Culture
The Role of the Japanese Sword in Noh and Kyogen
Someone once said that studying the Japanese sword is one of the quickest ways to get a profound understanding [&helli
Author Archives for Paul Martin
Paul Martin is a former British Museum curator, and a Hyogiin (Trustee) for the Nihonto Bunka Shinko Kyokai (NBSK). He is also an appointed Bunka Meister (Master of Culture: Japanese Swords) by the Japonisme Shinko Kai (Honganji).
Culture
Historical Japanese Sword ‘Kotetsu Katana of Kondo Isami’ Discovered
After more than 250 years of rule, the Tokugawa government’s power had begun to wane. The Japanese people had [&hellip
Sports
The Japanese National Rugby Team: Samurai by Another Name
Rugby fever continues to grip Japan even though the World Cup finished several months ago. In 2020, […]
Culture
The British in Bakumatsu Japan: The Tozenji Incident
(First of 3 Parts) The Bakumatsu era and subsequent Meiji restoration was a turbulent time in Japan. It […]
Culture
A Search in Fukushima: Are Soma’s Warriors the Last Samurai?
Last of Three Parts Part 1: Samurai Spirit of Fukushima: The Shonentai Youth Corps of Nihonmatsu Castle Part [&helli
Culture
Do Japanese Art Swords Surrendered after WWII Constitute War Loot?
In recent times, there have been many cases of war loot being repatriated to the original owners, their […]
［山陰の旅］伝統的な鉄鋼文化「たたら」
伝統的な石見神楽は日本・出雲における製鋼の発現の物語を示した。日本神話の神スサノオと八頭八尾の龍蛇ヤマタノオロチの戦いが暗喩するものだ。 日本の製鋼地への旅の第１部では、島根県にある山陰地方の霊的、神話的な起源を訪れ、この物語の
［山陰の旅］オロチと日本刀の神話
日本刀の伝説的な起源と製鉄文化を調べるため、山陰地方の島根県を訪ねた。 私の旅は、日本で最も古い神社のひとつ、出雲大社（いづもおおやしろ）から始まった。出雲地方には日本の神話が刻み込まれ、「神の国」と呼ばれる。 日本神話によると、か
Travel
In Search of the Samurai Spirit of Fukushima: The Heroes of Aizu
Second of Three Parts Part 1: Samurai Spirit of Fukushima: The Shonentai Youth Corps of Nihonmatsu Castle [&hellip
Special Reports
Ushering in the Reiwa Era: The Importance of the Three Sacred Treasures
Recently, the current Emperor Heisei emerged from Ise shrine with the three sacred treasures of the Imperial regalia,
Travel
Samurai Spirit of Fukushima: The Shonentai Youth Corps of Nihonmatsu Castle
(First of 3 Parts) At the end of the Edo period (1600-1868), Japan was in turmoil. There had […]
Culture
‘Tatara Watetsu’: Japanese Town Revives Traditional Steel Production
The revival of the tatara method of traditional steel production has begun! A new era in traditional Japanese [&hell