Snow Country League! Men's Team L
The L League at the third venue brings together three schools from the north: Iwate・Hanamaki Kita, Hokkaido・Sapporonichidai, and Niigata・Niigata Meikun, which Let's Kendo calls the "Snow Country League." Niigata Meikun is a private school founded in 1921, which has designated men's kendo as a priority for strengthening, and is also the school that inspired the name of Meikun High School in Shinji Mizushima's *Dokaben*. Sapporonichidai has finished third in the Inter-High women's team competition three times. A round-robin format with two matches per school will determine the single school that advances to the knockout tournament, where they will face the K League, which includes Meiho and was the Inter-High runner-up for two consecutive years.
These three schools.
- Hanamaki Kita（花巻北）Iwate PrefectureMen's team.Women's IndividualWomen's Individual: 深谷 茄恵蘭Players(3Year)
- Sapporonichidai（札幌日大）HokkaidoMen's team.
- Niigata Meikun（新潟明訓）Niigata Prefecture.Men's team.Men's IndividualMen's Individual: 酒井 煌介Players(3Year)
The one school that advanced will play against the K League winners (Seiko Gakuin(Fukushima), Meiho(Oita), Hiroshimaminami(Hiroshima)) in the first round of the finals tournament.
Highlights
Round-robin tournament between three schools; only one school advances.
The preliminary league will be a round-robin between three schools, with each school playing two matches. The team match consists of five members: Senpo, Jiho, Chuken, Fukusho, and Taisho. The winner will be decided by the number of wins, and if tied, by the number of points. In the quick report from the previous tournament, the number of wins and points were listed together, such as "3(6)-1(2)". Only one school from each league will advance to the knockout tournament, and if they lose even one match, their summer is over. The one school that advances will play against the winner of K League in the first round of the knockout tournament.
The "Yukiguni League" featuring three schools from the north.
Iwate, Hokkaido, Niigata. As Let's Kendo evaluated it as a "snowy country league," the L League consisted of representatives from the three northern prefectures and Hokkaido. According to the magazine, Niigata Meikun and Sapporonichidai have both consecutively participated in the spring National Selection and summer Inter-High, and Hanamaki Kita aims to break through the league with its third consecutive Inter-High appearance from Iwate. All three schools have their main focus on the men's team event, resulting in a matchup where the northern sword style will clash in Nara during the height of summer.
The origin of the name “Meikun” High School in *Dokaben*.
Niigata City Minami Ward’s private Niigata Meikun High School is the school that served as the origin of the name for Meikun High School, which appears in Shinji Mizushima’s baseball manga *Dokaben*. Mizushima, a native of Niigata City, had to abandon his plans to attend the school due to family circumstances, which is said to be the reason for the naming, and it is set as a sister school in the work. The school name itself originates from “Meikun Juku,” founded by Tatsuichi Ohashi, a loyalist samurai, in Yahiko in Meiji 15. A kendo powerhouse shares its name with a baseball manga icon.
Students made school and Niigata Meikun and "Aggressive Kendo"
Niigata Meikun’s history began in 1921 with the “Niigata Evening Middle School Study Group,” started by diligent young people who rented a school building themselves and asked teachers to help them, driven by a passion for learning. The founding spirit of “love of learning and self-governance” was born from this. 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of its founding. In high school, baseball, track and field, soccer, and boys’ kendo are particularly strengthened as Category III designated sports, and it boasts a kendo dojo, the largest in the prefecture, equipped with air conditioning. In the BSN High School Kendo Championship (National Selection Niigata Prefecture Qualifying) in January 2026, the boys’ team won their third consecutive and 12th overall championship, and the club advocates “aggressive kendo.”
