#Japan #Tokyo #Nippon Budokan #Kendo Championships #All Japan Kendo

The 73rd All Japan Kendo Championships: A Showcase of Excellence

On November 3, 2023, the Nippon Budokan will transform into a battleground for the best kendo practitioners in Japan as it hosts the 73rd All Japan Kendo Championships for men and the 64th for women. This year’s event promises to be particularly thrilling as it sets the stage for upcoming international competitions in the following years, notably the first Asian-Oceanian Kendo Championships and the 20th World Kendo Championships.

In this prestigious arena, contenders will vie for the coveted titles of "Japan's Best" and secure their places as representatives of the nation. With heightened spirits and fierce competition, spectators can anticipate intense matches as they witness the culmination of countless hours of training2 and dedication.

Key Highlights of the Tournaments

In the men's division, competitors aged 22 to 45, ranging from third-degree black belts to seventh-degree instructors, will face off. Among the 24 first-time participants, all eyes are on defending champion Takeuchi from Tokyo, who aims to achieve his second consecutive title and a total of three championship wins throughout his career. The event also features six formidable past champions, each yearning to reclaim their status. Furthermore, emerging talents and seasoned players will battle not only for regional pride but also for the prestigious Emperor's Cup.

In the women's division, participants aged 18 to 38, from second-degree black belts to seventh-degree practitioners, will showcase their skills, with 16 debutants adding to the competition's dynamic. The focus will be on Kondo, the reigning champion, who is defending her title against a wave of previous winners eager to regain supremacy. Every woman present will strive fiercely for the Empress's Cup, turning the competition into a showcase of strength and skill.

Additionally, there are 13 male and 19 female potential candidates for the world tournament participating, making this event crucial for athletes aiming for international representation.

Nurturing the Future Generation of Kendo

The All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) is not only focused on the present but also on the future of the sport. As part of its initiatives, AJKF has launched the "Kendo Future Project" to inspire young athletes. In a notable effort, 1,000 elementary and middle school students will be invited to witness the tournament free of charge (on a first-come, first-served basis). This initiative aims to connect aspiring kendo players with elite-level matches and cultivate interest in the sport.

Details for this special invitation can be found on the AJKF website, alongside more information about the Kendo Future Project.

International Tournaments: A Global Showcase

As anticipation builds for the next two years of international events held in Japan, the AJKF is actively promoting both the first Asian-Oceanian Kendo Championships (1AOKC) and the 20th World Kendo Championships (20WKC). To further engage the audience, the first 5,000 attendees on November 3 will receive special clear files decorated with the logos of these upcoming competitions.

Moreover, all matches will be broadcast live for free on YouTube, allowing fans who cannot attend in person to witness the excitement in real-time. Detailed links for live streaming and match results can be accessed forward, ensuring that kendo enthusiasts worldwide can join in on the action.

Tournament Overview

The All Japan Kendo Championships serves not only as a platform to determine the nation's top kendo practitioners but also aims at promoting the sport’s visibility and popularity. With 64 representatives from kendo federations across the country competing in a knockout format, this tournament epitomizes the essence of kendo: discipline, spirit, and the pursuit of excellence.

Event Details:

• - Name: 73rd All Japan Kendo Championships / 64th All Japan Women's Kendo Championships
• - Date: November 3, 2023 (public holiday)
• - Venue: Nippon Budokan
• - Organizer: All Japan Kendo Federation
• - Major Support: Sports Agency, Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan Budokan (men's); Sports Agency, Mainichi Shimbun, Japan Budokan (women's).

For more details, visit the official AJKF website: All Japan Kendo Federation.