2011.8 KENDOJIDAI
Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography: Tokue Masayuki
Translation: Pepijn Boomgaard
Teramoto Shoji
Born on April 17, 1975, in Kumamoto Prefecture. Went to Kumamoto Institute of Technology High School (currently Buntoku High School) and International Budo University. After graduation, he joined the Osaka Prefectural Police Department. Made the Japanese national team three times in a row, winning both the individual title and team title as captain at the 14th World Kendo Championships in Brazil. With his flowing swordsmanship, he has conquered all national titles, including the 55th All Japan Championship. He is unanimously recognized as one of Japan’s top competitors.
Takanabe Susumu
Born on August 16, 1976, in Kumamoto Prefecture. Went to PL Gakuen High School and the University of Tsukuba. After graduation, he joined the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Department. First became a member of the Japanese national team at the 12th World Kendo Championship in Glasgow, and represented Japan for many years. His Men strike is said to be the best in Japan. He won the All Japan Championship for the first time in 2010.
Joy in Glasgow, disappointment in Taiwan
Now I would like to ask you to look back on the three World Championships that you attended together. The first time you were invited to join the selection camp for the national team was right after the 11th World Championship in Santa Clara, wasn’t it?
Teramoto: Yes, that’s right. When I was selected as one of the final 16 candidates, I called my parents and said, “I was chosen as number 16 in Japan!”
Takanabe: The last training camp we had here was really tough. The training was hard, and at night we all drank together and talked about our feelings.
Teramoto: The final announcement was in Katsuura. After morning practice, they said they were announcing the members. Actually, I don’t remember what happened after my name was called. My mind went blank. Supposedly, Takanabe’s name was called after mine, after which the girls were announced, but I don’t remember any of it.I finally came to my senses when the people who weren’t selected started wishing me good luck.
Were you confident you made the team?
Takanabe: No, not at all. I didn’t even know what the criteria were.
Teramoto: I finished first in the tournament held among the candidates, but I still did not have the slightest confidence that I could make the national team. My senior at the Osaka Prefectural Police, Hirata Hiroaki, told me that the only way I could make the team was by finishing first. It is true that I barely managed to slip in as number 16.
After being selected for the team, how did you feel during the period leading up to the tournament?
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