WINDHOEK: Japanese Ambassador to Namibia, Nishimaki Hisao on Saturday hosted children from the Windhoek Kendo Club as part of enhancing kendo culture in Namibia.

Kendo which means ‘Way of the Sword’ is a Japanese sport that arose from the samurai swordsman style, dating back 300 years.

Speaking at the event here, Hisao said the event aims to enhance kendo culture in Namibia, adding that many Namibians have shown interest in knowing Japanese culture, including kendo.

Hisao indicated that the Japanese Government has built over 300 classrooms across Namibia, in addition to availing 163 Japanese professional teachers.

At the same event, former Namibian Ambassador to Japan, Sophia Nangombe emphasised that young Namibians partaking in kendo are privileged in shaping their future, as the sport teaches discipline and good manners which is prevalent in the Japanese society.

‘When I began to learn the Japanese culture, one thing that stood out was good manners, self-respect, discipline, loyalty and high level of w
ork ethics. Kendo makes you a better person and this is what I experienced in Japan, the morality, gratitude, wisdom and honesty and this is what built Japan,’ she said.

Nangombe also thanked the ambassador for bringing the kendo culture to Namibia, noting that Namibia has a very complicated culture and through kendo Namibians can embrace its etiquette.

A 22-year-old, John Kapinga indicated that he joined the kendo classes in 2021, noting the sport teaches discipline, self-respect, etiquette and self-control.

Namibia Kendo Federation president Andre Pienaar said kendo gained prevalence in Namibia in 2015, noting that currently there are two clubs in the country, both based in Windhoek.

‘If we can improve the character of our future generation through kendo and be able to have better-quality Namibian citizens in the end, then we have achieved our aim,’ he said.

Source : The Namibia News Agency