NZ gained two senior grades at this event in late spring warm weather in Japan. Successful to gain 7th dan was Sensei Jason Oh from DMK Dojo Auckland. Successful to gain 6th dan was Sensei Kirk Doran from AKC also in Auckland. At this time Renshi applications were also administered and it was announced that Sensei Alex Bennett gained his Renshi in Iaido, and Sensei Akiyo Yamaguchi-Ellin and Sensei Masaki Nakazono gained Renshi in Kendo.
