In Japanese culture, frogs have long been associated with various symbolic meanings. The Japanese word for frog, “kaeru,” also means “to return”. Traditionally, travelers often carried frog trinkets as lucky charms, believing they would bring luck and ensure a safe journey home. Additionally, frogs have played significant roles in art, theater, and local folklore, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, fertility as well as transformation and wisdom.

Our dojo is located in the peaceful Orangerie and Bonsai garden. Every spring, frogs visit our pond signaling the arrival of the season. They inhabit our pond temporarily, engaging in the rituals of life—mating, fighting, swimming with the resident goldfish or simply sitting. Then, as suddenly as they arrive, they vanish, leaving behind strings of eggs as decorations to the waters and small reminders of their visit.

Over the following weeks, we witness to the miraculous journey of the tadpoles, their gradual metamorphosis, and eventual emergence as frogs. This cycle of birth, growth, transformation, and departure unfolds right outside our dojo doors, serving as a reminder of the natural rhythms of existence.

Inspired by this connection to nature and the symbolism of the frog in Japanese culture, our dojo’s logo pays homage to these themes. The frog represents the cyclical nature of life—the constant flow between beginnings and endings, and the continuous cycles of growth and renewal. Just as the frogs undergo their own journey of transformation,  we too embark on our path of self-discovery and growth through our Aikido practice.

We can only hope that the presence of these amphibious companions will also bring us luck on our own journey.