Sensei Sumitaka (John) Nagae, Kendo Kyoshi 7 Dan, passed away on 14 November 2011 in Tokyo.
Nagae sensei was a much loved and respected kendoka both in Australia and in Japan. Since the 1970’s Nagae sensei has been not only a kendo inspiration to many, but a much respected and loved leader to the kendo community in Victoria and in particular, in Melbourne.
He will be missed very much.
Nagae sensei was the Patron and a Life Member of the Australian Kendo Renmei. He was Presented with the Japan Foreign Ministers Commendation Award in August 2002 for his work in establishing relations between Australia and Japan; the Japanese Imperial 5th Order of Merit of The Rising Sun in April 2003 and received a Commendation awarded by the All Japan Kendo Federation in December 2007 for his contribution to kendo.
Accompanied by his wife, Reiko, Nagae sensei returned to live in Japan in 2008.
Nagae sensei will be laid to rest at private ceremony in Tokyo on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
