KENDOJIDAI 2024.10
Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko
Translation: Hoshino Maki
Hoshiko Keita returned to the global stage of the World Kendo Championships. His last appearance was six years ago, which he recalls by saying, “I had no real sense that I had won.”
From the highs and lows of the All Japan Kendo Championship, to his long-standing rivalry with Matsuzaki Kenshiro, and the weight of representing Japan, Hoshiko opens up about his journey to becoming a world champion.
Read Part 1 here
Overcoming a Critical Moment with the Support of Komeda Sensei―Hoshiko’s Mentor
— In April, it was decided that you would compete in the individual event as well. How did you feel at that moment?
“Personally, I thought Matsuzaki would be the obvious choice for the double entry, as his competition achievements were superior to mine. So, when I was selected as one of the participants for the double entry, I was truly happy.”
— After arriving in Italy, did your preparation go smoothly?
“Yes. Even after the team practices were over, Matsuzaki and I stayed behind to continue training, allowing me to adjust at my own pace.”
— On the first day of the tournament, Japan secured all top-four spots in the women’s individual championship. Were there any particular thoughts on that result?
“Knowing how strong the women’s team was, I wasn’t surprised at all. The men’s team also aimed to secure all four spots, but we understood it wouldn’t be that easy and knew any of us could lose. So, seeing the women’s results didn’t affect my mindset.”
— The champion was Kondo Mihiro, your Senpai at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
“No one from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had ever won the individual title at a WKC before, so I was secretly aiming to be the first. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed that she achieved it before me (laughs). But, Kondo Senpai has always been incredibly kind to me, so I was genuinely happy for her and thought it was truly amazing.”
— On the second day were the preliminary rounds of the men’s and women’s team events. You were often positioned as Senpo, but did you have any preference for a specific position?
“During the training camps, I was frequently assigned as Senpo, so I anticipated being placed in that position. While I don’t see myself as a typical Senpo type, I approached the matches with the mindset that every victory I achieved would undoubtedly contribute to the team’s success.”
— At every tournament, the performance of the Japanese national team is closely watched by other countries. Did you feel any pressure in that sense?
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