2024.7 KENDOJIDAI
Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko
Translation: Hoshino Maki
In early April, the representatives for Japan’s National Team were announced. Particularly notable is the men’s team, which is being hailed as the strongest lineup in the 18-tournament history.
This article features comments from the men’s team representatives as they enter their final preparations, along with a special report.
Ando Sho (Kokushikan University Lecturer)
“It’ll be a tough competition. I’m determined to enjoy every moment of it.”
Thoughts as the Japan men’s team captain–
“The selected ten representatives have gone through numerous intensive training camps since the last tournament. Even after the finalization of the representatives, we have persistently practiced, enhancing both our teamwork and motivation. While there are areas still requiring adjustments, with two months left, we aim to fine-tune our preparations and approach the tournament with confidence.
The third World Kendo Championships (WKC)–
“Nine years have passed since my first appearance at the 16WKC (Japan). As I assume the role of captain this time, there’s an extra layer of pressure, but I’m embracing each day with the awareness that this might be my final opportunity to partake in the WKC. Drawing from my past experiences, I anticipate a tough competition, yet I’m determined to enjoy every moment of it.”
About the team Japan–
“The younger members actively show great enthusiasm and energize the team with their great Kiai, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere I wanted to create as captain. I believe we are a great team, and I expect our first-time participants to deliver an energetic performance in the match. “
Determination as Taisho–
“I am training with a steadfast determination, keeping my focus on Taisho-sen. By overcoming the feeling of not wanting to lose, I intend to persist an unwavering dynamic kendo.”
Kusano Ryujiro (Osaka Prefectural Police)
“I aspire to share the beauty of Jodan”
On being selected for the Japan national team–
“I was first selected to attend the intensive training camp in my fourth year of university. Since then, I have always aspired to join the national team. After joining the Osaka Prefectural Police and excelling as a player, my determination grew stronger. Therefore, becoming a national representative is a dream come true, accompanied by a profound sense of responsibility.”
Recent achievements–
“I aspire to attain higher rankings in the All Japan Kendo Championship (AJKC). I am cognizant of the reasons behind my current standing and am committed to addressing those areas.”
Role in the upcoming WKC–
“I am the only Jodan stance among the 10 representatives. Since Jodan stance tends to be challenging for oversea competitors, I feel a strong expectation to secure victories. Additionally, I aspire to share with people worldwide the valor of Jodan, known as ‘Hi-no-Kurai (pride of fire)’, the beauty of one-handed techniques, and the exhilaration of successful strikes.”
About the team Japan–
“The young members are energetic, making our team formidable with strong offensive capabilities. I am confident we can win, and I am setting my sights firmly on this Championships.”
Hoshiko Keita (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)
“Utilizing comprehensive skills and adaptability”
On being selected for the Japan national team–
“Competing in the WKC and achieving the title of world champion was one of my goals. I am pleased to have been selected, but I intend to continue pursuing my dreams without getting too caught up in this joy, all while carrying the pride of representing Japan.”
Growth since the last WKC–
“In the previous WKC, I felt tremendous support from those around me. Subsequently, I encountered moments of doubt in my kendo, yet those experiences proved invaluable. This time around, I’ve strived to become a dependable teammate. The weight of what I have imposed on myself is different from six years ago, and I now approach the matches with greater confidence.”
On competing against international players–
“I have experienced the strength of international players and do not believe we are superior in any regard. During my training, I always value in maintaining the mindset of Kakaru (A determined attitude of moving forward offensively, even though the opponent is superior), and I intend to uphold that approach against international competitors as well. “
Role in the upcoming WKC–
“I don’t have any distinctive traits or flamboyance. But I believe my strongest assets are my comprehensive kendo skills and ability to prepare for matches. I plan to fully utilize these strengths.”
About the team Japan–
“Under Captain Ando, everyone, including our youngest player Kimura, has formed an exceptional team. Our training camps take place in an excellent environment, and we are determined to win.”
Matsuzaki Kenshiro (University of Tsukuba Graduate School)
“Fight to create momentum for the team”
On being selected for the Japan national team–
“I have always aspired to compete on the world stage. It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen for the coveted Japan national team, and it fills me with determination.”
Current training–
“I am currently a student at University of Tsukuba Graduate School. While my training opportunities may not be as extensive as those of police officers, I make effective use of my time to train diligently.”
On competing against international players–
“International players have unique Kikai(opportunity) and Maai, but there are many outstanding competitors who have remarkable ability. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for us to stay concentrated and vigilant.”
Role in the upcoming WKC–
“I have been selected for the individual competition. Despite being among the younger members, the coaches have entrusted me with the responsibility of generating momentum for the team. My goal is to bring energy and contribute to fostering a positive momentum through my matches.”
