This past weekend (February 28-March 1) was a celebration of the memory of Yukimura Haruki’s life and work. Though he passed ten years ago, his memory is very much alive here in Tokyo and around the world.
It has been amazing to see so many memorials across the world.
Sadly, in January of this year, Yukimura Ryuu lost two of its instructors, Master K and Hebari.
There were two events I was lucky enough to be able to attend. A cafe held by Murasaki san and the 4th Nawa Yugii, hosted by Ibarako san and Himuro Even san.
During the cafe, we were able to meet and talk and share memories of sensei. It was an opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones. Murasaki san arranged a collection of photo books and videos and there were plenty of snacks, bento, and drinks. Memories were offered at a table at the entrance, with the opportunity to place a flower and there were messages sent from all over the world. After the event, the message board was shared with Yukimura sensei’s son, who shared it with sensei.
On Sunday, we met in a studio in Shinjuku for a day of performances of Yukimura Ryuu, featuring the rope of both older members of Yukimura Ryuu and the next generation of students who are keeping the tradition going.
The first part of the show featured Jay Kun san tying Kanon Sugawara san (in her last performance), Nawamichi san tying Iroha Shizuki san, Ibarako san tying Akane san, and Himuro Eve san with Ai Mine san. Each performance showed off different aspect of Yukimura style and
Before the second part, Ugo gave a talk documenting Yukimura sensei’s history going back this days before rope when he worked as a photographer, director, actor and, surprisingly, as a TV anchor! In typical fashion, Ugo dug up many amazing resources and wove it into a story that was full of fascinating details, ending with Yukimura’s development of his own personal rope style and the influence of Minomura Kou.
There was a panel discussion, with Ibarako san, Himuro Even san, Nuitdetokyo, and myself talking about how Yukimura Ryuu has changed over the past decade as well.
Part two of the show featured Kintaro san tying Iroha san, Nuitdetokyo san with Shio san, and, for the finale, Ibarako san and Himuro Eve san teaming up and tying Akane san!
It was a wonderful celebration of sensei’s life and the vibrance, beauty, and enthusiasm of not just the performances, but of the discussions and memories that were shared give proof to Yukimura sensei’s legacy we alive, well, and thriving.