Three times achieving 3rd place nationwide Sapporonichidai
Sapporo Nihon University High School traces its origins to Hokkaido Nihon University High School, founded in 1964, and was established in 1987 following a decision by the board of trustees of the Sapporo Nihon University Educational Foundation in 1985. The school motto is “Creation, Respect, and Robustness,” and its basic policy for club activities is to pursue “well-rounded education based on the principle of both academics and athletics.” The kendo club has particularly distinguished itself with its female members, achieving third place at Inter-High Women’s Team competition in 2002, 2008, and 2011, and third place at the 2019 All-Japan Selected Women’s Team competition. In the 2008 Inter-High Women’s Individual competition, Takakan Yurika also placed third. This year, the men’s team will compete as the Hokkaido representative.
Rowdy prefectural high school · Hanamaki Kita
Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Kita High School opened in 1931 as the Hanazawa Town and 17 other village school association Hanazawa Junior High School. It was transferred to the prefecture in 1938, became Hanazawa First High School in 1948, and was renamed to its current name in 1953. It is one of the most well-known spirited schools in the prefecture, and traditional cheering forms such as entrance ceremonies and cheer song practice are still carried on today. It does not have a school motto, but promotes a group of words called "Kurohashi Spirit" and "Sakuraundai Spirit" – including qualities such as perseverance, sincerity, and excellence in both academics and martial arts. In this tournament, they are the Iwate Prefecture representative in the men's team event, and 深谷茄恵蘭 (3rd year, 3rd dan) will participate in the women's individual event.
Live broadcast「Snow Country League! Men's Team L」
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Messages of support for the participating schools and players.
Hanamaki Kita, Sapporonichidai, Niigata Meikun—to the three schools that came from the north. Niigata Meikun and player 酒井煌介 raise attacking kendo, inheriting learning and autonomy. Sapporonichidai came across the sea with creation, respect, and robustness in their hearts. Hanamaki Kita, carrying the Kurohashi spirit, has advanced to the national level for three consecutive years, and player 深谷茄恵蘭 stands in the women's individual event. The practice accumulated under the snow will not disappear even in the midsummer heat of Nara. In a round-robin tournament, two schools will leave on the first day, but the fact that they survived the northern winter and reached this floor is already something to be proud of. Don't focus on the results, but give it your all with what you have brought.
To the five members from Senpo to Taisho.
The kendo dojo of Niigata Meikun is equipped with air conditioning and heating, and is said to be the largest in the prefecture. The members have repeatedly practiced "aggressive kendo" on its wide floor. Currently, only one player from Niigata Meikun, 酒井煌介, is being mentioned in the boys' individual event. The fact that Hanamaki Kita and Sapporonichidai have not yet been mentioned is simply because each prefecture and region has only two slots for the individual competition. The team event is a five-person system of Senpo, Jiho, Chuken, Fukusho, and Taisho. If the order is announced on August 2nd, the names of fifteen players from three schools will resonate throughout the venue. Please let us hear those names, which have been prepared under the snow, in Nara.
School Information
Hanamaki Kita（花巻北）
- Official name
- 岩手県立花巻北高等学校
- Reading
- Hanamaki Kita
- Division/Category of Establishment
- Iwate Prefectural (Coeducational)
- Location
- 54 Honkan, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
- History
- In 1931, it was approved and established as the Hanamaki Town and 17 other villages school association Hanamaki Junior High School, opening in the building of the former Hanamaki Elementary School. In 1938, it was transferred to the prefecture to become Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Junior High School, and in 1948, with the school system reform, it became Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki First High School. In 1949, it merged with Hanamaki Second High School to become Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki High School, and with the school separation of 1953, it became the current Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Kita High School.
- School motto/philosophy
- The school does not have a motto or guiding principles, instead using the terms “Kurohashi Spirit” and “Sakuragumo Spirit” to convey its values (unyielding perseverance, utmost sincerity moves heaven, noble and great spirit, high-spiritedness, the way of both sword and pen, striving and advancing, boldly rising to the challenge, single-minded pursuit, and refining youth through training). It also carries on the spirit of Hokkaido University, which was involved in its founding.
- Department.
- General studies course.
