Dear Members,

Following the dramatic events that happened today in Brussels, we forward you the message from French Federation’s Vice-President, Dominique Dupuis.

C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous avons appris l’horreur qui vous touche ce matin.
Croyez bien que tout le Comité National Français de Kendo, comme tous les kendoka Français sont atteints dans leur cœur par ce malheur.

La Belgique, comme la France il y a peu, subit aujourd’hui la méchanceté et la lâcheté d’individus “nonhumain”.
Croyez bien, que nous vous soutenons de toutes nos forces et de toute notre sincère amitié.

Courage à toute la Belgique.

Dominique
—

Dear Sirs & Madams,

We delightedly announce you that there will be an exclusive exposition of Japan’s Martial Art.

https://www.facebook.com/JapanEmbassyBelgium/

Title : “The Spirit of Budo – The History of Japan’s Martial Arts”
Dates : 26 November 2015 – 8 January 2016
Place : Japan Information and Cultural Centre (Embassy of Japan in Belgium)
Address : Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Bruxelles
http://www.be.emb-japan.go.jp/english/aboutus/practical.html

This is the Japan Foundation Touring Exhibition.

This exhibition consists of two parts: in the first part, reproductions/originals of historical weapons such as bows and arrows, suits of armor, helmets, and so on are shown, and the development and changes of Japanese martial arts from 8th century to 19th century are explained.
Many of ancient types of armor and weapons have not survived to the present or are too fragile for international transport.
That is why we decided to include reproductions, which would give the appearance of suits of armor and helmets at the time of original production even more vividly.

The second part deals with the reorganization of bujutsu to budo in the 19th and 20th centuries, and how spirit of martial arts is still inherent in the daily how spirit of martial arts is still inherent in the daily life of Japanese people today.
Nine budo associations are also introduced and the clothes and implements such as bamboo swords, protectors, bows and arrows, and so on, which are used by players and students in the present day, are also to be seen.

This is an unmissable exhibition and we would be grateful if you could spread this news.
Thank you in advance.

Best regards

On behalf of Embassy of Japan in Belgium
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Mrs. Motoko UTASHIRO
Embassy of Japan in Belgium
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