Leader Shimaguchi has led "剱伎衆 Kamui" as a samurai artist and has been involved in various activities not only in Japan but also in other countries around the world,

This year, in the fall of 2018, the first Japanese person will be awarded the Order of Culture and Arts in Florence, the ancient capital of Italy and a World Heritage Site.

He has been performing and teaching at a dojo in Florence for eight years, and has developed a close relationship with the local people,

In addition, he has played a central role in the Diamond Route Japan video and other activities to introduce Japan to the world through the spirituality of the samurai, and this award is the result of his activities based on that spirituality.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 31 at the Santa Maria Novella head office in Florence, the oldest pharmacy in the world with a history of 800 years.