Dear teams considering participation from overseas
Since 1960, Mito Tobu-kan, a kendo dojo (training hall), has hosted the All Japan Juvenile Kendo Tournament for elementary school students in Japan.
This is one of the largest kendo tournaments for boys and girls in Japan, and last year 354 teams from all over Japan participated.
In celebration of Mito Tobu-kan’s 150th anniversary, we are inviting teams from overseas to participate.
Since this year is the first year for this event, we are accepting a maximum of 10 teams from overseas.
The following events are planned for the overseas teams to participate in. (The implementation of these events will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.)
【Experience and Observation Programs and Practice Match】
(1) Practice games on the day before the tournament
Each team in Japan can voluntarily participate in practice games, and each team will play about 5 games.
Participation is strongly recommended for understanding the rules and for the opportunity to ask questions.
(2) Visiting and practicing at the Mito Tobu-kan
Experience the opportunity to observe and participate in practices at a traditional Japanese dojo that has been in existence for 150 years.
Demonstrations of Hokushin Itto-ryu, Shintamiya-ryu Battoujutsu, Iaido, and other ancient martial arts are also available for observation.
Please contact us by e-mail ( kozawaakira@gmail.com ) to discuss your desired date and time for a trial or observation.
If you wish to practice jointly with adults or children of Mito Tobu-kan, please contact us.
【Outline of the tournament】
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025 (Doors open at 7:00 a.m., Tournament begins at 8:30 a.m.)
*On Saturday, March 29, there will be an optional practice match at the tournament site.
Location: Adastria Mito Arena
2-3-10 Midori-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
【Details of Recruitment】
Match format: 5-player team competition
【Number of participating teams】
The number of participating teams will be as follows: ・From overseas, up to 10 teams will be accepted. (Members from different dojos are allowed to participate on the same team.)
If the number of teams exceeds 10, the Honkan will select the participating teams and notify the applicants by e-mail at a later date.
【Conditions of Participation】
(1) Players must be under 13 years old as of March 31, 2025.
(2) Teams must consist of one coach and five players.
*A team with fewer than five players on the day of the tournament may participate, but will not be allowed to compete if it has fewer than three players.
(3) The team must be able to bring at least one staff member who is a coach or guardian and can speak Japanese.
【Participation fee】
10,000 yen per team (to be paid in cash at the registration desk on the day of the tournament)
【Accommodation】
Most of the accommodations in the Mito area on March 28 and 29 are already booked for this tournament.
If you are accepted to participate, we will introduce you to the travel agency that is affiliated with the tournament, so please negotiate and book your accommodations.
【Entrance Limitations】
There is a limit of 10 people per team allowed at the tournament venue.
(5 players, 1 coach, 4 parents, etc., infants and toddlers allowed to attend without being counted towards the total )
【About the application】
Applications must be sent to kozawaakira@gmail.com regarding (1)～(3) below by December 15.
(1) Name of your country
(2) Team name
(3) Name and e-mail address of the representative for administrative procedures
【Inquiries】
If your team is considering participating in the competition, or if you have any questions, please send an e-mail to the address above.