- Kendo Club
- In 2026, they will participate as the Iwate Prefecture representative in the men's team event of Inter-High. According to Let's Kendo, this will be Iwate's third consecutive Inter-High appearance. 深谷茄恵蘭 (3rd year, 3rd dan) will participate in the women's individual event. Past performance in national tournaments could not be confirmed from publicly available information.
- Notes
- Commonly known as "Hanashita." It is one of the most notorious schools in the prefecture, and continues to uphold traditional forms of cheering such as the entrance ceremony and practice of the school song.
Sapporonichidai（札幌日大）
- Official name
- 札幌日本大学高等学校
- Reading
- Sapporonichidai
- Division/Category of Establishment
- Private (coeducational). Established by the Sapporo Japan University Academy.
- Location
- Hokkaido
- History
- The school’s founding dates back to March 1964 (Showa 39), when it received permission from the Governor of Hokkaido to establish the Hokkaido Nihon University High School corporation. It opened its doors in Shiraoi Town in April of the same year. In November 1985, the board of directors decided to establish Sapporo Nihon University High School, and in April 1987, faculty and staff were appointed and the school opened.
- School motto/philosophy
- Our school motto is "Creation, Respect, and Robustness." The basic philosophy of our club activities is "well-rounded education based on the pursuit of both academic and martial arts excellence," and we aim to cultivate individuals with broad knowledge and culture, rich humanity, and healthy bodies.
- Kendo Club
- At Inter-High, the women’s team placed third in 2002 (49th tournament), 2008 (55th tournament), and 2011 (58th tournament). They also placed third in the women’s team event at the 28th All Japan High School Kendo Selection Tournament in 2019. At the 2008 Inter-High women’s individual event, 寶金由里香 placed third. This time, the team will participate as the Hokkaido representative in the men’s team event. Information regarding the men’s team’s national tournament results, number of members, and coaching staff was not publicly available.
- Notes
- Abbreviation is "Sapporonichidai" (Sapporo Nichidai). The school's predecessor, Hokkaido Nihon University High School, was renamed Hokkaido Sakuragaoka High School in 1987 and transferred to a separate corporation in 2000, and is now Hokkaido Ei High School.
Niigata Meikun（新潟明訓）
- Official name
- 新潟明訓高等学校
- Reading
- Niigata Meikun
- Division/Category of Establishment
- Private coeducational school. Affiliated middle and high school.
- Location
- 1037 北山, Konan Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
- History
- It began with the "Niigata Evening Middle School Study Group" in 1921 (Taisho 10), started by working youth who borrowed elementary school buildings and asked teachers for help. The school name comes from "Meikun Juku," founded by Niigata Meikun Ichizo Ohashi in Yahiko in 1882. It moved from Kawakishi Town to Kameda (currently Minami Ward) in 2004, opened Niigata Meikun Middle School in 2007 to begin integrated middle and high school education, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.
- School motto/philosophy
- Founded on the spirit of "love of learning and self-governance." The school motto is "love of learning, self-governance, cooperation, sincerity, and service" (sometimes listed as "love of learning, self-governance, sincerity, cooperation, and service" in the school brochure).
- Department.
- General studies course.
- Kendo Club
- The school particularly focuses on Type III designated reinforced clubs: baseball, track and field, soccer, and kendo (men’s). It boasts a kendo hall, fully air-conditioned and the largest in the prefecture. They won the 47th BSN High School Kendo Championship (35th National High School Kendo Selection Tournament Niigata Prefecture Qualifying) in January 2026 for the third year in a row, their 12th championship overall, defeating Niigata Seiryo 3-0 in the final. In the individual competition, Watanabe Hikoshiro, a first-year student, finished second. They placed third in the national selection tournament in 1993 (the 2nd tournament) in the men’s team event. This tournament saw them compete in the men’s team and individual events, having placed third in the Hokushinetsu tournament; the men’s individual competitor is 酒井煌介 (3rd year, 2nd dan).
