatsumi sensei. The decor is also the result of decades of foreign visitors bringing gifts to Soke. Gift giving in Japan has some odd rules, and in one sense, Hatsumi's receipt of a gift actually does place an obligation upon him not only to accept the gift gracefully, but keep and maintain the gift.
This is the Shomen of the Dojo. This is the wall that is the focal point of the dojo, and quite rightly has the Kamidana shelf and the Shinden that is the Shinto shrine.
The Shinden is a typical feature of the traditional Japanese dojo. What is very unusual for a Japanese dojo is that the Shomen also houses the racks of various weapons. Usually, the Shomen is kept neat and uncluttered. The only distinguishing feature is the Kamidana and the various accessories that go on and around it. If you are interested in why this is unusual, and what possible significance the Bujinkan arrangement might have, please read Dave Lowry's
In the Dojo, a book a recommended several weeks ago.
The Hombu Dojo is small. This is also not unusual for Japanese dojo.
3 comments:
John, I gotta tell ya, the second and third pictures there look just like my basement.
What? I won one of those Price is Right showcase showrooms one time.
I wanted the trip to Vancouver.
DD,
Of all the people who read my site from time to time, you are among the last I expected to say these pictures resembled any room in their house.
It will come as no surprise that it does resemble my basement -- only with far, far fewer books than I have.
So this is what Mecca looks like
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