Mitose
and the Aikido Connection:
Notes on Masayoshi Mitose
There were claims made that Mitose Sensei (James Masayoshi
Mitose) was a tenth dan in Aikido, and was promoted by
O-sensei Ueshiba. Many myths surround James Mitose, let's
put one to rest. Mr. Koichi Tohei, president of the Ki No
Kenkyukai, offered these points to clear up the mystery.
First of all, it was Mitose who approached O-sensei
Ueshiba, and according to Mitose's own words, he was an
authority on karate. When he met O-sensei Ueshiba, Mitose
stated that he felt that Ueshiba was the last martial arts
teacher who had taught the way of harmony for world peace.
Mitose told him that he wanted to spread the art of Aikido
all over the world. Mitose had a plan to build the American
Aikido headquarters, and to raise funds for it he would ask
for contributions from every Christian in the United
States. He told O-sensei that he felt American Christians
would be glad to help the plan for world peace through the
teachings of Aikido.
In a 1987 letter describing the incident, Tohei noted that
he could not easily trust him, but didn't think all his
words were "random remarks." Tohei also noted that he
(Mitose) wore the cloth of a clergyman, and presented
himself as friendly with former president Eisenhower,
bringing with him photos of the two shaking hands. After
Mitose met with Tohei a few times, Mitose asked for an
honorary 10th dan in Aikido to show his strong connection
to Aikido. Mitose stated that the only reason donors would
contribute to the American Aikido headquarters their belief
in him. It seems that there was a con game at play, because
Mitose had tried a similar scam on none other than Ed
Parker with the premise of building a Kosho Ryu temple, but
Mr. Parker declined his offer.
Mr.
Tohei was against the idea of the certificate, because all
dans of Aikido were issued solely by O-sensei Ueshiba.
Further, Mr. Tohei could not give him any titles as Mitose
had never trained in Aikido, and until their meetings, had
no previous connection to Aikido. However, Mitose took a
written pledge that the only purpose of the certificate was
to show his close connection to Aikido for the sole purpose
of raising money. Tohei stated further that Mitose
requested the certificate in Tohei's name, knowing it was
informal. He also brought a "letter of request".
The
certificate and letter, translated by Kiko Ferreira, read
as follows:
Certificate of Testimony and Appreciation
To: Dr. James M. Mitose
As you are the president of the Japanese-American
(International) society for the
promotion of goodwill, friendship, and social welfare, you
have contributed to the
happiness of mankind and world peace, and especially for
the handicapped
people. You have rendered services for many years to
develop the rightful ways
of the Japanese martial arts of Aikido. For your
distinguished service, I hereby
bestow upon you an honorary tenth degree or Ju-dan. I
respect and appreciate
your faithful and unselfish service.
March 22, 1970
Koichi Tohei, 10th degree, Ju-dan
Head instructor of Aikido
General Headquarters (signed and stamped with seal)
Letter of Request
Based on the will of the late Morihei Ueshiba, I request
that you accept the
position of advisor (Remonstrant) for American Aikido,
Dated 1970 March, 22
Signed by Aikido Headquarters Shihan Bucho 10th Degree
To: Dr. James M. Mitose
The
Certificate was signed not by O-Sensei, but by Tohei, and
since permission had been granted by Ueshiba, Tohei felt
that he had no choice. Tohei stated further that the only
reason he had signed the certificate was "to meet the
convenience of collecting money." After the certificate was
given, that was the last Tohei saw of Mitose. When Tohei
sensei came back to California from Japan, he heard from
one of his students, a Mr. Kobayashi , that Mitose was sent
to prison for attempted murder. Kobayashi was in trouble as
well, as he had assisted Mitose in collecting the money,
which had since disappeared, and Kobayashi was left
"holding the bag."
After the fact, Tohei stated that the plan to build an
American Aikido headquarters was only that - a plan, no
more. He also then doubted that Mitose was a real
clergyman, and that maybe others involved had also trusted
him based on his pictures with the former president. Given
the strange tale of deceit and lies, Tohei described the
certificate as worthless. At the time of the letter, dated
12/22/87, Tohei stated that he had left the Aikikai, and
had built the Ki No Kenkyukai.
It was a strange attempt at a con game for which Mitose was
well suited. No money was ever recovered, and other similar
schemes came to the surface during his career as a con man.
These and more seem to be Mitose's legacy. Others seek to
create confusion about Mitose's legacy for their own gain.
Can every Kempo stylist realize the truth about the man,
the myth and his legacy? Only time will tell.
