Born in Switzerland to Japanese parents, Ryusuke Shinoda came to kendo without ceremony.
Way of Life #9, “My Parents' Country”, is a portrait of Ryusuke Shinoda (2-dan · Born in Switzerland to Japanese parents) at Budokan Zürich. What follows is transcribed from the subtitles of the film — Ryusuke Shinoda’s own words, in the order they are spoken, under the chapters of the film.
Something I can keep working on, almost indefinitely. There is no goal — no end to kendo.
Gradually, into my heart
There wasn't one specific moment. Gradually, I felt more and more part of this community. It became bigger and bigger in my heart.
A way without end
Partly — to keep exercising as I get older. But it's also spiritual. There's always something to learn.
I can't stop midway — because there's no end. And that gives my life its structure.
My parents' country
My family is Japanese — I was born here. Kendo gives me a connection to Japan. A place I can speak Japanese too — that's fun.
Something I can be invested in. And what connects me to the country I love — my parents' country.
It gives me friends in Japan — that's what it means.
About this series
Way of Life is a series of short portraits of people who live the way, filmed by KAIDO Inc. in dojos across Europe and Japan. One person, one word, a few minutes.