I have been in Japan since January 6. First, I spent a week in Okinawa—originally, I had planned to do much more, but due to a COVID infection, I was only able to visit “Shureido” and go to the library once.
Regarding the rest of the trip:
On February 9, we headed to Tokyo Haneda Airport. However, our destination was not Germany but Okinawa, where we planned to conduct research for the next three weeks.
On February 10, training started right away. I had arranged to meet Higa Kiyohiro Sensei at the Bugeikan Dōjō, with the focus on Hanashiro Chōmo’s karate. After training, I made a quick stop at a ramen restaurant before heading straight to the prefectural library.
On February 11, we met with acquaintances and family.
On February 12, at 10:00 AM, we had an interview with Ōshiro Toshihiro. This interview had been highly anticipated and meticulously planned by the German students in advance. It lasted over three hours, and Ōshiro Sensei provided us with many fascinating insights. In the afternoon, the next interview followed immediately, this time with Akamine Hiroshi.
Both interviews provided us with a wealth of valuable information, and I am looking forward to making these insights available to German karateka soon.
In the evening, I briefly met with Dell Hamby, and I am deeply grateful to him for making the interview with Akamine Sensei possible on such short notice.
From February 13 to 15, I dedicated my time entirely to friends and family, so no research took place. However, on February 15, we made a stop in Chatan to greet Shimabukuro Zenpo Sensei, whom we had the opportunity to interview last year.
Also on February 15, I met a very dear new friend for dinner in Naha.
On February 16, we were invited to a private concert in Ishikawa, where we enjoyed beautiful Okinawan music.
On February 17, I had the privilege of training at the Bugeikan again with my new friends, further deepening my understanding of Hanashiro Chōmo’s karate. Afterward, we headed straight back to the library.
On February 18, we met a researcher at the Karate Kaikan and received many valuable suggestions for improving our research. Afterward, we had lunch and then visited our favorite bookstores.
On February 19, I made a quick stop at the library in the morning, followed by a meeting with friends in Naha. Later, we attended the memorial ceremony for Uema Yasuhiro Sensei.
On February 20, we had a photo session at the Bugeikan Dōjō, followed by training. Later, I paid my respects to Yabu Kentsū Sensei and offered my apologies for recent events. I entered the gravesite with the utmost respect and strictly followed the proper etiquette. Afterward, I visited the “Okinawa Prefectural Museum.”
On February 21, we met with our best friend on-site (Thomas Krekel), with our destination being the “Kona Cafe” in Chatan. Then, we went straight to Shuri for a Bubishi lecture at Geijutsu University.
On February 22, I went to Shuri and visited many historical sites. Along the way, I also ordered a stamp. 😉
On February 23, we went back to the library, and in the evening, I had dinner with family.
On February 24, training at the Bugeikan was back on the schedule. Many questions were asked once again, and although it may sound a bit presumptuous, I feel like my understanding of Hanashiro’s karate is gradually deepening.
On February 25, we conducted a short interview, followed by a visit to the Yōshūkan and a stroll through Shuri.
On February 26, I had my last training session at the Bugeikan. At the end, I received a very important and special gift, which I look forward to sharing soon. Afterward, I visited the “Naha City Museum of History”—not the regular exhibition, but the research library, which requires prior registration and a strong research interest to access.
On February 27, it was time to pack my bags, and in the evening, unfortunately, I had to say: “Until next time—2026!”
In addition to the activities mentioned, many other meetings, training sessions, etc., took place, but since they were of a more private nature, they are not included here.
Karate Kenkyū Shitsu 