MAPLE CUP 2026
WOMEN’S WORLD KENDO TEAM TOURNAMENT
For the first time, six women’s national teams will come together in Vancouver for the Women’s World Kendo Maple Cup, an invitation-only international Kendo competition hosted by the Canadian Kendo Federation on November 14-15, 2026.
CANADA WELCOMES THE WORLD
November 14-15, 2026
Vancouver, Canada
The Women’s World Maple Cup is an invitational international women’s kendo event, bringing together a select group of national teams for two days of high-level team competition and international exchange.
The field will include the Japanese Women’s National Team and the Canadian Women’s National Team, alongside invited teams from around the world. Participating countries will be added as final confirmations and team selections are received.
This inaugural event is designed to provide meaningful international match experience while showcasing the strongest women’s kendo teams in the world.
Canada
Japan
Poland
Switzerland
Great Britain
Several countries are currently in the process of confirming participation, pending the final selection and naming of their teams.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The Maple Cup is a 5-on-5 international team competition, with countries facing one another throughout two full days of matches.
Each individual match will be four minutes in length. Final standings, and ultimately the awarding of the Maple Cup, will be determined by overall competition results. In the event of a tie, standings will be decided in the following order:
- Total team wins
- Total individual wins
- Total points scored
The format is designed to give every participating team meaningful international match experience while maintaining a competitive and exciting atmosphere from the opening match through to the final standings.
Event Venues
An Olympic Venue
Six nations meet for a historic event at the Richmond Olympic Oval — the venue built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, on the edge of the Fraser River in the city of Richmond, just outside Vancouver.
Its roof is one of the largest wood spans in the world, shaped like a heron’s wing and built from British Columbia pine. Beneath it, a floor that has hosted national and international competitions since the Games ended.
A first-class tournament deserves a first-class house.
Travel Arrangements
Airport
Please travel through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The official event hotel offers free pick-up and drop-off service to and from the airport.
Hotel
Please book your accommodations at the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport. The preferred rate will be held until October 13th, 2026. See additional accommodation details here. Please call the venue directly for bookings.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The Women’s World Maple Cup was created to celebrate and strengthen women’s Kendo and to give female kendoka a rare opportunity to compete, connect, and learn from one another on the international stage.
Taking place ahead of the 20th World Kendo Championships in Tokyo in May 2027, the Maple Cup will also provide participating teams with valuable international competition experience as they continue their preparation toward the world championships. We invite specators to come cheer on Team Canada and support the event. Sign up through the form.
Spectator Admission
Admission for the full two-day event will be $30 per person. Seating capacity at the gymnasium is limited; therefore, priority will be given to women.
Keiko Opportunity
A Godo Keiko (joint practice) will also be held as part of the weekend, providing spectators, shinpan, and participants with a rare opportunity to practice alongside kendoka from the visiting international teams.
In keeping with the purpose of the Women’s World Maple Cup, keiko opportunities will prioritize women and girls. We want female kendoka attending as spectators to feel encouraged to bring their bogu and take part, with meaningful opportunities to practice, connect, and learn from women from across Canada and around the world.
Sayonara Party Celebration
Celebrate this historic event with the participants, referees, and volunteers who make this event a success. The party will take place at the Head Quarter Hotel, Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, on Sunday November 15th. Doors will be open at 6:30 PM and the banquet will begin at 7:00 PM. Supporters and Kendo Enthusiasts are welcomed! The banquet will include a buffet dinner for $80 per person.
Event Schedule
Saturday, November 14th
| 07:30 | Venue doors open |
| 08:00 | Warmup |
| 09:00 | Opening Ceremonies |
| 09:30 – 12:30 | Matches |
| 12:30-13:15 | Lunch Break |
| 13:15-16:00 | Matches |
| 16:00-17:00 | Open Keiko |
Sunday, November 15th
| 07:30 | Venue doors open |
| 08:00 | Warmup |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Matches |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:00 – 15:30 | Matches |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Closing Ceremony |
| 16:00-17:00 | Open Keiko |
| 19:00 | Sayonara Party |
Team Canada
TEAM STAFF
Team Japan
Yuka Kamiya, Captain
Natasha Fracassi
Shannon Hiyori Kwok
Juah Paik
Andrea Masuda
Eimi Fujimoto
Akari Kobayashi
Harumi Ara
Team Japan
TEAM STAFF
Team Japan
Team Japan participation is confirmed, with the final team selection to be announced.
Women’s Kendo in the Spotlight
The Women’s World Maple Cup is more than a tournament. It is an opportunity to bring together the foremost female kendoka from around the world for two days of competition, keiko, friendship and international exchange.
We look forward to welcoming six countries to Vancouver for the inaugural Women’s World Maple Cup.
Contact events[@]kendo-canada.com for inquires.