Exhibiting at the Cannes Film Festival 'JAPAN PAVILION' to Promote 'Non-Combative Martial Arts' to the World

"A place where I sharpen myself. The choice of 'non-combative martial arts.'" Under this concept, the NPO Budō Waraku (Headquarters: Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Representative: Maeda Hirasato, hereinafter referred to as the Organization) exhibited at the 'JAPAN PAVILION' area of the Cannes Film Festival, the world's premier film festival, on May 17 (Sun). Through this international cultural dissemination platform, the Organization introduced to the world its unique 'non-combative martial arts' based on Japan's ancient Kotodama (sacred words) philosophy and the spirit of harmony.

The Organization has been active in introducing to the general public and passing down to future generations martial arts based on Japan's ancient Kotodama philosophy. Founder Maeda Hirasato, questioning the conventional martial arts based on competitive consciousness of 'fighting and winning,' pursued the true essence of martial arts, returning to the original point of martial arts that 'does not harm others nor get harmed, with the spirit of 'both others and myself being good,' creating harmony rather than conflict.' Currently, the Organization provides a place for many people, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, to cultivate strong and flexible minds and bodies.

In today's world where competition and social division are accelerating in many countries, the Organization's unique martial arts system, which integrates 'Kotodama (voice), breathing, and spiral movement,' has garnered high interest domestically and internationally, not as a technique to defeat opponents but as wisdom that leads both oneself and others to harmony. This exhibition at the Cannes Film Festival 'JAPAN PAVILION' aims to introduce to the world from an international platform where culture, art, and media from around the world gather, the Japanese culture that has long existed, aiming for harmony rather than conflict.

Main Purposes of Exhibiting at the Cannes Film Festival 'JAPAN PAVILION'

1. Delivering 'Kotodama' and the Aesthetics of Harmony to the World

At the booth, the Organization showcased its unique movement system, which integrates 'voice, breathing, and body movement,' through videos and materials. It appealed to cultural figures and film industry professionals worldwide the aesthetics of harmony, where one elevates oneself and becomes one with the surroundings by harmonizing voice (Kotodama), breathing, and body movement, not by overpowering others with force.

2. Throwing a Stone into Modern Society with the Spirit of 'Harmony (Waraku)'

The Organization promoted the beauty and strength of 'Tsurugi's martial arts,' which does not compete for victory but leads to harmony. In today's world overflowing with noise and conflict, the Organization presented its philosophy as a hint for a way of life where everyone can hold hands together forever, mutually supporting each other.

3. Expanding Recognition Through an International Cultural Dissemination Platform

Because Cannes attracts diverse creators and press from around the world, it was possible to approach deeply as a unique Japanese spiritual culture that goes beyond mere sports or martial arts. Based on the polished techniques and spirituality born from the sincere desire to perform without shame even in front of the gods, the Organization directly introduced to many overseas visitors the practical methods aimed at harmony rather than conflict, nurturing better relationships among people.

Exhibition Overview

Event Name: Booth within 'JAPAN PAVILION (Japan Pavilion)' at the Cannes Film Festival Festival Period: May 12 - May 23 Organization's Exhibition Day: May 17 (Sun) Location: Cannes, France Exhibition Content: Video display of Budō Waraku's philosophy and techniques, pamphlet distribution, and introduction for international promotion

Overview of NPO Budō Waraku

Budō Waraku (Waraku) is a martial art that transcends generations, aiming for 'creation' rather than destruction, and 'harmony' rather than competition. The Organization has developed a new method incorporating elements gentle on the body into traditional martial arts techniques, and conducts guidance and promotion activities, including online, for members not only at the headquarters dojo in Kyoto but also in Osaka, Tokyo, and overseas.

[Organization Overview] Organization Name: NPO Budō Waraku Location: 32 Kishinoshita, Nakayatamachi, Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture (Headquarters Dojo: Shoryuden) Representative: Maeda Hirasato Business Content: Guidance of Budō Waraku practice, holding experience and seminar events, providing online practice, promotion and introduction of martial arts culture based on Japan's ancient Kotodama philosophy Homepage: https://www.walaku.com/ Keywords: