Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Translation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko
*Unauthorized reproduction or use of any images in this article is strictly prohibited.
The phrase inscribed on the commemorative tenugui made to celebrate her victory was “Live with Bonds.”
“I truly believe that if I had tried to overcome everything on my own, or sought answers only within myself, this victory would never have happened.”
Having once retired as a competitor to devote herself entirely to teaching, Ogata Sensei was guided by countless connections back to the pinnacle of Japan once more — a journey that is a story like no other.
Ogata Yuki
Born in 1979 in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Began practicing Kendo in the second grade of elementary school and won the individual title at the National Junior High School Championship in her third year at Kikuchi Minami Junior High School. After graduating from Kumamoto Municipal High School (now Hitsuyukan High School), she went on to study at Kanoya University of Physical Education. After graduation, she returned to her hometown and worked as a junior high school teacher. In 2003, she won the 42nd All Japan Women’s Kendo Championship. From 2006, she began teaching at Kikuchi Girls’ High School, and the following year represented Japan at the 13th World Kendo Championships. She continues to coach at Kikuchi Girls’ High School while competing at the national level. Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan
“Tear It Again”: A Mother’s Loving Words
It was around last summer when word reached her, through the grapevine, that “a women’s 7th Dan tournament might be held.” At that time, she was struggling, having lost her sense of self.
On February 26, 2023, during a match, she suddenly found her leg powerless and sank down on the spot. “I sat down in such a strange way,” she thought, trying to get back up — but it felt as if the floor had collapsed beneath her. After several tries, she realized, “This is bad,” and signaled her withdrawal by forming a big X with her arms to the referee. The diagnosis was a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
She decided to undergo surgery and, after enduring a tough rehabilitation process, made her comeback exactly one year later. Yet from that point on, her heart was in turmoil. “My main focus is on my students. Does it really mean anything for me to keep competing?” That thought crossed her mind every day. But once word of her return spread, invitations to compete in various tournaments came pouring in. “There are people waiting for me — maybe I have to keep going,” she thought, and entered the All Japan East-West Kendo Tournament and the All Japan Prefectural Tournament — only to find herself deeply disappointed with her own dismal performance.
It was in the midst of this uncertainty that she heard the news that the women’s 7th Dan tournament would indeed be held.
“Even though such an amazing tournament was being organized, I couldn’t feel any excitement. I was just scared, lost, and overwhelmed by a sense of not knowing what to do.”
When it came time to decide whether to enter, the first person she turned to was none other than her mother, Ogata Kazuyo. “I just don’t know. Is there any point in me continuing to compete?” It was the first time in her life she had ever voiced such weakness to her mother. Perhaps, she thought later, she simply wanted to be comforted by the mother who had always been so kind. “What if I tear it again?” — the fear crept in without end. At that moment, she could not hold back her tears. After listening quietly to her daughter’s words, Kazuyo offered this reply:
“Then tear it again. And once you do, you can figure out what comes next.”
These completely unexpected words jolted her awake. They made her realize just how half-heartedly she had been stepping onto the tournament floor. At the time, Kazuyo, her mother, was battling cancer. A hairdresser by trade, Kazuyo had begun hesitating to go out after losing her hair due to chemotherapy. Even so, she understood her daughter’s feelings and declared she would go and cheer her on at the National Sports Festival scheduled for the end of September. The moment she heard this, she felt a click inside her heart, as if a switch had flipped with an audible snap.
With renewed determination, she headed for the National Sports Festival. In the first round, she faced Saitama — and her opponent was none other than Murayama Chinatsu, a legendary figure in women’s Kendo whom she had never once beaten.
“It felt like everything had come together — the stage was set, and all I could do was give it my all. But I lost, and I lost soundly. Even though my switch had finally flipped, I thought, ‘How cruel competition can be.’ I knew that if I faced the women’s 7th Dan tournament in this state, I would only go in halfway again — so I made up my mind to change how I approach everything.”
A Devil’s Contract: Becoming Japan’s Best Was the Only Option
With just over two months left until the tournament, she reached out to Komeda Toshiro — the legendary coach who has led Kyushu Gakuin High School to multiple national championships. Reflecting on her mindset at the time, she says: “It might sound strange, but I thought of asking Komeda Sensei for guidance as making a ‘deal with the devil.’ Because doing so meant I absolutely had to become number one in Japan. I contacted him only after I resolved myself completely.”
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