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Aperçus sur les connaissances et la culture du sabre japonais
This article explains the techniques for repairing and reusing broken Japanese swords. It provides detailed information on the restoration processes still performed today: the shaping of broken sections by polishers, forge welding by sword-smiths, dimensional changes into tanto and wakizashi, and other restoration methods.
Complete guide for foreign visitors buying nihonto at Japanese sword dealers: legal requirements, price negotiation, registration certificates, export procedures, and finding trustworthy shops.
A practical guide to tax treatment of nihonto investments: estate tax valuation, gift tax, Important Cultural Property deductions, and capital gains on sword sales.
Analysis of the straight-edge blade pattern technique that Osumi Shunpei, a Mukansha swordsmith at the highest level of modern Japanese sword-making, consistently pursues. Explanation of why the top contemporary swordsmith continues to choose "the most difficult blade pattern," along with the technical background and characteristics of his works.
Exploring the swords carried by Shimazu Sakon, the brilliant strategist who served Ishida Mitsunari, and the sword culture of Sengoku-era warriors.
Exploring the swords of Taira no Masakado, leader of the largest revolt of the Heian period, and the sword culture of Kanto warrior clans.
This article explains how the Edo shogunate established the wakizashi blade length regulation (one to two shaku), the historical background, and famous wakizashi, covering the lifting of weapon-carrying restrictions for farmers, merchants, and artisans, the legal meaning of daisho, and the provenance of renowned wakizashi.
Exploring how three swordmaking regions—Soshu, Mino, and Echizen—responded to Edo-period samurai culture by examining the official evaluation system for master swordsmiths (Meiko Iretsu), comparing their distinctive techniques and representative craftsmen across each production center.
From the perspective of sword-mounting craftsmen, this article explains the structural, material, and production differences in koshirae for uchigatana, wakizashi, and yari. It details why saya shape, tsuka length ratios, and tsuba selection criteria differ by blade type.
When standing before an authentic Japanese sword in a museum, what should you look for to identify authenticity, origin, and period? This article explains expert observational techniques in an accessible way for beginners, covering light reflection properties, steel grain quality, and hamon particle patterns.
A detailed comparison of authentication certificates for Japanese swords (preservation, important, and special important swords, etc.), covering the credibility of issuing organizations, examination processes, and actual price impacts. Explains the differences between NBTHK, NTHK, and various regional certification bodies.
This article provides a comprehensive practical guide for individual collectors sending Japanese swords abroad to buyers or themselves, covering how to complete METI export permit applications, packaging specifications, criteria for selecting international carriers, and how to use customs brokerage services.
