In his career as a reporter, he has had countless memorable interviews. While he is sure that every interview was memorable, this time he was asked to select the interviews and photos that made the biggest impression on him. This is a must-read for readers of Kendo Nippon.

A memorable interview

Tomoya Suzuki

→The late Soichiro Ohno, 9th Dan Hanshi (Director of the Kendo Club at Kokushikan University) I think it was around the beginning of the Heisei era, but I had requested to cover a morning practice and ended up being about five minutes late for the 6am practice. As we entered the dojo, Sensei Ohno scolded us, saying, "Hey, you're late!" He continued, "Even being five minutes late is still being late." I watched the practice nervously, but when it was over and it was time for the interview, he suddenly changed and spoke at length with a bright smile. I instantly became a fan of his leadership style and his generosity.

Hiromitsu Tsukioka

→Mai Korogi (Miyazaki Prefecture, All Japan Budo Equipment Center Co., Ltd.) An interview with Mai Kohrogi ("I cultivated the power of thinking") appeared in the July 2013 issue of Kendo Nippon, a special feature on "Kendo that doesn't rely on speed or strength." As you listen to someone's story, their personality and unique qualities come through, making the overall article even more impactful. There are countless memorable interviews, but one that stands out as particularly timely is that of Mai Kohrogi, who placed second at the All-Japan Women's Kendo Championship in September 2017. Her approach goes against the current trends in kendo, not aiming for early techniques and prioritizing strength and speed, and her genuine enjoyment of the sport was clearly conveyed.

Kinue Owada

→The late Rinnosuke Okuyama Hanshi 8th Dan For the July 2000 issue of "Kenjitsu Research Bureau Report," we spoke to 8th Dan Hanshi Okuyama Rinnosuke about the Butokuden in Kyoto. The Research Bureau Report is a column that investigates interesting kendo topics. On this occasion, we asked Hanshi Okuyama, the oldest of the premises, about the underground passage that is rumored to be located at the Butokuden. Hanshi Okuyama was very friendly and even took the initiative to open a disused passage and show us around. Even if we are of different ages and ranks, there are predecessors who can pass on their deep knowledge and history. This interview allowed us to experience the charm of the world of kendo.

Hiroshi Okai

・People who have fond memories →Takakura Masashi, 7th Dan (Instructor at Kitsuki Junior High School, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture) "Takakura Sensei's Kendo Lessons" is a popular feature that ran for many years in our magazine and was even published as a book. As the person in charge of this project, I find the author, Takakura Masashi, to be a very memorable figure. Takakura Sensei was originally a coach at Tokushima Junior High School (now closed), where he led his students to second place in the national tournament with his unique training ideas. In April 2006, when I first arrived at Kitsuki Junior High School, where I was then assigned, Takakura Sensei greeted me with a warm smile and said, "You've come all the way to a rural school like this, with no track record." His words were both humble and, in a way, true. At the time, he was struggling to achieve the same impressive results as he had at Tokushima Junior High School. As a teacher, I imagine he must have felt a sense of unease and wondered if he was the right person for the job. I too was somewhat apprehensive when I first met him, but my first glimpse of his practice blew all my worries away. His training methods were simply fascinating. They used balls and swung clotheslines, and were all exercises that had nothing to do with kendo and that anyone could easily do. But the students' kendo was strong, skillful, and beautiful. Since then, as I continued to cover the sport, I found myself thinking, "I want this teacher and these students to win." Kitsuki Junior High's subsequent success is well known. During the serialization, they achieved their long-cherished dream of winning the national championship, and they are still striving to become number one in Japan. Since the serialization ended, we have had fewer opportunities to meet, but when we do, my feelings return to those days when we fought together.

Memorable photos

Tomoya Suzuki

→Showa31In 1980, Miyagi Baseball Stadium (currentKoboPhotos from the 3rd All Japan East vs. West Kendo Tournament held at Miyagi Park. I read in a newspaper article from that time that a crowd of 25,000 people filled a baseball stadium to watch a kendo tournament. It was shocking to see how so many people, including people who probably don't practice kendo themselves, were interested in kendo just before I was born, compared to the situation today.

Hiromitsu Tsukioka

→剣道日本2004A photo of "Black-tailed Gulls at Dusk at Hinomisaki" taken in Taisha Town, Hikawa County, Shimane Prefecture, for the June issue of the "Kendo in Our Town" series (date and time of photo unknown). The five-page color serial, "Kendo in Our Town," explores how kendo is alive and well in each region, capturing the town's unique characteristics and seasonal customs while introducing the activities of kendo practitioners. The photographers were particularly particular about the first two-page spread. The ocean at dusk changes color and atmosphere with the sun's movement. "It would be a great accent if a few black-tailed gulls flew in from the rocks," said veteran photographer Masaaki Iwai. After deciding on his position and staying there for three or four hours, he decided, "The sun is about to set. It's time to call it a day," and just as he was about to pack up, the black-tailed gulls from the rocks took off all at once. As I was entranced by the beautiful sight, I heard the sound of shutters crashing nearby. For the first time, I saw a comedian-like photographer turn into a skilled sniper. Even in the developed film, his trembling soul was clearly evident.

Masahito Kubota (photographer)

→Heisei19year(2007Teramoto Shoji's winning blow in the final of the All Japan Kendo Championships in 2016. There is no better photo than this at the moment. It is common for bamboo swords to be in this condition, but if you look closely, you can see that Teramoto's handle is also bent. This surprised me. BUSHIZOImpressions Each episode involving the editorial staff had a dramatic story, and it was as if I could picture the scene in my mind. I hope that they will continue to deliver such a wonderful magazine. I wish Kendo Nippon the best of luck in its future endeavors.