- Notes
- The baseball manga *Dokaben* by Shinji Mizushima features Meikun High School, which is named after our school and is depicted as a sister school within the story.
・National High School Kendo Tournament Official Website (Tournament Updates) ↗
・Let's Kendo [Matchups] August 2nd - 5th, 73rd All Japan High School Kendo Tournament / Nara Inter-High 2026. ↗
・Notion Participating Schools Library Hanamaki Kita High School Kendo Club History and Achievements Summary ↗
・Notion Participating School Library Sapporonichidai High School Kendo Club History and Achievements Summary ↗
・Notion Participating School Library Niigata Meikun High School Kendo Club History and Achievements Summary ↗
・Wikipedia National High School General Sports Tournament Kendo Competition (Past Results) ↗
・Wikipedia All Japan High School Kendo Tournament (Past Results) ↗
・Wikipedia Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Kita High School ↗
・Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Kita High School Official Site ↗
・History of Gakken Sapporo Nihon University ↗
・School Corporation Sapporo Nihon University Academy – Club Activity Guidelines 本学園の部活動は、学生の健全な人格形成を図り、体力向上、技能向上、並びにスポーツマンシップを涵養することを目的とする。 Our academy’s club activities aim to foster well-rounded student personalities, improve physical fitness and skills, and cultivate sportsmanship. 剣道部活動方針 Kendo Club Activity Guidelines １．目的 1. Purpose 本部は、剣道の技術向上を図るとともに、礼儀作法を重んじ、心身ともに鍛錬し、生涯にわたるスポーツとして剣道を愛好することを目的とする。 The club aims to improve kendo skills, emphasize proper etiquette, train both mind and body, and foster a lifelong love of kendo as a sport. ２．活動内容 2. Activity Content （１）練習 週３回以上の練習を行い、基本稽古、地稽古、形稽古、試合稽古など、段階的に技術向上を目指す。 (1) Practice We practice at least three times a week, progressively aiming to improve skills through basic drills, *ji-geiko*, *kata*, and sparring. （２）試合 各種大会（都道府県大会、全国大会、Inter-Highなど）に積極的に参加し、競技力の向上を図る。 試合におけるメンバー編成は、以下の順序を基本とする。 先鋒、次鋒、中堅、副将、大将 (2) Competitions We actively participate in various tournaments (prefectural tournaments, national tournaments, Inter-High, etc.) to improve our competitive ability. The order of team members for matches will be based on the following: First, Second, Middle, Vice-Captain, Captain. （３）その他 合宿、錬成会、見学、交流試合などを実施し、剣道を通じた親睦を深める。 (3) Other We hold training camps, practice sessions, observation visits, and friendly matches to foster camaraderie through kendo. ３．試合における勝敗決定方法 3. Match Win/Loss Determination 試合は、一本勝負とし、勝者数が多い方が勝利とする。 勝者数が同数の場合は、取得本数がより多い方が勝利とする。 取得本数も同数の場合は、代表戦を行い、勝者を決定する。 Matches are decided by *ippon* wins, with the team having the most wins declared the victor. If the number of wins is tied, the team with the most *ippon* points wins. If the number of *ippon* points is also tied, a deciding match will be held to determine the winner. ４．部員心得 4. Club Member Guidelines （１）剣道に真摯に取り組み、技術向上に努めること。 (1) Approach kendo with sincerity and strive to improve your skills. （２）礼儀作法を重んじ、先輩後輩間の良好な関係を築くこと。 (2) Value proper etiquette and build good relationships between seniors and juniors. （３）練習に遅刻せず、欠席する場合は事前に届け出ること。 (3) Be punctual for practice and submit an absence notification in advance if you are unable to attend. （４）部活動に積極的に参加し、チームに貢献すること。 (4) Actively participate in club activities and contribute to the team. （５）学業を優先し、部活動との両立に努めること。 (5) Prioritize your studies and strive to balance them with club activities. ５．その他 5. Other 本方針は、必要に応じて改定されるものとする。 This guideline may be revised as necessary. <a>北海道高等学校剣道連盟</a> <a>Hokkaido High School Kendo Federation</a> ↗
・Niigata Meikun Middle and High School - Meikun Information ↗
・Niigata Meikun Club Activity Information: Won the team championship at the BSN High School Kendo Championships, qualifying for the National Selection Tournament. ↗
・Wikipedia Niigata Meikun middle and high school ↗
・72nd All Japan High School Kendo Tournament (Hiroshima 2025) – Tournament Quick Report ↗
Which fact comes from which source?
