Ever wonder if manga creators really research their work?
Well, Takehiko Inoue talks the talk in Vagabond, and walks the walk in some Aikido classes! I only wish he did this at my dojo!!
The below is from a blog post by a former editor, now freelance, of Brutus magazine in Japan.
He posted this awesomeness on his blog two years ago, but Inoue's recent ill health and indefinite break from working on Vagabond has prompted me to share it.
The post says that Inoue is black belt level in Karate, but this was his first go at Aikido. The full post (in Japanese) and more pictures are here
After his first experice with Aikido Inoue was quoted as saying that, "Aikido isn't techniques for self defense. It's a tool for communication."
Mr. Inoue also has had discussions on the martial arts of Musashi's time with renowned classical martial arts expert and historian, Yoshinori Kono.
Before I had any idea there was a Vagabond connection, I had been to a few of Mr. Kono's seminars and read many of his books. He’s a fascinating person and I can tell you from personal experience that, unlike the numerous paper masters out there, not only are his skills for real (I’ve felt his techniques), but Mr. Kono will discuss his theories and demonstrate his techniques on anyone! He cuts right through the mysticism that surrounds a lot of classical martial arts and will show you what works and tell you his theories as to the how and why.
Inoue definitely knows how to pick his sources because Yoshinori Kono is the real deal!!
Discussions between Mr. Kono and Mr. Inoue became this book.
It's a hell of a good read, and it’s a real shame that it will probably never get translated into English. It would make a great companion to Vagabond for those interested in the real history behind the story.
Anyway, just thought I'd share that.
Get well soon, Takehiko Inoue!!
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