The 49th Japanese Kobudo Demonstration: A Celebration of Traditions and Combat Arts

The 49th Japanese Kobudo Demonstration

On February 1st, 2026, the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host the 49th Japanese Kobudo Demonstration, commemorating a century of the Showa era. This grand event will showcase diverse traditional martial arts from 36 different schools throughout Japan, including swordsmanship, iaido, jujutsu, spear techniques, naginata, bo-staff arts, archery, and artillery. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to engage with Japan's rich cultural heritage steeped in combat techniques and tradition.

Background

The event is organized by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Nippon Budokan, which aims to promote traditional Japanese martial arts, especially among the youth. Through martial arts training, the foundation seeks to cultivate physical and mental discipline, contributing to the public's wholesome development and fostering national growth. This initiative also has a broader vision of contributing to global peace and welfare.

The Japanese Kobudo Demonstration is co-hosted by the Nippon Budokan and the Japan Kobudo Association, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Japan's unique cultural heritage through ancient martial arts. The event not only aims to display the techniques involved in kobudo but also allows attendees to appreciate its underlying principles and spirit.

Audio Guides to Enhance the Experience

For those interested in deepening their understanding of the different martial arts schools participating in the event, audio guides will be available on site. By accessing a designated page via their smartphones, attendees can listen to commentary on each school while watching the performances. This feature promises to enrich the experience for both martial arts enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Note: Guests are advised to bring their own headphones. Additionally, any data costs incurred while using smartphones will be the responsibility of the user.

Event Details

The 49th Japanese Kobudo Demonstration will open its doors on February 1st, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with performances scheduled to conclude at 4:20 PM. The event will take place at the Nippon Budokan, located at 2-3 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Ticket Information

- General Admission: 500 yen
- Students (Elementary and Secondary): 300 yen

Tickets will only be available for purchase on the day of the event.

Participating Schools (Performance Order)

1. Ogasawara School of Archery
2. Kankin School of Iaido
3. Shibukawa Ichiryu Jujutsu
4. Heihou Niten Ichiryu Kenjutsu
5. Okinawan Goju-Ryu Martial Arts
6. Shigen School of Kenjutsu
7. Youshin School of Naginata
8. Hontai Youshin School of Jujutsu
9. Enshin School of Iaido
10. Shoshoryu Sho
...(and many more)

Please note that the order of performances may be subject to change.

Contact Information

For inquiries, you can contact the Nippon Budokan Promotion Department at 03-3216-5134 (available from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM).

Additional Information

Tokyo Metropolitan Government has supported renovations of the Nippon Budokan. As part of the Tokyo Resident Benefits Program, residents or students commuting within the city can apply for free admission to this magnificent event. Interested individuals can apply through the designated form available on the official website.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to this celebration of martial arts and Japanese culture. Don’t miss this chance to experience the profound heritage of kobudo.