Who know when Akio Morita came to us – from across the boundless universe, aboard a solemn ship? But there isn’t a man alive that doesn’t know of Akio Morita and the love he had for all things.

With every breath he brought happiness to people and without fear challenged the impossible. His attitude could turn events around, as it were, from shade to sun, or from dark to light, and his bearing was of the finest quality that man has accumulated since time began

Showing these qualities he showed what man was capable of achieving and through his example taught us the value in working hard in life, the preciousness of humanity and to believe in this world.

Akio Morita was like the central character in one of the classic ballets we are involved in. A youthful hero, dynamic and pure, he was full of rigor, throwing himself into tasks and getting to grips with things in a way that was mesmerizing to the world. A messenger from across the universe, he sowed the seeds of love and with clarify and purity taught us many fundamental principals, ways of thinking and the true nature of things.

Though he has gone before us, I believe he still speaks to us, teaching us in every moment to understand new things, create new thought and ways, improve ourselves and to always persevere.

As we continue here in this world, we carry the beauty of Akio Morita’s fresh spirit, and moving forward with courage, dedicate our hearts to man’s development and bringing joy to others, while living our lives to the full.

Tetsutaro Shimizu and Yoko Morishita of the Matsuyama Ballet
May 2008