The 14th International Shiatsu Conference was held in Rome, Italy, at the Umberto Primo University Hall and Santa Maria University with 400 people in attendance.
On September 29, the first day, Mr. Fusi of the medical science captive correspondent opened the conference. His opening remarks were followed by lectures from Dr. Luigi Frati, Professor of Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, and Dr. France Postacky, Professor in Tor Vergata compass of the National University of Rome who gave a lecture on the effectiveness of Shiatsu from the medical standpoint. At the halfway mark of the first session, Ms. Matsuko Namikoshi, Director of Japan Shiatsu College, greeted the attendees. This was followed by a lecture, "The Effectiveness of Shiatsu" by Hiroshi Ishizuka sensei of the Japan Shiatsu College. Then the Neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Chizia Roberti, Dr. Marco spoke on Dr. Sergio.
Then the conference moved to Santa Maria University and Matsuko Namikoshi sensei, Director, demonstrated the Basic Shiatsu Treatment for the back and abdominal regions. This was followed by a performance at the word of command by instructors from the Japan Shiatsu College. Then Mr. Tetsuo Inaba, Chairperson of the Japan Shiatsu Association spoke on "Shiatsu Treatment for Headache" with practical training for Shiatsu to the anterior, lateral and posterior cervical regions. That ended the first day.
The second day started with a greeting by Mr. Fumihiko Indei, Director of Aisen Shiatsu School in Hawaii. Then a Shiatsu demonstration on advanced Shiatsu treatment for stiff shoulder (and related areas). Kensen Saito sensei, Director of the Academy of Tokyo, Toronto, Canada, lecture on Shiatsu treatment for numbness of the hands and fingers. Shigeru Onoda sensei, Director of Nissei Shiatsu College, Spain, spoke on and demonstrated Shiatsu for lumbago.
Following that, Kiyoshi Ikenaga sensei of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy talked about the medical system in British Columbia, Canada and gave a demonstration of Shiatsu for persons in wheelchairs. The next presentation was a video showing activities of Michiyo and Hiroko Urakawa sensei at the Shiatsu Academy in Australia and, lastly, a lecture and practical training from Lic. Graciela Giorgetti sensei, Director of the Escuela Argentina de Shiatsu.
The conference was a huge success, having many international participants. It was covered widely in the Romanian (Italian) newspaper and had a large impact on other European countries as well as opening more opportunities for Shiatsu in Rome.