Junior Team Canada at the 2026 Kaiseiki Tournament

A journey of firsts, growth, and international connection

The Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) proudly sent its U18 Junior Team Canada delegation to Akita, Japan to compete in the prestigious 53rd Kaiseiki National High School Kendo Tournament (53回魁星旗争奪全国高校勝抜剣道大会) and the 40th Girls’ Division (40回魁星旗争奪全国高校女子剣道大会).

Held from March 29–31, 2026, and hosted by the Akita Prefecture Kendo Federation, the Kaiseiki Tournament brings together hundreds of Japan’s top high school teams, making it one of the most competitive youth kendo events in the world. Full results available here.

This year marked Team Canada’s fourth visit to Akita, continuing a meaningful tradition of exchange that strengthens both athlete development and the deep ties between Canada and Japan. The trip was made possible through Kamata Shigetaka Sensei’s (Etobicoke Kendo and Iaido Club) lifelong connection to Akita and his generous financial donation to the program each year. This enduring relationship has created life-changing opportunities for young Canadian athletes to test themselves on one of the highest stages of high school kendo.

The CKF and all the players also wish to acknowledge and thank everyone who made financial donations to the Kaiseiki Trip. With over $40,000 raised through our fundraising page, along with financial and in-kind donations, the majority of the trip costs were covered for the entire team. We are grateful to all those who gave. Thank you!

U18 Junior Boys Team

Captain: Taketoshi Miyamoto — Toronto Kendo Club
Jayden Chung — Nord Kendo Club
Kazma Yoshimura — Renbu Dojo
Marcus Yong — Kensyukai Markham Kendo Dojo
Dean Buckham — Victoria Kendo Club
Kohei Ryan — Etobicoke Olympium Kendo Club

Coach: Koichi Miyamoto

Travels in Tokyo

Ahead of the trip north to Akita, the team spent three days in the Tokyo area to acclimate and participate in kendo exchange. On day one, the players had the opportunity to join the Keio Boys Senior High School and the Keio University Girls’ kendo teams at the Keio University Hiyoshi Campus for a joint practice. The session was led by Sato Hirotaka, Coach of the Keio University team. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity for Kokenchiai (交剣知愛) with such a historic kendo club.

On day two in Tokyo, the team travelled to Kamakura in Kanagawa, where we were met by Kasamura Koji, Hanshi 8 Dan, current Head of the Kendo program at the Kenshu Dojo and retired Officer of the prestigious Kanagawa Police Kendo Team. The Team participated in an evening keiko at the Hachimangu Kenshu Dojo located in the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto deity regarded as the protector of warriors. “Kenshu” means to train and study, so practicing kendo here connects our training to the traditions and spirit of the samurai. This was a very special opportunity for all of our young players.

Three Days of Renseikai in Akita

Before the tournament, both teams participated in three rigorous days of Renseikai, facing many high school teams from across Japan.

These sessions challenged athletes to:

• Adapt to a faster pace

• Refine technical precision

• Develop composure under pressure

For many, it was a transformative experience. With an average of 18 matches per player over the three days, the sheer volume of competition pushed them beyond their limits and accelerated their growth.

A Historic First for Canadian Girls

For the first time, Canada sent a Junior Girls Team to compete at the Kaiseiki Tournament—marking a significant milestone for Canadian kendo. This participation also represented the first-ever international girls’ team in the Kaiseiki tournament’s history. The six athletes, representing clubs from across Canada, stepped onto the floor with courage and pride, carrying with them the hopes of a growing generation of female kenshi.

“To see a Canadian girls’ team take the stage at Kaiseiki for the first time is incredibly meaningful. Their courage, preparation, and spirit represent how far Canadian kendo has come—and where it is going.”
— Makiko Ara, CKF Vice President

As first international team to participate in the Kaiseiki Tournament, the Girl’s Team was covered by the local Sakigake Newspaper. The Japanese article can be seen here. 

The Girls fought with strength and determination. See full results.

Round 1: Victory over Seizan (惺山) High School  (Yamagata)

• Senpo, Kobayashi got the team off to a good start with a 1-0 victory. Canada’s Fukusho, Hoysak secured the team win with a definitive 2-0 victory over her opponent.

Round 2: Defeat to Akita champions, Araya (新屋) High School (Akita)

• Jiho, Bae, Fukusho, Hoysak, and Taisho, Ara secured points in hard-fought matches. Araya is the current Akita Prefectural Champion and went on to finish in the Top 16,

While the team was ultimately defeated, their performance earned the respect of many Japanese spectators in the stands.

Boys Team — Rising to the Challenge

The boys’ team delivered impressive performances against top-tier competition. See full results.

Round 1: Victory over Mizusawa Shogyo (水沢工) High School (Iwate)

• Senpo, Ryan and Jiho, Buckham scored a point each on the speedy Mizusawa Shogyo Senpo. Chuken,Yoshimura stopped the Senpo and then went on to defeat four consecutive opponents, ultimately defeating their Taisho for the victory.

Round 2: Match against Shorin (翔凜) High School (Chiba)

• Against Shorin, one of Chiba Prefecture’s best, the match advanced to the Canadian Taisho, where Miyamoto secured a decisive one point victory on their strong Senpo, before the team was ultimately defeated.

“It was truly an honour to lead such a dedicated and talented group of athletes to the Kaiseiki Tournament. Watching their progress over the past few months—and seeing them come together, support one another, and grow as a team—has been incredibly rewarding. ”
— Koichi Miyamoto, Team Coach

These performances demonstrated not only skill, but the mindset required to compete at the highest level. Together, we continue building the future of Canadian kendo.

A Symbol of Connection

During the visit, CKF presented the Akita Prefecture Kendo Federation with a commemorative gift—a hand-carved totem pole featuring an eagle and bear motif.

This piece symbolizes protection, strength, and connection, reflecting the enduring relationship between Canada and Akita. The presentation ceremony with President Komatsu and federation leaders was a meaningful moment of cultural exchange and appreciation. The presentation ceremony was shared on the Akita Prefecture Kendo Federation website.

Beyond Results

While the matches were hard-fought, the true success of this journey lies in the growth of the athletes.

They return home with:

• Greater confidence on the international stage

• A deeper understanding of Japanese kendo

• New bonds as teammates

• Renewed motivation to continue their training

Each visit to Akita strengthens the foundation for the future of Canadian kendo. From historic firsts to breakthrough performances, this year’s journey represents more than competition—it reflects the continued evolution of youth kendo in Canada and the power of international connection.

The Canadian Kendo Federation looks forward to building on this experience and supporting the next generation of athletes as they continue to grow, compete, and represent Canada with pride.