Kendo Jidai International

28/10/2025

In Japan, people from a wide range of age groups, from elementary school to university, practice Kendo. Beyond that, Kendo is also very active among working adults with numerous tournaments held throughout the year.

In this article, we feature an interview from our 2013 archives with corporate Kendo player Ogame Kenta. From a young age, he has consistently competed at the top level and demonstrated strong leadership. What kind of mindset did Ogame have toward Kendo at that time?

Interview with Corporate Kendo Player Ogame Kenta
https://kendojidai.com/2025/10/28/interview-with-corporate-kendo-player-ogame-kenta/

2013.1　KENDOJIDAI
Interview and Text: Yanagida Naoko
*Unauthorized reproduction or use of any images in this article is strictly prohibited.

INTERVIEW Interview with Corporate Kendo Player Ogame Kenta 10/28/2025 2013.1　KENDOJIDAI Interview and Text: Yanagida Naoko*Unauthorized reproduction or use of any images in this article is strictly prohibited. In Japan, people from a wide range of age groups, from elementary school to university,...

28/10/2025

From conquering the All Japan Kendo Championship during his university days to representing Japan on the global stage twice, Takenouchi Yuya has emerged as the cornerstone of Japan’s kendo team.
“Am I truly worthy of bearing the flag of Japan?”
In this exclusive, we explore Takenouchi’s inner struggles with national representation and the relentless pursuit that led to world victory in Italy.

Two Formidable Kenshi Carrying the Prestige of Japanese Kendo (Takenouchi Yuya) part 1
https://kendojidai.com/2025/01/27/two-formidable-kenshi-carrying-the-prestige-of-japanese-kendo-takenouchi-yuya-part-1/

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KENDOJIDAI　2024.10
Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko
Translation: Hoshino Maki

INTERVIEW WKC Two Formidable Kenshi Carrying the Prestige of Japanese Kendo (Takenouchi Yuya) part 1 01/27/2025 KENDOJIDAI　2024.10 Composition: Teraoka TomoyukiPhotography: Nishiguchi KunihikoTranslation: Hoshino Maki From conquering the All Japan Kendo Championship during his university days to r...

27/10/2025

Have you already checked out the efforts of the Swedish National Kendo Team?
We welcome contributions about national team initiatives as well as Dojo activities for promoting Kendo around the world 🙌

One of the Swedish national team members who trained mostly alone sent a heartfelt message of gratitude to his coach.

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The thoughts of Aljosa, the player who inspired the start of the online training🇸🇪

My name is Aljosa Vuksanovic, and I was a member of the Swedish national kendo team from 2022 to 2024. During this time, I participated in two European Kendo Championships (EKC) and one World Kendo Championship (WKC). Throughout this period, I was coached by Mr. Ryo Arai, who held individual online training sessions with each team member, as most of us lived in different parts of the country. While we would occasionally meet at the training camps, most of our practice was done independently at our respective clubs.

My situation was somewhat unique because the club I belonged to had very few members, and the overall level of kendo there was relatively low. This made it challenging for me to adequately prepare for major competitions. However, thanks to the individual training sessions with Mr. Arai, I was able to maintain the level of kendo required for large competitions like the EKC and WKC. As a result, my performance was on par with that of the other team members.

>>You can read the full story on the Kendo Jidai International website.
https://kendojidai.com/2025/10/20/swedish-mens-national-kendo-team-online-training-for-team-development/

#剣道

27/10/2025

At the All Japan Interprefecture KENDO Championship held in April, Suzuki Tsuyoshi Sensei played a pivotal role in leading Team Chiba to victory as the team’s Taisho. “Even as an 8th dan, I am still on the path of training. I try not to be constrained by fixed ideas and aim to keep refining the Kendo I can practice now,” he says with conviction. We spoke with Suzuki Sensei from multiple perspectives about where his Kendo stands today.

Suzuki Tsuyoshi: The Mind, Technique, and Body of the Strongest 8th Dan
https://kendojidai.com/2025/10/27/suzuki-tsuyoshi-the-mind-technique-and-body-of-the-strongest-8th-dan/

2025.10　KENDOJIDAI
Composition: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography: Sasai Takamasa
*Unauthorized reproduction or use of any images in this article is strictly prohibited.

#剣道

26/10/2025

Promoting Kendo Through International Exchange from Kochi

EVENTS Promoting Kendo Through International Exchange from Kochi 12/16/2024 KENDOJIDAI 2024.5 Article: Uga Motonori (Kochi Kendo Federation)Translation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard The Kochi Kendo Federation is deeply concerned about the declining population of Kendo practitioners. To address this...

