This video caught my attention like no other has recently. And yes, I’m not afraid to admit it, it brought a tear to my eye.

It’s probably because of my emotional investment in Sakuraba and also the connection to Japan, where I used to live.

I miss Sakuraba’s glory days. I miss Japan. I miss Pride.

I have a Sakuraba “Water” T-shirt that I bought at Pride Middleweight GP Opening Round 2005, where I saw Sakuraba fight. It’s the most memorable fighting-related memory I have. When Sakuraba entered the arena, we all stood as if our seats were electrified and cheered and shouted under the strobes and the smoke and the fireworks,

This video makes me think of the Japanese concept of 物の哀れ – Mono no aware. The Sadness of Things. That everything is transient and fleeting and that any strong emotional feeling or attachment will ultimately end in sadness when it passes.

Enjoy!