2024.7　KENDOJIDAI Composition: Teraoka TomoyukiPhotography: Nishiguchi KunihikoTranslation: 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, … Continue reading New Japan, the Strongest Lineup in History (19th World Kendo Championships)