Tokujiro Namikoshi Quotes
- Massage therapist
- Japan
- 1905
Tokujiro Namikoshi was a Japanese massage therapist and founder of the Namikoshi Shiatsu technique. He was born in 1905 in Hokkaido, Japan and began studying massage at a young age. Namikoshi’s unique approach to massage therapy, which combined traditional Japanese techniques with Western medi…Read More
Tokujiro Namikoshi was a Japanese massage therapist and founder of the Namikoshi Shiatsu technique. He was born in 1905 in Hokkaido, Japan and began studying massage at a young age. Namikoshi’s unique approach to massage therapy, which combined traditional Japanese techniques with Western medical knowledge, gained widespread recognition and he became known as the “Father of Modern Shiatsu.” Namikoshi’s notable works include the establishment of the Japan Shiatsu College in 1940, which was the first school to offer a formal education in Shiatsu. He also wrote several books on Shiatsu, including “Shiatsu Therapy: Theory and Practice” and “The Complete Book of Shiatsu Therapy.” Namikoshi’s contributions to the field of massage therapy have had a lasting impact, with his techniques still widely practiced and taught around the world. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government. Namikoshi passed away in 2000, but his legacy continues to live on through his teachings and the continued practice of Namikoshi Shiatsu.Read Less
Tokujiro Namikoshi was a Japanese massage therapist and founder of the Namikoshi Shiatsu technique. He was born in 1905 in Hokkaido, Japan and began studying massage at a young age. Namikoshi’s unique approach to massage therapy, which combined traditional Japanese techniques with Western medical knowledge, gained widespread recognition and he became known as the “Father of Modern Shiatsu.” Namikoshi’s notable works include the establishment of the Japan Shiatsu College in 1940, which was the first school to offer a formal education in Shiatsu. He also wrote several books on Shiatsu, including “Shiatsu Therapy: Theory and Practice” and “The Complete Book of Shiatsu Therapy.” Namikoshi’s contributions to the field of massage therapy have had a lasting impact, with his techniques still widely practiced and taught around the world. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government. Namikoshi passed away in 2000, but his legacy continues to live on through his teachings and the continued practice of Namikoshi Shiatsu.
Tokujiro Namikoshi Career Highlights
- Born in 1905 in Hokkaido, Japan, Namikoshi was the son of a traditional Japanese medicine practitioner.
- At the age of seven, he began studying massage and traditional Japanese medicine from his father.
- In 1919, at the age of 14, he opened his own clinic and started practicing massage therapy.
- In 1925, he developed his own style of massage therapy, which he called “Shiatsu” (meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese).
- In 1929, he opened the Japan Shiatsu Institute, the first school dedicated to teaching Shiatsu therapy.
- In 1940, he was invited to treat the Emperor of Japan, which helped to popularize Shiatsu therapy in Japan.
- In 1945, he founded the Japan Shiatsu College, which is now known as the Japan Shiatsu College and Japan Shiatsu School.
- In 1957, he established the Japan Shiatsu Association, which is now the largest Shiatsu organization in the world.
- In 1964, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government for his contributions to the field of Shiatsu therapy.
- In 1970, he was invited to the United States to teach Shiatsu therapy, which helped to spread the practice internationally.
- In 1981, he was awarded the title of “Living National Treasure” by the Japanese government for his contributions to traditional medicine.
Key Contributions by Tokujiro Namikoshi
- Namikoshi’s biggest contribution to the field of massage therapy was the development of Shiatsu, a unique form of massage that uses finger pressure to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
- He also developed a system of diagnosis based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which helped to make Shiatsu therapy more effective.
- Namikoshi’s teachings and techniques have been widely adopted and have influenced other forms of massage therapy, such as acupressure and reflexology.
- He also played a crucial role in establishing Shiatsu therapy as a legitimate form of alternative medicine in Japan and around the world.
What Sets Tokujiro Namikoshi Apart
- Namikoshi’s approach to massage therapy was unique and revolutionary at the time, as it focused on using finger pressure instead of the more common techniques of kneading and rubbing.
- He also combined his knowledge of traditional Japanese medicine with principles from Chinese medicine, creating a holistic approach to healing.
- Namikoshi’s dedication to spreading the practice of Shiatsu therapy internationally helped to make it a widely recognized and respected form of alternative medicine.
Takeaways
- Tokujiro Namikoshi’s contributions to the field of massage therapy, particularly his development of Shiatsu, have had a lasting impact on the industry.
- His dedication to teaching and spreading Shiatsu therapy has helped to make it a popular and effective form of alternative medicine around the world.
- Namikoshi’s legacy continues through the Japan Shiatsu Association and the numerous schools and practitioners who continue to practice and teach his techniques.