On this occasion of the 25th Shoryuhai Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament, myself and many others offer our sincere congratulations.

Kendo first emerged from the traditional culture that has threaded through Japan’s long history. Over the course of kendo’s history from its inception until today, it has encountered periods of hardship, greater even than the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout such times, our great predecessors and seniors who love kendo worked hard to prevent the flame of kendo from flickering out, even when circumstances prevented them from physically practicing themselves. In those difficult times, they gave all they could to keep kendo’s spirit strong. Today, those of us who live today should first express our gratitude to our predecessors, seniors, and everyone involved, for the joy of being able to practice kendo peacefully and freely. 

Now, I would like to express my respects to the Harvard Radcliffe Kendo Club and to its continual, steady growth with each passing year since its foundation over 25 years ago. This achievement is also the result of the daily efforts and dedication of the students.

The kendo that we practice daily is driven by the spirit outlined in the “Concept of Kendo,” first published by the All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975 (Showa 50): “The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).” This is what kendo demands of us. I understand kendo as a Budo—a martial art—and it is from this perspective of mutual self-improvement that I enjoy working alongside the members of the Harvard Kendo Club. 

In the midst of everyday practice, it is natural and valuable for us to think “I will win in shiai. I want to win!” After all, shiai is the result and product of practice embodied and exemplified by the singular moment of an effective strike. I hope that your efforts are always in pursuit of this aim, and that you might work toward both impressive kendo and impressive victory.

"To learn kendo is to learn yourself." I ask that you hold true to the spirit of what it means to be a Harvard Kendo-ka in your efforts. Betray neither fear nor a desire to run away. Show the energy and skills that you have trained in you daily practices. And, without holding back, express through your kendo the warmth and vitality of youth.

This 25th Annual Shoryuhai will live as a brilliant memory of your student life. I hope that you make each match your match, and this tournament your tournament. 

The essence of kendo is “tadashiku, tanoshiku, nakayoku” (correctly/properly, with joy/fun, friendly/together).
Cultivate a spirit of “kōkenchiai” (understanding and caring for others through the crossing of swords) through the practice of kendo. As you prepare to become our future world leaders, I ask that you continue to train your hearts to carry such compassion. 

Here is to the further prosperity of the Harvard Kendo Club. With a promise to continue working together toward that greater future, I offer my sincere congratulations. 

On the Occasion of the 25th Annual Shoryuhai Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament.
Shinpancho (Hanshi 8-dan) Hironori Tahara