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I think this is actually a very interesting thread. Can non-japanese truly understand kendo?

On a person to person basis I think there are individuals who do understand kendo or else websites and forums like this wouldn't exist. I can appreciate the dedication, honour, and tradition that goes into kendo.

In general however, I don't think non-japanese can. As Julian D said, can Americans understand tango as he does? Probably not, and that's just a product of how different societies are raised and act. In North America especially, I feel that there is a kind of all flash and no substance mentality and kendo is the exact opposite.