March 20, 2006
Japan Provides Kendo Equipments
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His Excellency Mr. Tsutomu Hiraoka, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal handed over the Kendo equipments to Mr. Rajaram Shrestha, Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at a function organized on March 18, 2006 at the Multipurpose Martial Arts Centre (MMAC), Nayabazar. The equipments are donation to MMAC from All Japan Kendo Federation.
Kendo, "Way of the Sword", originated from a martial art of handling the Japanese sword and was formerly called ken-jutsu. This art was pertinent to "Bushi" the warrior class of feudal time of Japan. After the era of "Bushi" or "Samurai" terminated in the middle of 19th century, it was transformed into a sport for the physical and especially moral and spiritual training for people from all walks of life, and ken-jutsu developed into kendo. Kendo practitioners use swords with bamboo blades called shinai and wear protection over the face, chest, stomach, and hands. The shinai differs with its length and weight depending on the ages of the players. As one of the most popular sports in Japan, kendo requires energy, quick decision-making, and composure. Since the International Kendo Federation was established in 1970, kendo has become very popular particularly in some Western countries such as Germany, France, U.K. and also in Asian countries such as South Korea, China, Malaysia or Thailand.
Kendo's origins go back to the seventh or eighth century. Behind kendo there lie the philosophies of Confucianism, Buddhism and the code of conduct of the Samurais called "Bushido". Recently kendo has developed as a sport that attach importance to moral and spiritual training as well as acquiring discipline.
In today's Japan Kendo, together with Judo and other martial arts, is established as a major sports enjoyed by many people. Some junior and senior high school add it to the school curriculum as a part of physical education. There are also numerous training centers, called dojo throughout the country.
This year particularly marks the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Nepal. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, various programs are being prepared throughout the year with recognition that 50 years of friendship is indeed an epoch-making achievement and with determination to build a new chapter of friendship for another 50 years and beyond. The handover ceremony is one of the programs that highlights our friendly relations.
It is to be noted that the Multipurpose Martial Arts Centre is a symbolic project of friendship between our two nations. It also represents twin city relationship between Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Matsumoto City of Japan. The Centre will certainly play a significant role in strengthening the existing friendly relationship between the two countries and its people.
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