It is a great honor to have been invited to attend the opening ceremony of the 13th World Kendo Championships. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to express my highest respect for and warm welcome to all you talented kendoka. You have traveled far, from nearly forty nations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, to participate in this tournament, fence with other kendoka, and improve your skills. I hope that this significant event will help more people take an interest in Kendo, a martial art that combines mental and physical prowess and is the favorite of fans of all ages.
Under the auspices of the International Kendo Federation, the World Kendo Championships are held once every three years alternatively by FIK member countries in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Missing the chance to host this tournament, a nation will have to wait nine years before it may launch another bid to host this event. Taiwan was selected over Japan, South Korea, and other competing nations for the right to host this year's World Kendo Championships, which, we believe, will aid greatly the development of Kendo in Taiwan. Our country's being selected to host this event proves that Taiwan's kendoka, who have often won the three top prizes in world Kendo tournaments, have drawn the attention and gained the recognition of the international Kendo community. In addition, this tournament also gives the people of Taiwan a good opportunity to observe for themselves the Kendo spirit.
It is widely known that Kendo has a long history. In Japan and South Korea, Kendo training is compulsory for police officers; in France and Brazil, the police regard it as an important skill to acquire; in Taiwan, we boast a great number of skilled kendoka. These examples show that this sport has come into its own in many countries.
A practical martial art, Kendo has been closely connected with samurai since antiquity. Over the course of time, it has incorporated many of the characteristics of samurai, such as loyalty, bravery, discipline, and honor. Kendo is infused with the wisdom of Eastern philosophy, and the objective of all kendoka is to pursue a oneness of the spirit, the sword, and the body.
The popularity of Kendo having increased, the International Kendo Federation was established in Japan in 1970. Through holding international Kendo tournaments every year, the FIK has helped spread this sport to many countries. Kendoka places great emphasis on Bushido, which can be likened to the modern concept of sportsmanship in its emphasis on upholding fairness and pursuing perfection. This, combined with the fact that Kendo can be learned and practiced by all people regardless of gender or age, has made this sport a favorite of many. As such, I believe that all of those who devote themselves to Kendo will not only improve their swordsmanship, but will also learn principles of wisdom such as remaining calm as a way to bring a situation under control, facing all contingencies with a staunch heart and a steady hand, and gaining the upper hand over one's enemies by attacking only after attacked.
In closing, one behalf of the government and 23 million people of Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to once again sincerely welcome all of you to the 13th World Kendo Championships. I wish this event great success and all of you health, happiness, and peace. Thank you.