This sports segment introduces the Miyazaki Prefecture women's kendo team competing in the Aomori National Sports Festival. This year, with their strongest lineup, they aim to become the best in Japan.

The Miyazaki Prefecture women's kendo team will be competing in the Aomori National Sports Festival in October.

Their best performance to date is reaching the top 4 at the Kagoshima National Sports Festival; this year, they are aiming for their long-awaited national championship.

In the block tournament held in August, a round-robin tournament among the eight prefectures of Kyushu, they won with a record of 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, securing their place in the main tournament for the fourth consecutive year.

This year, the team has gained a formidable new member: Rina Yamazaki of the Miyazaki Prefectural Police, who won the individual national championship at the police national tournament held in September.

Yamazaki will serve as the vanguard, giving the team momentum.


(Rina Yamazaki)
"After the Kyushu regional qualifiers, we had the police tournament, where we achieved a good result (winning the national championship), and I'm in good condition. (As the lead fighter) My main goal is to win and create good momentum for the team, then pass that momentum on."

The middle position will be filled by Kumi Abe, a teacher at Takanabe High School and a four-time consecutive participant in the National Sports Festival.

Her strength lies in her aggressive, always-forward kendo style.

(Kumi Abe)
"My students cheer me on before every match, saying, 'Do your best,' which gives me strength. I've been working towards winning the Miyazaki National Sports Festival, so at the Aomori National Sports Festival, I want to reach the finals and win the national championship to build momentum for next year."

And finally, the team's cornerstone, captain, Mai Kōrogi.

A legendary kendo practitioner who has experienced national championships in middle school, high school, and university, she will lead her team to the national championship at the National Sports Festival.

(Mai Korogi)
"I think this year's team is well-suited for team competitions, and we're a team that can protect each individual's victory, so our teamwork is solid and we're in good shape. (In tournaments) I always go into the match with the resolve that it will be the final match, but I want to be prepared so that I can contribute to the team's victory no matter what the situation. Of course, I'll fight in each match, but I want to work hard to win the championship and carry that momentum into next year."

Team Miyazaki boasts the strongest members in terms of both achievements and experience.

They will aim for the top at the Aomori National Sports Festival!