The search for the Holy Grail has been popularised by recent generations through Monty Python and Raiders of the Lost Ark movies. This elusive goal is historically referenced in medieval literature and is associated with eternal youth or miraculous powers of healing. We are reminded of the longevity of the search for the Holy Grail as the story of Easter unfolds and images of Christ’s last supper emerge.
The Melbourne Osaka Cup has discovered its own Holy Grail with the mysterious unearthing of a trophy after 38 years. How and why it disappeared is still a mystery, but Keiichi Morimura, Commodore of the Osaka Hokko Yacht Club, has shared this story with us ….
Yu Shou (pronounced You Shaw interestingly enough) was designed and built in 1987 by sponsors Yamaha to celebrate the fastest elapsed time by a yacht in the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race. At that time, the celebration was held at the Osaka City Council’s prominent Dome building, which later became the Time and Space Museum. As Japan’s economy slowed in the 90s, the pavilion was closed; however, once every year, it was opened to a small group of people who had an interest in the property. Our Fujimoto-san is one of the special invitees.
Some years ago, the City decided to sell the property to a private company. They are currently planning to renovate the interior, and the trophy was found in a storage room where it has been for the past 20 years, buried under many layers of dust and dirt.
Recognising the relevance to the Melbourne Osaka Cup, Fujimoto-san persuaded the new owners to allow the Osaka Hokko Yacht Club to retain this magnificent trophy. Sitting in the board room at Melbourne House, Yu Shou could easily be mistaken for a second fridge. Weighing more than 40 kg, it is too heavy for the Tenmangu Shrine; however, it will be unveiled at the After Party at the Garden Oriental Osaka, following the Presentation and Awards ceremony.
Photo Top The Time and Space museum, Osaka – Photo AC