Ryutaro Hashimoto
Kendo belonging to the deep culture participates in the formation of the popular classes and the elites. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Prime Minister of Japan from 1996 to 1998, was 6th dan. He had a small dojo set up in the finance ministry. He reports that “the practice of kendo is associated with success”. In June 1996, he promotes Japanese culture within the framework of the G7 which takes place in Lyon thanks to the drive and the authenticity of the diplomatic relationship established by Mr. Louis Michallet, Consul General of Japan, President-Founder of the Club Lyon-Japon. Ryutaro Hashimoto and Jacques Chirac continued the organization from April 1997 to March 1998 of "The Year of Japan in France", and inaugurated the in Paris. Today France has some 4,800 kendo practitioners.