2025.1 KENDOJIDAI
Written by: Teraoka Tomoyuk
Photography by: Sasai Takamasa
Translation by: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
Abiru Hirotaka
“I’ll win everything, so just leave it up to me.”
With his trademark smile, Abiru Hirotaka rallied his teammates with this bold declaration during a team huddle. A rising star who graduated from Hosei University this spring, Abiru has embarked on his career as a corporate Kendo athlete with NTT. In high school, he achieved third place in the individual category at the Inter-High Championship while at Meiji Nakano High School. After graduating, he went on to attend Hosei University. In his senior year, he captained the team and played a pivotal role in leading them to their first university championship in 30 years.
This promising newcomer quickly found himself in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the 66th All Japan Corporate Kendo Tournament, Abiru’s NTT Otemachi team reached the final stage. Having already won the Kanto Regional Championship, a prelude to the main event, the team was considered one of the favorites to win.
“I wasn’t nervous at all. My performance improved as we advanced through the tournament, and by the time we reached the final, I was confident that I wouldn’t lose,” Abiru said.
Their opponent in the final was MS&AD Insurance Group, a powerhouse that had claimed victory at the tournament many times before. The match was a fierce battle, with both teams tied in points and Ippon as they entered the deciding captain’s bout. The responsibility for NTT’s first championship in four tournaments rested squarely on Abiru’s shoulders.
“That day, I had set a theme for myself: ‘overwhelm the opponent.’ No matter the situation, I was determined to secure two Ippon. I think that resolve remained unwavering throughout the final.”
The match was over in a flash. Facing the formidable Honma Sho, known for his clutch performances, Abiru swiftly struck a Do to take the lead. Moments later, he followed with a Kote, sealing a spectacular victory. The win, so decisive it surprised even his teammates, brought a major title to NTT, thanks to Abiru’s remarkable performance.
In his first year as a working professional, Abiru achieved back-to-back victories in the Kanto and All Japan Corporate tournaments, accomplishing a significant milestone. Smiling as he described the win as “purely delightful,” he revealed that his ultimate goals lie elsewhere.
“My goal as a Kendo practitioner is to win the All Japan Kendo Championship and the World Kendo Championships. I’m not satisfied with this victory alone. I’ll turn this win into further confidence and work hard toward achieving those two major goals. I wonder if I’ll be invited to the Japan National Team training camp.”
A Great Mentor Who Transformed Abiru’s Commitment to Kendo
The rest of this article is only available for Kendo Jidai International subscribers!
