継承と適応：日本とオランダの剣道指導者の比較に関する質的研究

Posted: Wed, 27 May 2026

概要／Abstract

The Japanese martial art of Kendo has spread internationally, raising questions about how kendo is adapted in different cultural contexts and whether its original values and traditions are preserved. This qualitative study explored how cultural background influences kendo instruction by comparing the perspectives of ten experienced Japanese and Dutch kendo instructors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory.

Japanese instructors emphasized competitive success, hierarchy, and student creativity, reflecting masculinity and high power distance, while also subverting expectations regarding individualism. Dutch instructors promoted recreational practice and egalitarian relationships, and reported challenges with overly critical students, reflecting femininity and low power distance, but defied assumptions regarding individualism.

Despite these differences, both groups were strongly committed to maintaining kendo’s traditional values. The findings highlight how martial arts are adapted across cultures while preserving core principles and show the need for further research in additional contexts.

本研究は、半構造化インタビューを用いて、日本人とオランダ人の剣道指導者の指導方法の違いを比較しました。競技性、階層性、個人主義への重視に差が見られましたが、両者とも剣道の伝統的価値の維持を重視していました。

これまでの研究で分かっていたこと（科学史的・歴史的な背景など）／Research Background

Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship, and it is deeply rooted in the cultural values and traditions of Japan. Nowadays, kendo is not just treated as a sport but is also used as a tool to promote human character and values. The martial art is not only widely practiced across Japan but has also become increasingly popular globally. Although kendo’s governing bodies welcome this global spread, they hope to preserve kendo’s unique properties during the process. Previous research shows that many non-Japanese kendo practitioners started because they were interested in learning about Japan and Japanese culture through kendo and that they are drawn to the spiritual aspects of the art, and that non-Japanese practitioners placed more importance on “spiritual development” and “discipline” in kendo practice than their Japanese peers, who favored “skill improvement” and “interpersonal relationships”. European practitioners were found to be interested in learning about spiritual training and self-discipline, the relationship between body and mind, and learning proper traditional techniques through kendo. Furthermore, studies have shown that practitioners of martial arts in Western contexts frequently incorporate Japanese terminology into their training routines. Culture plays a central role in how personal values and social relationships take shape in a society. Culture has been found to affect leadership, attitude towards sport coaches, and motivation in sports. Although the Netherlands and Japan share similar levels of economic and educational development, the two countries’ national cultures differ sharply in many aspects.

今回の研究で新たに実現しようとしたこと、明らかになったこと／Findings

The analysis revealed three overarching themes that reflect contrasting instructor perspectives shaped by cultural context: (1) Meaning of Kendo, (2) Instructor–Student Dynamics, and (3) Navigating Student Culture. Within these themes, both similarities and differences emerged between Dutch and Japanese participants. Japanese instructors are always conscious of their institutional status and the responsibilities and expectations that come with their position. They must guide their students toward competitive success and tend to maintain a certain hierarchy within the dojo. In contrast, Dutch instructors viewed kendo as a leisure activity, prioritizing enjoyment, student retention, and egalitarian relationships with students. When analyzed through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, these contrasts seem to reflect broader cultural differences in values such as masculinity, indulgence, power distance, and individualism. Despite these differences, both Japanese and Dutch participants stressed the importance of kendo’s tradition and culture, although Dutch instructors rejected “overly Japanese” behavior among students. Overall, the findings highlight the complex interplay between the intrinsic values of Japanese martial arts and global cultural frameworks.

そのために新しく開発した手法／Methods developed

This study adopted a qualitative research design with a constructivist paradigm, aiming to explore how individuals make meaning of their experiences within culturally embedded practices. A qualitative approach was chosen to allow for rich, in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives on kendo instruction. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used as the analytical framework, as it is a flexible method for identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns of meaning within the responses of the participants. This approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.

研究の波及効果や社会的影響／Research implications to the society

Findings highlight the importance of adapting instructional approaches to align with local cultural values. Japanese instructors teaching abroad, or non-Japanese instructors teaching Japanese martial arts, should be mindful of how cultural dimensions such as power distance, individualism, and masculinity shape expectations around hierarchy, authority, and competitiveness. Being aware of such differences can improve instructor-student dynamics and enhance engagement. As kendo continues to globalize, it might be necessary for kendo to evolve in ways to better suit different cultural contexts. Rather than universally adhering to Japanese norms, instructors should consider which traditional elements are essential to preserve and which may be adapted to fit local customs without losing the art’s core identity. In addition to this, it might be vital for Japanese and international governing bodies to clearly define kendo’s most important intrinsic values and how they should be maintained throughout this process of internationalization.

今後の課題／Future issues

Future studies could broaden their scope by including a more diverse and extensive range of countries, particularly those outside the traditional centers of kendo practice. This would give insight into how kendo is interpreted, adapted, and integrated within a variety of cultural, social, and institutional contexts. This could reveal unique adaptations or tensions between traditional Japanese values and local cultural norms, expanding understanding of how kendo functions globally as both a martial art and a vehicle for cultural transmission. Additionally, incorporating quantitative research could provide valuable complementary insights by measuring attitudes and values of coaches and students on a larger scale and investigate the mechanisms behind the cultural resilience of kendo’s traditional aspects.

研究者のコメント／Researcher’s Comment

本研究では、剣道指導者の文化的違いを通して、剣道という武道が単なる技術習得の場ではなく、文化や価値観の交流を促す大切な手段であることを伝えたいと考えています。また、伝統を尊重しつつ柔軟に適応する姿勢は、国際化が進む社会における教育やスポーツのあり方にも示唆を与えると思います。この成果を通じて、剣道に限らずスポーツ教育全般への関心の喚起や国際的な理解の促進につなげられれば嬉しく思います。