- League formation (Hanamaki Kita・Sapporonichidai・Niigata Meikun), third venue, individual competition participants from each school, the K vs. L match in the final tournament is data/2026/kumiawase.json (based on the official PDF)
- "Became a Snow Country League" "Third place in Hokushinetsu Niigata Meikun" "Meikun, Sapporonichidai also a consecutive spring/summer appearance" "Hanamaki Kita is Inter-High appearance for 3 years in a row from Iwate" is the highlights section of the Let's Kendo Nara Inter-High pairing article.
- Each school's official name, type of institution, location, pronunciation, and qualification for participation can be found on the school-specific page in the Notion "2026 Inter-High Kendo Participating Schools Library."
- Sapporonichidai’s Inter-High women’s team 3rd place in 2002, 2008, and 2011, and women’s individual 3rd place in 2008 (寶金由里香) are from the Wikipedia “All Japan High School Comprehensive Sports Tournament Kendo Competition” past results table. The 3rd place in the All Japan High School Kendo Selection Tournament women’s team in 2019 and Niigata Meikun’s 3rd place in the men’s team in 1993 are from the Wikipedia “All Japan High School Kendo Selection Tournament” past results table.
- Sapporonichidai’s history (establishment of the academy in 1964, opening of the school in 1987) is on the history page of the Sapporo Japan University Academy official website. The school motto “Creation, Respect, and Robustness” and the club activities basic policy “Well-rounded education based on both academic and martial arts” are on the club activities policy page of the same academy.
- The founding of Niigata Meikun (1921, Niigata Evening Middle School Training Session) • origin of the school name • founding spirit • school motto • relocation and 100th anniversary • Category III designated strengthening club • the largest kendo dojo in the prefecture is on the school’s official website’s “About Meikun” page.
- Niigata Meikun’s 2026 January BSN High School Kendo Championships Men’s Team 3rd consecutive, 12th overall victory (final 3-0 Niigata Seiryo), individual 2nd place by 渡辺彦士郎, “Aggressive Kendo” is a club activity information article on the same school’s official website (dated January 21, 2026)
- "Dokaben" The name of Meikun High School originates from Niigata Meikun and is set as a sister school in the work, according to Wikipedia.
- Hanamaki Kita’s history · “Kurohashi Spirit” “Sakuragumo Spirit” · General studies · Location is on Wikipedia. It was confirmed that the kendo club’s activity plan is published on the school’s official website, but the PDF of tournament results could not be read due to being a scanned image, so it is not described.
- School names are read as indicated in the Notion participating schools library’s reading column. As the reading for player names is unconfirmed, only the surname will be read in the audio.
- For team matches with five players, and judging based on the number of wins (points), please refer to the score notation on the official results website for the 2025 Hiroshima Tournament (e.g., 3(6)-1(2)).
- Since this is before the tournament, I have not described any details of the matches – the attacks and defenses, wins and losses, or rankings. Only facts that can be read from the pairings and previously reported results are included.
- *The fact that the K league Meiho was runner-up at Inter-High for two consecutive years is based on the same source (Wikipedia historical results table) as danshi-dantai-league-K.
Please note that the commentary and analysis are AI-generated content based on the facts listed above. As this is before the tournament, there is no description of the matches, attacks and defenses, or wins and losses. Please excuse any errors in reading or notation.