Historic Imperial Recognition for Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba

Written on January 11, 2026

Aikido Community Marks Historic Milestone as Third Generation of Ueshiba Family Receives Order of the Rising Sun.

Tokyo hosted a remarkable gathering in the Aikido community, on Sunday, 9-Nov-2025, bringing together more than a thousand guests and practitioners to honor Ueshiba Moriteru, the current Doshu of Aikido.

The occasion celebrated his receipt of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s most prestigious civilian honors.

This recognition carries special significance, marking that three generations of the Ueshiba family have been awarded imperial distinctions—following in the footsteps of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and the second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

The decoration highlights Ueshiba Moriteru’s exceptional accomplishments and his contributions to Japanese society and not only, underscoring the enduring cultural and social influence of Aikido.