Editors note: this post is just for general informational purposes.
The format of one of Japans premier kendo competition – the Todofuken Taiko Kendo Yusho Taikai (aka the Todofuken, or in English the “All Japan Team competition”) – has changed from this year, 2009.
The main theme of the change was two-fold: to include high school and university students in the mix, and to break the competition into male and female ones. One of the main female only competitions – the All Japan Housewives competition – has been subsumed into this new female competition.
For background on what it was before along with a more detailed explanation, historical information/results, and links, please read this article.
Member Makeup (starting 2009)
Here are details on the selection procedures for both competitions. Please note that this is based on what was published by the Osaka Kendo Renmei, it is possible (but unlikely) that other prefectures follow a different selection process.
Todofuken Taikai (male)
(from the 57th taikai onwards)
Sempo: High school student (selected by recommendation);
Jiho: University student (selected by recommendation);
5-sho: 18-35. Prison staff, part time teachers, university researchers/postgraduates are all ok (no police, teachers, high school or university students allowed);
Chuken: Teachers (including school administrative staff), no age restrictions (no part time teachers);
3-sho: Police personnel, no age restrictions (no prison staff or SDF);
Fukusho: Over 35, same restrictions as 5-sho apply;
Taisho: Over 50 and must hold a minimum of kyoshi nanadan (selected by recommendation).
Todofuken Taikai (female)
(from the 1st taikai onwards)
Sempo: High school student (selected by recommendation);
Jiho: University student (selected by recommendation);
Chuken: Between 18-35, no high school or university students;
Fukusho: Between 35-45;
Taisho: Over 45.
Preliminaries
Usually each prefecture will have a YOSEN TAIKAI (preliminary) competition before the main event to decide members. Some members – as highlighted above – will possibly be selected by recommendation rather than through competition.