Published April 24, 2025 16:48
Request for Donations to the Tokyo Dojo Establishment Fund
Dear Overseas Members,
We hope you are doing well and enjoying the arrival of spring.
From February to March this year, we held a fundraising campaign in Japan to support the establishment of a new Tokyo Dojo. Thanks to the kind support and cooperation of many people, we were able to raise a total of JPY 4,438,000. We are very grateful and would like to share this result with you.
During the campaign, we received many questions about the planned timing, location, and details of the dojo. These inquiries showed us just how much interest and hope there is for this project. Encouraged by this response, our board members have renewed their commitment to building a dojo in Tokyo.
On 13th April, we held a special board meeting to discuss the next steps, including the location, opening schedule, and estimated costs. As a result, we hope that the Tokyo Dojo will serve not only as a regional center but also as a key base for promoting aikido kyogi (competitive aikido) worldwide.
To help us reach this goal, we are now launching the second phase of our fundraising efforts. We are kindly asking for support once again, both from our members in Japan and from friends overseas.
We have included a separate document that explains the purpose of the Tokyo Dojo and responds to some of the questions received during the first phase. We would be grateful if you could take a moment to read it.
We understand that it may be difficult to contribute during these challenging economic times. However, we believe this project will play an important role in the future of aikido kyogi. We sincerely ask for your kind support and cooperation.
With kind regards,
Tetsuro Nariyama, President
Ryuichi Omori, Executive Director
Shodokan Aikido Federation
Fundraising Guidelines
Purpose of Fundraising
To cover the preparation and operational costs for the establishment of a Shodokan
Aikido Federation Tokyo Dojo.
Fundraising Period
From Saturday, 19th April, 2025 to Friday, 6th June, 2025
Target Amount
Combined with the money already raised, we hope to raise a total of JPY 11,000,000
How to Donate
Kindly transfer your donation to the bank account listed below.
If donating via bank transfer, please also notify us of your name, club affiliation, and
donation amount by email. (Please see ‘Contact Information’ below for details).
Address: 1-5-10 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-city, Osaka 545-0052 Japan
SWIFT code: BOTKJPJT
Account number: Ordinary Account 0157729
Account name: Shodokan Aikido Federation
Additional Information
Purpose of Establishment
- To secure a sustainable location for practice in the Tokyo and Eastern Japan areas.To establish a base for the promotion and development of aikido across Japan, primarily targeting Tokyo and Eastern Japan.
- To conduct research and further the study of aikido techniques and referee skills.
- To provide a welcoming practice space for aikido practitioners from overseas.
- To promote aikido kyogi among children, and in schools and universities.
Proposed Location and Dojo Overview
The following conditions are being considered when selecting the location for the dojo.
- A region that allows for relatively easy access for current members and instructorsbased in Tokyo and Eastern Japan.
- An area expected to show population growth and future development potential.
- A location in a safe area based on the public safety record.
- An area where real estate prices remain reasonable and rental costs are affordable.
The preferred areas being considered based on the above conditions are the Southern and Northern parts of Kita-Tama, Minami-Tama, and Western wards of Tokyo’s 23 districts. These areas have convenient access from Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, particularly along the JR Chuo Line, Keio Line, or Seibu Shinjuku Line. Locations being considered are within 15 minutes walking distance from the nearest station, ideally near schools and commercial facilities in a safe neighborhood. They offer sufficient training space that ensures safety and accommodates practice for members of all levels. They are financially viable and support a sustainable operation model.
Dojo Location Proposals
First Proposal
- Candidate properties in Mitaka City, Hino City, Hachioji City, and Chofu City.
- Each within a 10-minute walk from the nearest station and offers approximately 50 tatami mats of practice space.
- Rental costs and other facility conditions such as ceiling height, safety, and amenities will be confirmed and negotiated.
Second Proposal
- Rental property in Asao Ward, Kanagawa Prefecture (reviewed at the 13th January 2025 board meeting).
- Approx. 40 tatami mats (20 tatami mats + 20 wrestling mats); shared usage by another group twice a week.
- Ultimately not pursued due to accessibility and difficulty securing instructors.
The first proposal will be prioritized, subject to successful negotiations and financial
feasibility. If none of the candidate properties is suitable, the second proposal may be
reconsidered.
Schedule toward Dojo Establishment
Donation Period Ends: Friday, 6th June, 2025
Target Fundraising Total: JPY 11,000,000
Target Conclusion of a Lease Agreement: Between 16th June and 30th June 2025
Dojo Interior Construction: From 1st July to 30th August 2025
Official Opening of Tokyo Dojo: 31st August 2025
Recognition for Donations
We are planning to offer free training at the Tokyo Dojo for a designated period according to the contributed amount. Additionally, we are considering displaying the names of donors within the dojo in a meaningful way.
Other Information
Details regarding the operation and instruction at the Tokyo Dojo will be reviewed in conjunction with the property acquisition process. We will provide updates on the donation status and project progress to those who support the fund.