Introduction
Dear Kyokushin Community,
I am writing to share detailed information and seek your understanding regarding recent developments affecting the legacy and financial integrity of the Mas Oyama Enterprise.
Background of the Trademark Agreement
Initial Agreement with Mr. Kazuyuki Hasegawa
As many of you are aware, I transferred the trademark registration, which I inherited from my mother’s company, to Mr. Hasegawa free of charge. This was done with the understanding that we would establish a royalty agreement from the Dogi manufacturer to benefit the family. Unfortunately, Mr. Hasegawa and his lawyer, Mr. Tanaka, have forced the Dogi manufacturer to stop payments to the family, disrupting this arrangement.
Historical Context and Service Marks
This agreement was initially loosely arranged because Mr. Hasegawa and Mr. Tanaka cited that a detailed arrangement needed to be made among all Kyokushin former and current individuals who received consent from Sosai and were obligated for payment. These rights are rooted in the copyrighted service mark initiated by Sosai and Chiyako Oyama, who began collecting royalties on each uniform starting before 1964. Sosai formalized the service mark licenses in 1983 with Isami. Additionally, the activities of teaching, training, and disseminating the philosophy, as well as holding public seminars and tournaments, were based on a 1993 contract with Sosai. This encompasses variations such as Shinkyokushin and Kyokushinkan from a legal perspective.
Kanji and Kanku Symbols Registration
Sosai registered the Kanji and Kanku symbols, which expired in their registration. However, the licenses to manufacture were based on the sole proprietorship of the copyright of his karate style and the unincorporated organizational structure of IKO Kyokushinkaikan, which used the logo to distinguish the naming of his martial art.
Legal Battles and Trademark Confusion
Post-Sosai Passing Confusion
After my father’s passing, a former student of his registered the trademark, causing much confusion and distress. In light of questioning my father’s will, my mother took the case to the Patent Office and Japanese Intellectual Property Courts. It took the family 17 years to re-register the trademark on the grounds of an unregistered copyrighted service mark founded by Masutatsu Oyama.
Lawsuits and Disputes with Mr. Hasegawa
However, in 2015 and 2016, Mr. Hasegawa sued me. I am unsure of his exact intentions, as he left So-Kyokushin in the middle of the case. What I know is that I was suing someone who had no legal reason to continue using Kyokushin-related intellectual properties, as he was expelled by his related teacher and Dojo and breached his contract with the then Honbu Dojo of IKO Sosai, which I ran with my ex-husband.
Striving for Justification and Unity
The Vision of Mas Oyama
My wish has always been to bring justification to the usage and any financial gains from Kyokushin naming and Sosai’s images. As a fan of Kyokushin and my father, I still struggle to understand why the leaders cannot manage to work together for a bigger cause than themselves while maintaining their respective groups.
1993 Contract with Kyokushin Branches
In 1993, Sosai signed a contract with each branch in Japan. This included 54 branches of the unincorporated company called IKO Kyokushinkaikan/Zaidan Foundation Kyokushin Shogakukai. Mr. Hasegawa and others have denied the existence of this contract with Sosai, but this denial has caused the chaos we see today. While the contract itself may not be enforceable from a legal standpoint alone, it clearly outlines the branches' responsibilities and the amounts they were required to pay to Sosai. All activities should be based on this agreement, even as it adapts to modern requirements.
Obstacles to Rebuilding and Financial Integrity
The very first agreement with Mr. Hasegawa in 2019 was that he would establish a royalty agreement as soon as possible upon the transfer so the bank could grant a loan to renovate Honbu. I had already arranged the bank loan. However, Mr. Tanaka was hospitalized and on his deathbed, and they needed time for his son-in-law, lawyer Mr. Nagase, to step in. It turns out that this story was not true! Subsequently, I was informed that Mr. Hasegawa had suffered a stroke, resulting in a two-year delay.
Consequences of Broken Agreements
Loss of Resources and Legal Disharmony
Organizations require rules and structures. Upon transferring the trademark to Mr. Hasegawa, we lost storage space and my living space in Japan due to Mr. Hasegawa and Mr. Tanaka’s refusal to pay royalties and honor the entirety of Mas Oyama Sosai’s contract. Their refusal to bring legal harmony to all involved, including various Kyokushin groups such as Shinkyokushin, KWF and KWU reflects poorly on their character. This situation is not merely about trademarks or legal standings but about individuals who lack the integrity to uphold the title of Kyokushin Shihan.
Recent Actions by Kyokushin Union Leaders
In October 2023, Mr. Hasegawa, Mr. Tanaka, and Mr. Tabata from the All Japan Kyokushin Union informed the manufacturer to pay them directly instead of us at Honbu Dojo.
Conclusion and Call to Action
I hope this information clarifies the situation. Your support and understanding are crucial as we navigate these challenges and work towards preserving the true legacy of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.
Support the Legacy of Mas Oyama
If you truly loved Sosai Mas Oyama and the spirit of Kyokushin, I urge you to support me and the Mas Oyama Enterprise. Your donations can help us fight to reclaim the trademark and uphold the legacy of Kyokushin Karate. Please consider making a donation via bank transfer to aid in this effort and ensure that the true values and teachings of Sosai Mas Oyama are honored and preserved.
Bank Transfer Details:
Account Name: Kikuko Oyama
Bank Name: MUFG Bank
Bank Address: 7-1 2-Chome, Marunouchi
Branch Code: 568
City: Chiyoda
Country: Japan
Account Number: 3961491
SWIFT Code: BOTKJPJTXXX
If you are unsure how to pay to a Japanese bank account, you can use Wise for international transfers: Wise.
Your generosity and commitment to Kyokushin will make a significant difference. Together, we can restore and uphold the integrity of Sosai Mas Oyama’s legacy.
Osu,
Kikuko (Kuristina) Oyama
Custodian of the Mas Oyama Enterprise
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