Blog

On 9 March 2026, Paul Budden sensei (Kyoshi 7th Dan), who had been contributing articles on the history of women’s kendo to every issue of our magazine, passed away at his home whilst battling acute myeloid leukaemia, as if following in the footsteps of his teacher, Sumi Masatake sensei (Hanshi 8th Dan).

On February 4, 2026, Sumi Masatake Sensei sadly passed away. He served as the Shihan for the Fukuoka University of Education Kendo Club in Fukuoka Prefecture and the Kyushu Electric Power Kendo Club. He was also the coach of the Japanese women's team at the 11th World Kendo Championships in Santa Clara in 2000, where the Women's Individual Championships began. Five years ago, he expressed great delight at the launch of our magazine.

We are pleased to announce the publication of "Women's Kendo Instruction Handbook" by Maeda Shinko, former professor of Kokugakuin Tochigi Junior College. Originally published in Japanese in 2012

On 5 November, the All Japan Kendo Federation presented the Kendo Meritorious Service Award to 69 individuals, including Kobayashi Setsuko sensei, from various prefectures.

On Thursday, 28 August, Kumi Sato sensei of the Sweden Kendo Federation was awarded the Minister for Foreign Affairs Commendation for the 2025, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The award was given for her outstanding contribution to enhancing friendly relations between Japan and other nations through kendo. The Embassy of Japan in Sweden on the 30th October reporting the award ceremony in the following post.