Budo Builds the Foundations of Value: An Auckland Experience with Consul-General Shinji Matsui and Aikido Shinryukan’s Shihan Takase

While we were in Auckland, Philip and I had the pleasure of sharing dinner at the Japanese restaurant Gion with Consul-General Shinji Matsui and his wife, along with Shihan Takase and his wife from Aikido Shinryukan - an organization with 25 dojos across New Zealand and many branches overseas.

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In February, Consul-General Matsui kindly took time out of his busy schedule to attend our talk at the University of Auckland. Having practiced judo when he was younger, he understood the lecture as an attempt to re-examine the foundations of value, foundations that can be shaken by the downsides of globalization and value relativism, by grounding the discussion in the practical teachings and learning that come from budo. And thanks to that connection, he created the opportunity for us to share this dinner with Shihan Takase.

That connection is what led to this dinner, and we’re grateful he created the opportunity for us to meet Shihan Takase.

Shihan Takase and his wife Barbara were genuinely warm, and they answered each of my questions carefully, one by one. Everything they shared carried real depth, and it turned into one of those conversations that leaves you quietly changed afterward. We were also deeply touched that they drove nearly three hours just to come and meet us.

Consul-General Matsui’s wife, Yuka, welcomed us with such kindness that the entire evening felt relaxed and joyful from start to finish.

Our time in Auckland has been full of moments like this—unexpected meetings, generous people, and conversations that go deeper than you expect. This one, in particular, left us feeling deeply grateful.