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Hoshiko and Takahashi Reclaim All‑Japan Kendo Titles

Both veterans credit tactical recalibration plus renewed mental focus for their returns.

Overview

  • Keita Hoshiko of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department won the 73rd men's championship for his second national crown and first in four tournaments.
  • Hoshiko beat Rentaro Kunitomo in the final by scoring kote and men, closing out the bout with a decisive hiki‑men.
  • Moeko Takahashi of the Kanagawa Prefectural Police captured the 64th women's title, her third overall and first in seven tournaments, defeating Yuria Oshima with a counter men.
  • Hoshiko said a year of self‑examination after his high‑school coach urged him to look beyond technique led him to adopt a more attacking approach he believes unlocked this win.
  • Takahashi described shifting from speed‑first offense to experience‑driven timing that exploits opponents' openings, and she said she now aims to defend the title; both tournaments were 64‑competitor single‑elimination events at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan where defending champions Takenouchi and Kondo exited in the third and first rounds.