KENDOJIDAI 2024.5
Article: Uga Motonori (Kochi Kendo Federation)
Translation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
The Kochi Kendo Federation is deeply concerned about the declining population of Kendo practitioners. To address this issue, they organized an exchange program with the Korean National Junior and High School Kendo Team. This article introduces the initiative, which began as a grassroots effort.
Declining Kendo Population in Kochi Prefecture: A Pressing Crisis
In Kochi Prefecture, the population decline caused by low birth rates and aging demographics is progressing 15 years ahead of the national average, with over 8,000 people lost annually. This has had a severe impact on the Kendo community. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of middle school Kendo participants dropped by approximately 43%. Compared to other sports, this rate of decline is particularly pronounced.
It is also notable that about 80% of the high school students practicing Kendo in Kochi come from families with relatives involved in the sport. Furthermore, over 50% of the Kochi Kendo Federation members are aged between 50 and 70. Projections suggest that within 20 years, the number of federation registrants could be halved, with a particularly sharp decrease in young female Kendo practitioners.
Currently, only four schools in the prefecture are able to form five-member teams to compete in the national high school tournament qualifiers. Additionally, the number of female federation members in their 20s is alarmingly low, at just over a dozen. Only 10% of high school Kendo practitioners continue the sport after entering university. Of these, the number of women who return to Kochi to work and continue practicing Kendo is as rare as one every few years, presenting a dire situation for the future of Kendo in the region.
A High School Student’s Initiative:
Kendo Tourism and Regional Revitalization
In an effort to halt the decline of Kendo in Kochi Prefecture, a high school student’s proposal became the catalyst for a bold initiative: using Kendo tourism to promote regional revitalization and increase the number of Kendo practitioners. This idea eventually led to the successful invitation of the Korean student representative team.
The proposal focused on attracting inbound tourism and transforming Kochi into a hub for open international Kendo tournaments. By involving the media and local government, the plan aimed to establish a sustainable model for Kendo tourism. The ultimate goal was to engage young parents in their 20s and 30s—who had previously shown little interest in Kendo—and convey the message that “Japanese Kendo is valued worldwide.” This was also seen as an opportunity to reaffirm Japanese identity and pride.
Inspired by this student’s innovative vision, Kendo practitioners who were already deeply concerned about the current state of the sport formed a project team. Under the auspices of the Kochi Prefecture Kendo Federation, the plan began to take shape as an official event.
Korean National Team’s Visit to Kochi: A Realized Dream
The visit of the Korean National Team (middle and high school students) to Kochi Prefecture was made possible through the following sequence of events. First, the Tosa Kendo Association, a grassroots Kendo community in Kochi, collaborated with the Asia Kendo Club, a Tokyo-based organization that connects Kendo communities across Asia and the world. Together, they organized an international Kendo exchange event this past August, which included joint Kendo practice sessions and participation in Kochi’s Yosakoi Festival.
Following this successful exchange, a phone call came in early September from Oshima Akio, a Kendo Kyoshi 8th Dan and leader of the Asia Kendo Club in Tochigi, to a member of the Tosa Kendo Association. The call proposed the possibility of hosting the Korean National Team (middle and high school students) for a training tour before the end of the year.
The key reasons for this proposal were the Korean team’s admiration for Kochi’s rich food culture and hospitality, as well as the outstanding performance of Kochi High School’s boys’ team, which placed in the top eight at this year’s Inter-High School Championships.
Kochi Prefecture hosts the National High School Takeyoriwake Kendo Training Tournament every December, where 100 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Japan gather to hone their Kendo skills. With support and understanding from the Kochi Kendo Federation and the Prefectural High School Athletic Federation, the formal invitation was extended to the Korean National Team. This marked a historic step in fostering international exchange through Kendo.
Outline of the International Exchange Event
1. The 31st National High School Takeyoriwake Kendo Training Tournament
Approximately 100 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Japan, mainly from western regions, will gather in Kochi City to participate in training matches and practice sessions. (Editor’s note: Takeyoriwake is the deity of Tosa mentioned in the Kojiki, an ancient Japanese text.)
2. Reception
Presentations by Kochi high school students practicing Kendo, followed by a discussion and exchange of ideas.
A hands-on experience of searing Katsuo Tataki (bonito fillet) over straw flames.
A traditional Yosakoi dance demonstration by the Tosa Seiryu Club, including an opportunity for attendees to try the authentic dance style.
3. Joint Practice Sessions and Exchange
Collaborative practice sessions with elementary and middle school students in Kochi who practice Kendo.
A group dance exchange event for all participants, fostering camaraderie beyond the dojo.
The Takeyoriwake Kendo Training Tournament
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