A Historic Step Forward: IAF Votes Unanimously for Public Interest Status

by Neville Kroon 12th September, 2025

---

The International Aikido Federation (IAF) has just held an Extraordinary General Meeting that will forever be etched in its history as a pivotal moment! With a remarkable representation of 87 member nations—almost a full house—the Federation made a thrilling unanimous decision to register the IAF as a Public Interest Incorporated Association (PIIA) under Japanese law.

This groundbreaking decision signifies a transformative leap in the IAF’s global mission, perfectly aligning its legal status with its timeless goal: to champion Aikido as a path of harmony, mutual respect, and international friendship.

🏛️ What Is a Public Interest Incorporated Association?

In Japan, a PIIA is a prestigious designation for organizations dedicated to serving the public good. This status brings with it:

•             Greater transparency and accountability

•             Enhanced credibility in international and governmental partnerships

•             Eligibility for public support and recognition

•             A formal affirmation of the Federation’s non-profit, educational mission

For the IAF, this status is a testament to decades of unwavering dedication to nurturing Aikido communities across cultures, languages, and borders.

🤝 A Vote of Unity and Purpose

The unanimous vote—87 voices in perfect harmony—speaks volumes about the shared vision within the IAF. Delegates from every corner of the globe united in support of this transition, acknowledging that legal clarity and public trust are vital for the next thrilling chapter of Aikido’s global journey.

As one senior delegate passionately noted, “This isn’t just a legal step—it’s a spiritual one. We are aligning our structure with our values.”

🌿 What This Means for the Future

With PIIA status, the IAF is set to:

•             Amplify its educational outreach, including seminars, youth programs, and instructor development

•             Deepen its collaboration with Japanese institutions, including the Aikikai Foundation and Hombu Dojo

•             Expand its presence in international forums such as SportAccord and the World Games

•             Ensure long-term sustainability through responsible governance and public engagement

🖋️ A Moment Worth Marking

This milestone is more than a mere announcement—it’s a call for reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or a new student stepping onto the tatami for the first time, this moment is ours to cherish.

Let’s honor it with practice, and with the quiet strength that Aikido instills in us every day.

IAF Assembly Opening Remarks by Doshu

---

INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO FEDERATION

11 September 2025

DOSHU’S OPENING REMARKS 

AT THE IAF EXTRAORDINARY ASSEMBLY RE IAF INCORPORATION 

(ENGLISH VERSION)

These are my remarks at the opening of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the International Aikido Federation.

I acknowledge that the Members of IAF are making efforts to popularize and promote Aikido on a regular basis.

Aikido is a modern martial art, accomplished by Founder Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei who achieved mastery of traditional martial mar al arts in Japan and strict spiritual discipline. 

It is a marti al art to create a mind of mutual respect and reconciliation. He then preached that the mind would lead to global peace.

Kisshoumaru Sensei, the second Doshu, opened the door of Aikido, an excellent martial art created by Morihei O-Sensei, to everyone and spread it across the world since 1945.

IAF was established in that stream (history).

It was aimed to properly understand the principles and skill set of Aikido created by the Founder Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, comply with them, popularize and promote Aikido, and harmonize mutually among members in every country.

1

50 years have passed since then, the world and spread of Aikido have changed, broaden its base across 140 countries and regions, regardless of the different sizes of each organization. 

Consequently, as a matter of course, the number of member countries at IAF has increased, and its surrounding circumstances have changed. Having said so, however, the principles, skill-sets, and legitimate (orthodox) line of Aikido should remain unchanged, or should not be altered under any circumstances. 

We have to step forward based upon changing social situations and understanding of the changes. 

With regard to the incorporation of IAF which has been an agenda from before, the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation on Aikikai approved IAF to become a public interest incorporated association and has been engaged in a series of discussions with IAF, subject to strict compliance with these absolute unchangeables of Aikido.

As a result of preparation of joint work between Aikikai and IAF personnel under severe me constraints, and having obtained confirmation at each critical stage from a professional local judicial scrivener in order to accommodate relevant laws in Japan for incorporation, the Extraordinary General Assembly of IAF is hereby called today.

I would appreciate that each Member Country should understand and recognize the background as I have just stated.

President of the IAF

Aikido Doshu

Moriteru Ueshiba

---

Letter from IAF Chairperson

INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO FEDERATION

September 12, 2025

Dear IAF Country Members,

RE: CONFIRMATION OF IAF INCORPORATION 

It is my privilege to confirm to you that on 11 September 2025, during an Extraordinary General Assembly of the International Aikido Federation (IAF), which was conducted virtually online, the IAF membership unanimously resolved to initiate the process of IAF incorporation. 

This is a historical moment for the IAF. It marks the beginning of a new chapter - the IAF will become a General Incorporated Association (GIA), as a crucial first step toward becoming a Public Interest Incorporated Association (PIIA).

A heartfelt thank you to Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, President of the IAF - who graciously opened and closed the meeting - to Dojo-cho Mitsuteru Ueshiba and other esteemed members of the Aikikai Foundation, as well as the members of the IAF Senior Council, Technical Council, and Directing Committee. We also express deep gratitude to all IAF Country Members for their unanimous support of this important way forward.

We are convinced that this achievement strengthens the IAF’s leading role in representing Aikido within the international sports community, while it simultaneously safeguards the art’s enduring values for future generations. 

Yours faithfully,

Yoko Okamoto

Chairperson: International Aikido Federation