(b. 1929). 8th dan Aikikai. B. Yamagata Prefecture. Graduate in economics and law from Chuo University. Began aikido in 1954 while employed by the Self-Defense Agency. Joined the Tempukai and Ichikukai. A priest of the Yamakage San'in Shinto sect. Teaches at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo and various other dojos. Aikikai Hombu Dojo, 17-18 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162 Japan (03)203-9236.