Tokujiro Namikoshi Quotes: Part Three
Welcome to the third chapter of our series illuminating the wisdom of Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei, the revered founder of Shiatsu!
In our prior blog, we unveiled a selection of his thought-provoking quotes, and the treasure trove of his insights continues to unfold!
Part 1: https://shiatsupractor.org/founder/
Part 2: https://shiatsupractor.org/five/
One Man’s Mission in Life
“Health is our first priority as human beings. I am happy to live a life assisting people to be healthy.”
Tokujiro Namikoshi, who lived for others, quoted from his book, ”Shiatsu Ichidai Ki”.
The founder of Shiatsu, Tokujiro Namikoshi, has made significant contributions to the well-being of numerous notable figures, including former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and 11 other prime ministers, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe, world-renowned actor Sesshu Hayakawa, and former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali. Not only was he the visionary behind Shiatsu, but he also excelled as an exceptional educator and a highly skilled clinician in the field.
In 1954, Marilyn Monroe journeyed to Japan for her honeymoon after marrying the American baseball player Joe DiMaggio. They had planned an exciting itinerary across Japan; however, Monroe fell ill due to the fatigue from the long journey, particularly suffering from stomach cramps.
During her stay at the Imperial Hotel, a doctor recommended an injection for pain relief, which she declined. Instead, Tokujiro Namikoshi, a Shiatsu practitioner, was summoned to provide her with Shiatsu treatment. Namikoshi played a significant role in her recovery, and it’s reported that Monroe received Shiatsu a total of seven times while in Japan.
Tokujiro Namikoshi was instrumental in popularizing Shiatsu throughout Japan, and his reputation was greatly enhanced by his treatment of Monroe. He helped numerous individuals achieve better health through Shiatsu techniques. Monroe reportedly adored Namikoshi’s Shiatsu and expressed her gratitude for his skills.
Marilyn Monroe’s visit to Japan holds special significance in her life. Her interaction with Tokujiro Namikoshi not only improved her health but also contributed to the international recognition of Shiatsu techniques. This memorable episode is still discussed today as a remarkable convergence of Marilyn’s charisma and Namikoshi’s expertise.
