Inaugural Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships to Foster International Unity and Growth

A New Era for Kendo in Asia-Oceania

The first-ever Asia-Oceania Kendo Championships, organized under the auspices of the newly established Asia-Oceania Kendo Federation (AOKF), will take place on May 30-31, 2026, at the Tokyo Budokan in Adachi, Tokyo. This groundbreaking event aims to foster the development and spread of kendo across 23 participating countries and regions while also strengthening international cooperation among kendo practitioners.

The Championships embrace the theme, "One Path, One Heart," signifying unity among kendo practitioners regardless of national borders, language differences, or cultural backgrounds. The aim is to create a shared space for participants to bond over their mutual passion for kendo. This concept is actively featured in the event's structure, such as by introducing new categories for competitors below the third dan level. This adjustment provides greater opportunities for athletes who previously struggled to attain higher ranks, contributing to the overall improvement of regional kendo craftsmanship and the significance of participation.

Moreover, the official event website showcases videos from each of the 23 participating countries urging kendo enthusiasts to join the practice, encapsulating the call for unity despite their linguistic and cultural differences.

The championships will not only serve as a competitive arena but also as a platform to increase awareness and appreciation of kendo's value and charm. By promoting cross-regional collaboration, the event aims to cultivate a cycle of competitions and educational outreach that will support kendo’s global expansion.

Event Overview

- Dates: May 30-31, 2026
- Venue: Tokyo Budokan, Adachi, Tokyo
- Participating Countries/Regions: 23
- Organizers: Asia-Oceania Kendo Federation (AOKF) [Host: All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) and the Tokyo Kendo Federation]
- Co-host: Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Championship Schedule

- Day 1 (May 30): Opening Ceremony, Individual competitions for men and women (under 3rd dan and unlimited dan levels), Various Demonstrations, Kendo Experience Workshop
- Day 2 (May 31): Team competitions for men and women, Kendo Experience Workshop, Closing Ceremony

In addition, a special “Three Martial Arts Experience” will be conducted—this will include not only kendo but also iaido and jojutsu—providing a broader martial arts exposure for attendees.

Live Streaming and Updates

The event will be broadcast live, providing access to viewers both in Japan and around the world. Detailed information about streaming, match schedules, and participating nations will be made available on the official event site: 1aokc.jp.

Prior reservation for onsite attendance has already ended.

Live Streaming Links

- Live Streaming Channels: YouTube Playlist
- Result Updates: Event Results

Event Logo

The event logo, designed by Masatoshi Naito, symbolizes the views seen through the mask of a kendo practitioner. Depicting a fiery red sky above a golden path that stretches forward, it artistically represents the singular journey of kendo.

Future Developments

This championship is a key initiative within a broader effort to develop international kendo, leading up to the 20th World Kendo Championships (20WKC) scheduled for next year. Together with the recently launched 20WKC special site, we aim to systematically promote the global expansion of kendo.

Following the conclusion of the event on May 31, a separate release detailing the results and overall summary will be issued.

Join us in our call for kendo enthusiasts from around the world: Let’s do Kendo!