26/10/2025

Katsumi Yosuke has mastered and refined his Debana-waza, securing decisive points in countless memorable matches. We had the opportunity to hear about his passion for Debana, as well as the elegant techniques born from years of study and relentless practice.

Mastering Debana-Waza (Katsumi Yosuke)

Kendo Lessons of Katsumi Yosuke Mastering Debana-Waza (Katsumi Yosuke) 02/17/2025 2024.12　KENDOJIDAI Composition by: Tsuchiya TomohiroPhotography by: Sugino ShinsukeTranslation by: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard Katsumi Yosuke has mastered and refined his Debana-waza, securing decisive points in co...

25/10/2025

“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.

From Adversity to Triumph: The Journey of Abiru Hirotaka in Kendo

INTERVIEW ​​From Adversity to Triumph: The Journey of Abiru Hirotaka in Kendo 01/20/2025 2025.1　KENDOJIDAIWritten by: Teraoka TomoyukPhotography by: Sasai TakamasaTranslation by: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard Abiru Hirotaka Born in 2001 in Tokyo, Japan. He began practicing Kendo at the age of ...

24/10/2025

The All Japan Kendo Dojo Federation, the central organization for youth Kendo, was established in 1963. As a driving force behind the promotion of Kendo among boys and girls, the federation has undertaken various initiatives.
Two facilities affiliated with the federation include the Tokei Budokan in Omori, Ota Ward, and the All-Japan Youth Kendo Training Center in Hino City.
We spoke with Toyomura Azumori Hanshi, who has long been involved in youth Kendo at these dojos, about tips for guiding beginners in their first steps into the world of Kendo.

5 Key Points for Guiding Beginners in Kendo (Toyomura Azumori)

INTERVIEW 5 Key Points for Guiding Beginners in Kendo (Toyomura Azumori) 12/23/2024 KENDOJIDAI　2016.8 Translation by: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard The All Japan Kendo Dojo Federation, the central organization for youth Kendo, was established in 1963. As a driving force behind the promotion of Ken...

23/10/2025

There are no shortcuts in Kendo. But following the correct path with an honest heart leads to progress. Osawa Sensei explained this method to us.

Effective Keiko: Osawa Norio

Kendo Lessons of Osawa Norio Effective Keiko: Osawa Norio 12/09/2024  2024.11　KENDOJIDAI Photography: Sasai TakamasaTranslation: Pepijn Boomgaard There are no shortcuts in Kendo. But following the correct path with an honest heart leads to progress. Osawa Sensei explained this method to us. Osawa...

22/10/2025

Murakami Raita has achieved great things as a competitor while teaching at Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences. He also teaches Kendo classes for beginners, where he emphasizes the importance of Ki Ken Tai Icchi. We asked Murakami how we can achieve a strike that unities the spirit, the sword, and the body.

Striking through with Ki Ken Tai Icchi (Murakami Raita)

Kendo Lessons of Murakami Raita Striking through with Ki Ken Tai Icchi (Murakami Raita) 02/10/2025 2025.1　KENDOJIDAI Composition: Teraoka TomoyukiPhotography: Nishiguchi KunihikoTranslation: Pepijn Boomgaard Murakami Raita has achieved great things as a competitor while teaching at Osaka Universit...

21/10/2025

Zanshin: Life Lessons Learned Through Kendo – Tatsumi Akihisa

Kendo stories Zanshin: Life Lessons Learned Through Kendo – Tatsumi Akihisa 02/19/2025 2024.11　KENDOJIDAI Translation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard Tatsumi Akihisa Born in 1972 in Hyogo Prefecture. After graduating from Aioi High School, he attended Kyoto Sangyo University. Upon graduation, he ...

21/10/2025

“I try not to be fixated on the centerline,” says Oda Masayoshi, Kyoshi.

Having had a long and distinguished career as a member of the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Kendo Tokuren, Oda Sensei transitioned into a teaching role after retirement. In November 2021, he successfully passed the 8th Dan examination. He shares that the words of his mentor, “Don’t try too hard to take the center” and “Have the spirit to yield,” led him to a deeper understanding of Aiki.

Seichūsen and the Concept of a Valid Strike

Kendo Lessons of Oda Masayoshi Seichūsen and the Concept of a Valid Strike 05/05/2025 2022.6　KENDOJIDAI Photography by Kunihiko NishiguchiTranslation by Mariko Sato and Pepijn Boomgard “I try not to be fixated on the centerline,” says Oda Masayoshi, Kyoshi. Having had a long and distinguished...