--Kendo Master, Illustrator

Mr. Izui’s illustration is in a style reminiscent of kami ningyo (Japanese paper dolls) and depicts dancers and a taiko (drum) player at Bon Odori, the annual memorial dance. Ours takes place the second Saturday in August. This illustration also appears in a slightly different form on our 1998 festival t-shirt. This was the last in a series of t-shirts he illustrated for Natsu Matsuri. Mr. Izui passed away in January of 2002.

Mr. Izui was one of the principal instructors of the Chicago Kendo Dojo and the BTC Iaido Dojo. He also created illustrations for 1998’s Natsu Matsuri cultural exhibit of traditional musical instruments of Japan and the cover of “Itadakimasu,” the BTC members’ cookbook, which sells for $10 at BTC.

Izui Sensei was the warrior and artist combined in one soul. Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF) students have long been taught etiquette by “Freddie the Bungler.” Finally, these cartoon line drawings, all original Izui Sensei's, have been gathered and are currently being prepared to be offered for the world to see on the Web by the MWKF.