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The Japan team after winning the gold medal in the men’s fencing team foil event. From left: Yudai Nagano, Takahiro Shikine, Kyosuke Matsuyama, Kazuki Iimura (Photo by Kyodo News)

In a significant accomplishment for Waseda alumni, two former members of the Waseda University Fencing Club, Kyosuke Matsuyama (2020 graduate of the School of Sport Sciences) and Koki Kano (2020 graduate of the School of Sport Sciences) each secured a medal in their team fencing events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Matsuyama took home gold in the men’s team foil event and Kano took home silver in the men’s team épée event.   

The Japan team after securing the silver medal in the men’s fencing team épée event. From left: Kazuyasu Minobe, Masaharu Yamada, Akira Komata, Koki Kano. (Photo by Kyodo News)

A Comment from Waseda University President Aiji Tanaka

Kano (right) and Matsuyama (left) met with President Tanaka after the Tokyo Olympics in November of 2021.

My heartiest congratulations to both Koki Kano, who secured an impressive silver medal in the men’s fencing team épée event and Kyosuke Matsuyama, who won the first gold medal in the history of Japan’s men’s team foil.

Kano followed up his gold medal in the individual event with a silver medal in the team competition. This marks his second medal in a row after winning gold in the men’s team épée at the Tokyo Olympics. Matsuyama came in fourth at the men’s team foil event in the Tokyo Olympics but won the men’s foil team title at the 2023 Fencing World Championships. He has demonstrated great growth, boosting Japan to number 1 in the world and winning the gold medal in Paris.

I would like to express my deepest respect to both Kano and Matsuyama for their hard work and dedication. Please continue to share your love of fencing with the children of Japan and the world.

Waseda University President Aiji Tanaka

Japan, Led by Matsuyama, Wins First Gold in Men’s Team Foil

Kyosuke Matsuyama celebrating after winning a point during the mean’s team foil final. (Photo by Kyodo News)

In a first, Japan took home the gold in the men’s fencing team foil event. Team captain Matsuyama led the number one ranked Japan team on a wave of success, first defeating France, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalists, 45-37 in the semi-finals and then overcame Italy, ranked 2^nd in the world. At one point Italy led 18-20, but Matsuyama’s performance helped Japan tie the score. The match continued with the two teams going back and forth, but ultimately Japan extended its lead to 45-37, winning its fifth medal in fencing at this year’s games.  

Following his Individual Gold, Kano Secures Second Medal

The men’s fencing team épée final: Koki Kano (let) against Hungary’s Gergely Siklosi (Photo by Kyodo News)

Men’s fencing individual épée event gold medalist Kano faced Hungary’s Gergely Siklosi in the men’s team épée event in a close match that ended in overtime. For the final point Kano’s blade struck the chest of his opponent as his opponent’s blade struck his shoulder. The lamp flashed in favor of Hungary and Kano walked away with the silver medal.

Kano commented: “I am half disappointed, half glad. Following the individual event, I was able to compete in what was a very enjoyable match on the final stage again.” 

A comment from Kiyotaka Horii, coach of the Waseda University Fencing Club

Congratulations to Kyosuke Matsuyama on winning gold in the men’s team foil event and Koki Kano for taking home silver in the men’s team épée event at the Paris Olympics.

Your final matches had all of Japan on the edge of their seats. You clearly displayed your mental strength, sophisticated form, and clever strategy even to those of us watching on our televisions. Your fencing was, of course, strong, but also very cool, leaving us feeling confident that the world of Japanese fencing is in good hands. Finally, your accomplishment has also had a major impact on the members of the Waseda University Fencing Club.

Behind the scenes supporting these two great athletes stand two alumni of the Waseda University Fencing Club: Daisuke Matsuyama and Kunihiko Homma. Daisuke Matsuyama has continuously encouraged and supported his younger brother, Kyosuke, while Homma discovered Kano’s talent when he was still in high school and helped guide him since. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to both of them.

This impressive achievement has inspired the next generation of fencers to dream big and aim high. I hope they will continue to forge ahead. 

Waseda University Fencing Club Coach Kiyotaka Horii