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
Read Part 2 here
“I’ve Already Died Once”
The Self-Belief That Led to the World Title
— You had overcome one of the hurdles, so how did you feel about the matches from that point on?
“I wasn’t relieved at all. The crowd’s support for the U.S. and European teams was incredible. But in my mind, I was thinking, ‘I’ve already died once.’ Because of that, I was able to let go and approach the matches with a sense of composure.”
—In the semifinals, all four players were from Team Japan.
The rest of this article is only available for Kendo Jidai International subscribers!
