(Voice actor) Mr.David Radtke

Towards the end of the Edo period when the Tokugawa regime ruled Japan, perhaps from a sense of crisis, many swordsmen appeared into the world. Figures who opened dojos such as Shusaku Chiba, Shunzo Momonoi, and Yakuro Saito also emerged and became popular. From these dojos, emerged characters such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Kogoro Katsura, who would later lead their generation. Compared to those men, Kenkichi Sakakibara, who is said to be the last swordsman, is not famous. However, that is also proof that Kenkichi was not a politician or a revolutionary but lived strictly as a swordsman. Kenkichi was born in 1830 as the heir to a poor, lower-ranking vassal. He learned sword when he was 13 at the dojo of Nobutomo Otani, who was said to be a master swordsman. Kenkichi progressed rapidly under Nobutomo and became one of the best swordsman in Edo. At the time, there were catalogues and proficiency licenses to acknowledge sword skills, but to earn this, one needed to give money to the dojo in addition to having the talent. But Kenkichi did not have money, so he could not acquire the catalogue or proficiency license. Nobutomo instead payed for Kenkichi and gave him the license. With his skills being officially recognized, Kenkichi became the grand master (teacher) at Kobusho, a specialized institution to teach martial arts to the samurais of the Tokugawa regime. Kenkichi found a way to make a living with sword. And in 1860, he won a match against a master of spear, Deishu Takahashi, in front of the 14th shogun Iemochi Tokugawa. In a fight between a sword and a spear, it is said that the spear has the advantage because of its length. He won despite the disadvantage. Iemochi was impressed with the match and ordered Kenkichi to be his mentor. Teaching sword skills to the shogun is the highest honor for a teacher of swords. Kenkichi decided to serve Iemochi with his life. However, Iemochi died of disease in 1866. Kenkichi was saddened. After that, Kenkichi quit his work in the Tokugawa regime and disappeared from the spotlight. He lived quietly, teaching swords to pupils in a small dojo. The newly established Meiji government learned of his sword skills and requested him to work for them, but he declined that as well. As such, Kenkichi Sakakibara’s name was gradually forgotten from the world. In 1889, at Fushimi-no-miya residence in Kioicho, matches in the presence of the Emperor were held. People with confidence gathered and demonstrated their skills. Among the swordsmen present, a 66-year old Kenkichi Sakakibara was there. What did Kenkichi demonstrate in front of Emperor Meiji? Enjoy the story of Kenkichi Sakakibara, who struck those around him with awe.