Kaua‘i kendo delegation continues cultural exchange with sister city Mimasaka, Japan
LĪHU‘E – A delegation representing Kaua‘i and the Hawai‘i Kendo Federation recently traveled to sister city Mimasaka, Japan, the newest of Kaua‘i’s five sister city relationships in Japan, to participate in the 25th Miyamoto Musashi “Otsuhai” Women’s Invitational Kendo Tournament, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two communities. Held October 18 in Okayama Prefecture, the tournament brought together approximately 400 female competitors from 20 Japanese prefectures and Hawai‘i.
Among the delegation were County of Kaua‘i employees Kelli-Ann Oku and Elton Ushio, who represented the Līhu‘e Kendo Club as an athlete and coach, respectively. Kendo, meaning “the way of the sword,” is a Japanese martial art rooted in traditional samurai swordsmanship that emphasizes physical and mental discipline, resilience, and mutual respect. Their participation highlighted the role of local residents and County employees in strengthening international relationships through cultural exchange, shared traditions, and community connections.
“Our Sister City relationship with Mimasaka is about more than a formal partnership. It’s about the friendships we build, the traditions we share, and the understanding that grows when our communities come together,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “I’m proud to see Kaua‘i represented through kendo and grateful to everyone who helped make this exchange possible. These are the kinds of connections that strengthen our relationship with Japan and create opportunities for future generations.”
The invitation to participate came during a visit to Kaua‘i earlier this year by Mimasaka representatives and senior kendo instructors. Three members of the Līhu‘e Kendo Club joined nine members of the Hawai‘i Kendo Federation, including six female competitors, six instructors, and coaching staff. The delegation fielded two Hawai‘i teams for the tournament.
The visit began with the delegation traveling to Mimasaka on October 17, where members met with local kendo officials, toured the area, participated in joint kendo practice, and attended a welcoming banquet with Mimasaka Mayor Seiji Hagiwara and other government and kendo officials. During the banquet, Elton Ushio delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, conveying the County’s appreciation for the growing partnership between the two communities.
The tournament honors Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most celebrated swordsmen and legendary martial artists, who was born in Mimasaka and remains an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. During their visit, Team Kaua‘i and Team Hawai‘i traveled to Musashi No Sato, known as Musashi’s homeland, where they viewed a statue honoring the renowned swordsman and visited his former home.
On October 19, the delegation visited Mimasaka City Hall for a courtesy meeting with Mayor Hagiwara and city officials. Discussions included reflections on the tournament, opportunities to continue cultural exchange, and the sharing of information on disaster preparedness, including Kaua‘i’s recent hurricane response and recovery efforts.
Kaua‘i and Mimasaka formally established their Sister City relationship in July 2025, creating a foundation for continued collaboration in education, culture, and community engagement. The kendo exchange represents a meaningful extension of that relationship, demonstrating how shared interests and personal connections can bring communities together across the Pacific.
The County of Kaua‘i extends its sincere mahalo to Mayor Hagiwara, Hara Sensei, Tadamasa Sensei, and the many gracious hosts in Mimasaka whose hospitality and efforts made the exchange possible. Their support helped create an experience that extended beyond competition, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between Kaua‘i and its Japanese sister city.
The County looks forward to building on these connections and continuing to strengthen the relationship between Kaua‘i and Mimasaka through future cultural exchanges and shared community experiences.
Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i delegation at the 25th Miyamoto Musashi “Otsuhai” Women’s Invitational Kendo Tournament in Mimasaka.
Competitors at the 25th Miyamoto Musashi “Otsuhai” Women’s Invitational Kendo Tournament in Mimasaka.
The Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i delegation in front of the Miyamoto Musashi Budokan in Mimasaka, joined by Naofumi Hara sensei and Miki Tadamasa sensei.
Members of Team Kaua‘i and Team Hawai‘i visited Musashi No Sato in Mimasaka, Japan, the birthplace of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
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