While on Location filming, we stopped by the Japan Kendo Championships on November 3rd at the Budokan in Tokyo. The Kendo Federation allows me to film down on the floor of the arena which is always the most exciting place to be – just feet away from the action.
This year the winner was Uchimura Ryoichi, not exactly the favorite but no outsider as well (he won here three years ago). The major upset was the defending champion Shodai being defeated in an early round. He was favored to win again this year. Overall it is always an exciting event, but this year the matches seemed to stretch into overtime (matches going into encho) with little point scoring. Regardless, for thrills and excitement kendo is superb and I wish it was televised outside Japan much more. Here are some photos – I am on the floor lower right, fourth from the left.
