2023.9　KENDOJIDAI Following the men’s representative training camp held earlier this year, the second strengthening training seminar for the women’s team this year took place at the Japan Budokan Training Center in Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture. A battle for the representative spots ensued, featuring a mix of veterans, mid-level, and young competitors. Who will ultimately secure the ten spots to fight for Japan? Report: Teraoka TomoyukiPhotography: Nishiguchi KunihikoTranslation: Jouke van der Woude Gathering at the Japan Budokan Training Center in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, were 23 female candidates for the Japanese national team. A splendid line-up ranging from veterans to young talents, leaving no one unfamiliar with their names. Each competitor boasts impressive achievements, and the coaching staff undoubtedly faces considerable challenges in selecting the national representatives. The 17th World Kendo Championship (WKC) held in Incheon, South Korea, in 2018 saw the Japanese women’s team achieve flawless victories from the qualifiers to the finals, leaving no room for opponents to seize an advantage. Similar results are anticipated for the upcoming tournament in Italy. Upon comparing the representatives from the previous event with the candidates for this edition, one significant change stands out. The departure of Matsumoto Mizuki (Kanagawa Prefectural Police), who secured … Continue reading Training camp for Candidates of the Women’s Japanese National Team (September 2023)