• January 2026, 5
• Contributor:Teru Kakishima
• 67 views

It starts with "rei" and ends with "rei"

"Thank you"

Thank you all for your help.
This staff blog post will be written by Kakishima, who is still continuing his habit of polishing his leather shoes.

Lately, perhaps because I've been buying new suits and carefully choosing my leather shoes, I've been realizing more and more how important it is to take care of my appearance.
That reminded me of the kendo I used to practice.

However, the period is only about one year.

It wasn't a serious sport; it was more of a casual lesson where I'd wear protective gear and play light matches, influenced by my parents.
It feels a little embarrassing to call myself someone with experience, but I have strangely vivid memories from that time, and I feel that they are somehow connected to my current work.

As is the case with martial arts in general, kendo begins and ends with "respect."
When you enter the dojo, when you face each other, and after it's over.
Lower your head, straighten your posture, and speak.
It's such a simple thing, yet it strangely changes my mood.

To be honest, at the time I sometimes wondered, "Is this really necessary?"
But now I understand.
I've come to realize that while politeness is for the sake of the other person, it's also a way to reset and organize oneself.

"Rei" (etiquette) is a wonderful cultural practice that is not seen in the West (or so it seems), so I would like to cherish it from now on.

Also, I was very impressed by how they handled the equipment in kendo.
Things like not leaving your protective gear lying around carelessly, wiping it down properly, and straightening the laces.

It might sound strange, but if you don't take proper care of your protective gear, it will smell terrible when you put it on.

Even with proper care, it can still happen sometimes...

I've gone off on a tangent, but my recent desire to properly care for my leather shoes might be related to this feeling.

I had assumed that my experience was not useful in any way other than having a beautiful kneeling posture, but
It's quite moving to see how old lessons and customs come full circle and are still relevant today.

I suddenly remembered something from the past and it motivated me.

I'm going to try to improve my daily habits little by little.

That's all for this blog.
If there is a chance, I would appreciate your help again next time.

"Thank you"

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