The Beauty of Japanese Swords on Exhibit and Sale at Dai Token Ichi 2024

Japan's largest Japanese swords exhibition and sales event, the 36th Dai Token Ichi, is being held on November 2 and 3. Featuring 69 sword dealers from Hokkaido to Kyushu, the Tokyo Art Club in Shimbashi, Tokyo, will serve as the marketplace. The Sankei Shimbun is a sponsor of the exhibition.

Held annually in the fall by the All Japan Sword Traders Forum, the event draws many enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad. Thanks to the influence of games and anime, it has also recently attracted a growing number of younger fans and women. This influx has contributed to a vibrant and lively atmosphere at the exhibition.

Masterpieces and Sword Fittings

The exhibition features an extensive collection of swords, primarily from the Edo period. However, the collection spans from the Heian period to the modern era. Among the impressive array, visitors will find swords designated as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, it showcases stunning sword fittings, including scabbards and tsuba (handguards). Visitors will also find impressive armor and weaponry among the noteworthy highlights.

*Gold-lacquered scabbard adorned with a pear tree ground featuring scattered hollyhock designs and a cord-wrapped katana mount (courtesy of the All Japan Sword Traders Forum).*

One of the exhibits is a breathtaking piece crafted in the early Edo period. It is a gold-lacquered scabbard adorned with a pear tree ground featuring scattered hollyhock designs and a cord-wrapped katana mount. The scabbard employs a technique known as nashiji, where countless flecks of gold dust shimmer beneath a transparent layer of lacquer, creating a stunning depth and delicate luster.

Its luxurious design features a three-leaf hollyhock crest applied across the entire surface using the kanagai technique. Kanagai involves affixing thin sheets of gold. Goto Yoshinobu, a prominent figure in the sword-making metalworking community of the early modern era, created this exquisite work. Yoshinobu also served the Tokugawa shogunate.

Visitors can actually hold and appreciate these prized pieces from the sword traders, creating an irresistible experience for fans.

*From the 2023 35th Dai Token Ichi exhibition (©Sankei by Yoshinori Saito).*

Hands-On Craftsmanship

Live demonstrations of mei-kiri by contemporary swordsmiths will be featured alongside the onsite sales booths. Attendees can request engraving of their favorite kanji characters, just like the inscriptions on traditional blades. This popular annual highlight allows visitors to appreciate the artisans' craftsmanship up close. Participants can also transform the finished nameplate into a keychain or strap (participation requires a fee).

Experience the powerful strength of a weapon combined with the exquisite beauty of a fine art piece. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse allure of swords. We hope to see you there!