Remembrance of Michio Kushi Memorial
2/10/2015
Remembrance of Michio Kushi Memorial
Saturday, January 31, 2015 / Boston, Massachusetts
On a very cold winter’s day in Boston, with snow piled high along the sides of the street, about 500 people gathered to show their gratitude and respect for Michio Kushi. Inside the Arlington Street Church where Michio taught weekly during the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a warmth and friendship that pulsated throughout the church. Many people had not seen each other 10, 20, 30 or more years. They all shared one thing in common—having studied or been deeply inspired by Michio and Aveline Kushi’s teachings.
Though I have been back to Boston over the past years—seeing friends, colleagues and students—it was another thing to see people from the distant past, whose lives had taken them in different directions. I lived in Boston from 1969 to 1972, in several “study houses” and in an apartment of my own. I also worked at Sanae Restaurant for 2 years and knew many people from that time. For me, it was a total immersion experience, plus a time of great experimentation. There was a common link despite our many differences. That link—an enthusiasm for macrobiotics and the shared deep appreciation for Michio and his teaching of the macrobiotic way of life—was what brought us all back together. Furthermore, people came from across America, Europe and Japan for a celebration of Michio’s life and dream plus a reunion and sharing.
The master of ceremony, Haruo (Larry) Kushi, set the tone and focus for the memorial. Speaking for Michio’s four sons and wife Midori, he said that we are as much a part of their extended family as they feel a part of ours. Each speaker brought some unique remembrance of Michio’s life and of his impact on their life and on the much larger scope of society and the world. The speakers were:
• Midori Kushi, Michio’s second wife
• Masao Kushi, Michio’s younger brother from Japan
• Evan Root, friend
• Eric Utne, friend
• Alex Jack, Kushi Institute
• Aldebert Nelissen’s (created the KI of Europe) two children:
• Gideon Nelissen, played a Bach violin sonata
• Horriah Nelissen, shared a message from her mother
• Chico Varatojo, director of KI of Portugal
• Toyofumi Yoshida, president Mitoku Company
• Michael Potter, president Eden Foods
• Dennis Kucinich, former Congressman of Ohio
• Hisao Kushi, youngest son
This was a wonderful celebration of Michio’s life, accomplishments, visions and dreams. Following the memorial service, there was a gala reception at a nearby hotel with music, food and a wonderful opportunity to meet, greet and catch up with many people from around the country and the world.
More pictures available here.