1st Shizuoka International Kendo Festival
FUJISAN CUP2027
Kendo Beyond Borders
An international friendship tournament and stay, held in Shizuoka the week after the 20th World Kendo Championship in Tokyo.
Booking is not open yet — pre-register to be the first to hear when entries begin.
June 2027 · Fujieda, Shizuoka, Japan
Our Creed
Through kendo, we meet, we learn, and we build friendships with companions from across the world.
More than winning, it is the bonds we make that matter. Kendo has the power to bring people together — beyond language, beyond borders. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, I hope to see kenshi from around the world gather to test themselves, to share, and to forge friendships that reach across cultures and values. That is my wish for this gathering.
Beneath the sacred mountain
Mt. Fuji has drawn pilgrims for a thousand years. To train within its sight is to train close to the source of the spirit.
A Way, not only a sport
Kendo shares the character 道 — the Way — with the ancient roads of Japan. Each is walked to refine the self.
In the Tōkaidō post-towns
Fujieda and its old post-towns keep the living memory of the great highway — its inns, tea fields and craftspeople.
How the Fujisan Cup unfolds
Two days of keiko, ceremony and competition, open to overseas players, coaches, referees, officials and media.
01Day 1 · Friday afternoonCross keiko
Friendship keiko alongside leading sensei — the world's practitioners cross shinai together for the first time.
Image for illustration02Day 1 · Friday eveningWelcome Reception & the Draw★
Over dinner, the next day's matchups are decided by lottery. Your opponent is drawn here — so every guest takes part. It is the heart of the festival.
Image for illustration03Day 1 · Friday nightStay at a hotel in Fujieda
Rest at a hotel in the city, close to the venue (hotel to be confirmed).
04Day 2 · SaturdayThe Tournament
Team matches in the main hall — a celebration of friendship through the sword.
05Day 2 · Saturday afternoonAwards & commemorative photo
The award ceremony, then a commemorative photograph of every guest together beneath one roof.
Entry & Participation
The festival covers cross keiko, the eve Welcome Reception, one night at a hotel in the city and tournament entry, with full multilingual support throughout.
- ✓Day 1: cross keiko
- ✓The Welcome Reception on the eve (the Draw & friendship dinner)
- ✓One night at a hotel in the city
- ✓Day 2: tournament participation
- ✓Multilingual support (reception, competition guidance)
- Day plan (no overnight stay)
- Available — fee announced autumn 2026
- Boxed lunch (Day 2)
- Optional — paid separately
- Family accommodation
- Arranged on request — please ask us
- Tournament capacity
- 100 participants
* Participation fees are being finalised and will be announced in autumn 2026, when entries open.
An optional tour before the tournament
For those who would like to make more of their journey, we are planning an optional guided tour around Mt. Fuji and the historic Tōkaidō region — 5 days / 4 nights, from the afternoon of 31 May (Mon).
A relaxed journey through the landscapes and living traditions at the foot of Mt. Fuji, in the days before the festival begins. The full programme is being planned now and will be announced as it takes shape.
- An optional guided tour for festival participants (in planning)
- 5 days / 4 nights — from the afternoon of 31 May (Mon)
- A journey around Mt. Fuji and the old Tōkaidō region
- Travel by chartered coach, with a multilingual guide
- Programme and pricing announced in autumn 2026 · organised by KAI Inc.
If you are interested, please let us know when you pre-register. We will share the programme and pricing as they are confirmed.
When, where and how
- Festival days
- June 4–5, 2027 (Fri–Sat)
- Optional pre-tournament tour
- May 31 (afternoon) – June 4, 2027 · 4 nights
- Venue
- Fujieda City Gymnasium & Budokan, Shizuoka
- Accommodation
- A hotel in Fujieda, close to the venue (to be confirmed)
- Nearest airports
- Tokyo (Haneda / Narita) or Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport
Getting from Tokyo
The Fujisan Cup follows the 20th World Kendo Championship in Tokyo. Travel between Tokyo and Shizuoka is arranged independently — Shizuoka is roughly one hour from Tokyo by Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Detailed guidance will be sent to registered guests.
Details are subject to final confirmation before booking opens.
Be the first to know
Booking is not open yet. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment entries begin — and tell you about the optional pre-tournament tour.
Good to know
When does booking open?+
Not yet. This page is an early announcement so you can save the date. Entries are expected to open in autumn 2026 — register your interest and we'll contact you first.
When are the matchups decided?+
At the Welcome Reception on the eve of the tournament, by lottery. Your opponent is drawn there, so all competitors are encouraged to attend.
How are the matches contested, and how many can take part?+
Three-person team matches (dantai-sen). The tournament capacity is 100 participants. If you do not have a full team of three, let us know when you pre-register — we can help match individual entrants into teams.
Who can take part? Is there a rank requirement?+
The festival welcomes kendoka from dojos around the world. Eligibility and any rank guidance will be confirmed with the official entry details; pre-register and we will send them to you first.
What about equipment (bogu and shinai)?+
Equipment guidance, including any rental and support options, will be shared with the official entry details. Pre-register and we will send them to you first.
How do I get from the Tokyo championship to the festival?+
Travel between Tokyo and Shizuoka is arranged independently — about one hour by Shinkansen. We'll send guidance to registered guests. The venue and hotel are within walking distance of each other.
Can my family come?+
Yes. Accommodation and a seat at the Welcome Reception can be arranged when you register.
What is the optional pre-tournament tour?+
An optional guided tour for festival participants — 5 days / 4 nights from the afternoon of 31 May — journeying around Mt. Fuji and the historic Tōkaidō region. The programme and pricing are being planned and will be announced in autumn 2026; if you are interested, let us know when you pre-register and we will share the details.
Is there support in English and other languages?+
Yes — multilingual reception, competition guidance and interpreters are provided throughout the festival and the tour.
How much does it cost?+
Participation fees are being finalised and will be announced in autumn 2026, when entries open. Pre-register and we will send the full details to you first.
Who brings the festival together
The festival is hosted by the Fujisan Cup 2027 Executive Committee, led by Chair Hiroshi Urushibata. Together with co-hosts KAI Inc. and the Shizuoka Sport Commission, it delivers international hospitality and the stay programme. The honorary leadership and supporting organisations are being finalised and will be announced shortly.
Organiser & Co-hosts
- Organiser
- Fujisan Cup 2027 Executive Committee
- Co-hosts
- KAI Inc.Shizuoka Sport Commission
Organising team
Honorary leadership
A kendo festival that connects with the world — from Shizuoka.
The Fujisan Cup 2027 welcomes sponsor companies and organisations on an ongoing basis. Help us bring kenshi from around the world to Shizuoka — let us make it happen together.
Sponsorship enquiries