This week marks the 87th birthday of Mitsugi Saotome (born March 7, 1937), direct student of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, Shihan (Master instructor), and founder of Chicago Aikikai’s parent organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU).
Best wishes and good health to Saotome Sensei!
お誕生日おめでとうございます！
(Japanese language tip for newcomers: Shihan is the proper title to use when listing or describing an instructor recognized as having high standing, while Sensei is the polite word to use when addressing or mentioning them in spoken language).