About the team Japan–
“Under the guidance of Manager Higashi, we have gone through numerous intensive training camps, resulting in the selection of ten outstanding representatives. I anticipate that the blend of traditional Japanese Kendo and each member’s individuality will have a positive impact on our matches.”
Kimura Keito (Osaka Kendo Association)
“I want to invigorate the team through my confident and assertive Seme”
On being selected for the Japan national team–
“I was first selected to attend the intensive training camp during my university years, but at that time, I wasn’t particularly conscious of becoming a national representative. However, after training with many renowned athletes, my desire to join the national team grew. I am very pleased to have been selected.”
Feeling of representing the nation as the youngest member–
“From the start of the training camps, my coaches instilled in me the significance of representing the nation. Over time, I developed a strong sense of responsibility as a representative of Japan and a deep desire to become the best in the world.”
On participating in the Men’s Individual Championship–
“I never expected to be enrolled into the individual division. However, now that I have been given the opportunity to become the world champion in the individuals, I want to seize that chance and fight with the awareness and pride of representing Japan.”
Role in the upcoming WKC–
“I am eager to become the team’s energizer. Additionally, as a young member of the team, I intend to Seme confidently and assertively to invigorate the team.”
About the team Japan–
“The teamwork is excellent, and I believe everyone is integrating well without feeling intimidated. Winning the WKC is Team Japan’s mission, and I am committed to working hard to achieve this goal and also to aim for the individual world champion title.”
Special Report on the Japan National Team–
The captaincy has been entrusted to Ando Sho (Kokushikan University Lecturer). Six years ago, he won the individual title at the 16WKC and led the team to victory as the Taisho in the team competition. In 2022, after transferring from the Hokkaido Prefectural Police to his alma mater, Kokushikan University, he started anew. Ando’s abilities are exceptional, and he is also the world’s top Taisho. The fact that he will stand on the world stage bearing the Japanese flag is incredibly reassuring for Team Japan.
Another factor that enhances the sense of reassurance is the presence of four All Japan Kendo Championship (AJKC) title holders. Kunitomo Rentaro (Fukuoka Prefectural Police), who is the same age as Ando, has reached the AJKC finals three times-once as a champion. Although this is his first time participating as a member of the Japan national team, he is expected to serve as a mental pillar alongside Ando. Takenouchi Yuya (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) is entering his third WKC. Having competed in both the team and individual categories at the 2015 Japan tournament and the 2018 Korea tournament, he played a crucial role, especially in Korea, where he secured vital wins in close matches. His ability to perform under pressure will be pivotal in this tournament as well.
Matsuzaki Kenshiro (University of Tsukuba Graduate School) and Hoshiko Keita (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) are outstanding talents who represent the future of Japanese kendo. Both have claimed victory in the AJKC and solidified their positions as Japan’s finest, leaving no doubt about their capabilities. At last year’s World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia, they both reached the finals, reaffirming Japan’s prowess on the global stage. Despite being fierce rivals for many years, they will now unite to lead the Japanese team at the 19WKC.
Certainly, the remaining five players are also top-tier competitors. Tsuchitani Yuki (Osaka Prefectural Police) has clinched victory in the All Japan Police Kendo Tournament (AJPKT) twice. Miyamoto Keita (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) and Kusano Ryujiro (Osaka Prefectural Police) are essential assets within their organizations and are certain to excel at the 19WKC.
For the young duo, Ohira Shoshi (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) and Kimura Keito (Osaka Kendo Association), have been presented with a significant opportunity. Ohira claimed the individual division championship during his time at Sano Nihon University Senior High School, and at the University of Tsukuba, he led the team to the national title as captain. He has already secured a position as a regular in the highly competitive Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and there are high expectations for him. Kimura, who progressed from Mito Kiryo High School to National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, won the individual championship in his fourth year. He has already decided to join the Osaka Prefectural Police. Given his status as the youngest competitor, his achievement of securing a position as a representative among seasoned competitors clearly indicates that high expectations have been placed on him. Along with Matsuzaki and Hoshiko, they both have been entered in the Individual Championship, turning the dream of becoming the world champion into a tangible possibility.
The Japanese men’s team, with the best possible lineup, will aim for the world title. With less than three months left until the tournament, they have already entered the final stages of preparation. In mid-April, they held a training camp, inviting the last year’s All Japan University Kendo Championship winner, Hosei University, as well as Nippon Sport Science University and Chuo University for practice matches. The 19WKC, expected to see participation from 61 countries and regions, will feature many international competitors around the globe known for their superior speed and power. Practicing with university Kenshi who excel in speed and quick match progression holds great significance as preparation for the WKC. The team Japan plans to hold two more training camps to ensure complete readiness and will step onto the world stage.
After a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WKC is finally set to return. Amid fierce competition from other countries, we look forward to witnessing Team Japan’s dominant strength in Milan.
