Culture
Martial Arts, Movies, Manga and Anime | The Many Gateways to Japanese Sword Culture
In my youth, my introduction to Japanese swords (as with many other people) was via martial arts, […]
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
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 […]
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
Culture
Help Bring Home the ‘Sanchomo,’ A National Treasure Sword of Japan
The town of Setouchi in Okayama Prefecture is home to the Osafune Japanese Sword Museum. Osafune, a […]