Support Hawaii’s Young Kenshi – “NYAN-TOU” Collectable Enamel Pin

In collaboration with our friends at the Waipahu Seibukan and Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Clubs, California Budogu is proud to offer these premium—and adorable—enamel pins, each designed by their club members. 

Proceeds from every purchase directly support Hawaii’s young Kenshi, helping to grow their local Kendo community and fund their journey to the Steveston Tournament in Canada. Each pin features a completely original character and story, making it not only a fun collectible, but also a meaningful way to support the next generation of Kendoka!

Meet Nyan-Tou: The Meowing Swordsman!

In a quiet dojo nestled deep within the bamboo forests of Aiea, a lone cat practiced Kendo beneath the pale glow of the moon. His name was Nyantou - the meowing swordsman.

With every swing of his tiny Shinai, the leaves rustled, and the wind carried the soft echoes of his strikes. But despite his skill, Nyantou was lonely.

The other cats in the village didn't understand his passion for Kendo. They preferred chasing fireflies, napping in warm sunbeams, or swiping at passing fish in the stream.

They called him strange, a cat too serious for fun. And so, Nyantou trained alone. Perfecting his strikes in solitude.

One evening, as he practiced his strikes, a sudden gust of wind knocked over a small sparrow, sending it tumbling to the ground. The bird chirped in distress, its tiny wing injured. Nyantou hesitated. He was just a cat with a Shinai. What could he do?

But then, he remembered his training. With careful paws, he scooped the bird onto his back and carried it to a warm patch of moss. Night after night, he stood guard, keeping watch with his Shinai at his side. Slowly, the sparrow's wing healed, and on the day it finally flew again, it chirped a song of gratitude.

Word of Nyantou's kindness spread through the village. The other cats, once distant, began to visit his dojo, curious about the way he moved, the discipline in his strikes.

Little by little, they asked him to teach them. And for the first time, Nyantou was no longer alone.

He still trained beneath the moonlight, but now, laughter filled the dojo. His Shinai no longer echoed in emptiness, but rang with the spirit of new friendships. And though he was still the meowing swordsman, Nyantou was no longer just a lonely cat.

He was a teacher, a protector, and, at last, a friend.