Iwama city in autumn colours 岩間 (紅葉)

Far removed from the cellphone zombies and sugar high children (hmmm. . that sounds like a band name doesn t it ) Iwama seems almost totally untouched by the last 30 years. There is a slower pace here, and the locals have a more dignified lifestyle. People, young and old, are very polite and kind to visitors, and seem, rightfully, quite proud of there town and it s beauty and history. Proof positive that all change doesn t equal progress. This is where Aikido finally developed and where Ueshiba sensei