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Introduction of the sword from Wakedō Product number: K381120 Sign: Mumei Awataguti Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Scabbard inscription: Written by Mr. Homma Tōzan Size: Blade length 69.5 cm, Curvature 1.4 cm, Mekugi 2 Hole Country: Yamashiro Province Period: Early Kamakura Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, anvil ridge, slender, with width at the base and tip, a bit sturdy, with waist curvature, and a small tip Forging: Itame-hada with some mokume, showing a flowing texture in places, with a slightly thick ji-nuri and ji-utsuri Hamon: Fine straight blade style, small ko-mizukuri, mixed with small irregularities, with ashi and ha, a slightly deep nioi, small tempering, and generally fine hotsure, showing a mix of uchikake and chigai-ba style, with kin-tsuke and suna-nagashi, bright nioi Tip: The omote is straight, the ura has a slight curve, and both return to a small rounded tip. Carving: A groove is carved on the omote Center: Made of shin-bu, shallow kurijiri, with a downward file pattern White scabbard: Yes, written by Mr. Kunzan Honma Explanation In Yamashiro Province, the existence of old Kyoto swords from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period, such as the Sanjō and Gojō schools, is known, but afterward, from the early to mid-Kamakura period, the Awataguchi school rose to prominence. During the mid-Kamakura to the Nanboku-chō period, the Rai school flourished. The Awataguchi school is famously represented by the six brothers Kuniyuki, Kuniyasu, Kuniyoshi, Arikuni, Kunitsuna, and Kunisada, who were known for their exceptional skills. They continued to produce renowned craftsmen such as Norikuni, Kuniyoshi, Kunimitsu, and Yoshimitsu, and their style has long been praised as "with a blue iron color and white blade." This sword is slender with waist curvature, presenting an ancient form with a small tip. The forging shows an itame-hada with mixed mokume, a slightly thick ji-nuri, with ji-utsuri vividly standing out, and the hamon features a straight blade style mixed with small ko-mizukuri and small irregularities, showing the characteristics of the Awataguchi school. The well-tempered, high-quality steel, combined with the brightness of the ji, results in a graceful appearance, and the groove carved into the waist shows an antique quality. Furthermore, the original state of this sword from its time is very rare, with the tempering still remaining, making it highly valuable and a sight to behold.

Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2026 ❚ November 14, 2026 The "Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2026" will be held at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The stage will be set above the heart-shaped pond in the park. Enjoy the unique night kagura, where the performers' reflections dance on the mirror-like water surface, just for this day. The three groups performing are the Itaizako Shinmei Shrine Kagura Troupe, the Asaji Kagura Preservation Society, and the Asakusa-ryū Ōgi Kagura. Yusaku Park is said to have originated as a villa gifted by the lord of the Oka domain to his chief retainer during the Edo period. It is believed that Tanomura Chikuden and Rai San'yō also visited, and over 500 maple and momiji trees surround the pond. Take your time to enjoy the scenery unique to the autumn foliage season from the evening onwards. 【Date and Time】 November 14, 2026 (Saturday) at 3:45 PM *In case of rain, it will be postponed to the next day, November 15 (Sunday). 【Location】 Yusaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Access】 About a 50-minute drive from Oita Meira IC to Yusaku Park. 【Parking】 Parking will not be available in the venue or surrounding area after 2 PM on the day of the event. A shuttle bus will operate from Asaji Community Center, so please use that. ▶Parking Lot / Asaji Community Center ▶Operating Hours / 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM ▶Cooperation Fee / 300 yen 【Performers】 ・Itaizako Shinmei Shrine Kagura Troupe ・Asaji Kagura Preservation Society ・Asakusa-ryū Ōgi Kagura 【Organizer】 Asaji Town Youth Department Mizukagami Executive Committee 【For Inquiries About the Event】 Bungoono City Chamber of Commerce Main Office TEL: 0974-72-1111

[October 22 - November 11] Notice of Road Closure in Kawayu Onsen From October 22 (Thursday) to November 11 (Wednesday), a portion of the town road in Kawayu Onsen will be closed to vehicles (including bicycles). We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. For more details, please check Teshikaga Navi. You can still walk, so for those who usually drive, take your time and enjoy the scenery! 🚶‍♂️✨ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuonsenstopstreet/...

The brochure for the 61st Shimoda Onsen Narcissus Festival is complete! 🌼✨ During peak season, approximately 3 million narcissus flowers bloom beautifully at Cape Tsumeki. Enjoy the sea of narcissus as far as the eye can see! 😌💛 📍Narcissus Festival (1237 Suzaki, Shimoda City) Event Period: December 20, 2026 – January 31, 2027 Parking: Available (800 yen for regular cars) Access: Bus 🚌 From Shimoda Station, take the bus to Cape Tsumeki (Line 10) and get off at "Tsumeki." It's just a short walk from there.

3rd Multicultural Exchange DAY ❚ Held on November 7, 2026 The 3rd Multicultural Exchange DAY will take place at Cycle Park Oono in Oonomachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. People from different nationalities and cultures will gather to enjoy a day filled with various global cultures and cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity for new discoveries and encounters, so why not come along with your friends and family? 【Date and Time】 Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 【Location】 Cycle Park Oono (16-7 Tanaka, Oonomachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Access】 Approximately 40 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC 【Parking】 Bungo-Ōno City Office Ōno Branch and Ono Community Center 【Contact】 Glocal Oono TEL: 090-6429-7003

Photographed on November 3, 2014. This is the Yabusame Festival at Izumo Iwai Shrine.

Photographed on November 3, 2014. I visited Izumo Iwai Shrine. The Yabusame Festival was taking place.

Taken on October 17, 2014. It’s the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Iemitsu Tokugawa in Shintomi 1-chome.

Taken on October 17, 2014. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Susanoo no Mikoto from Nishikosenbamachi.

Hoshoji Temple's Autumn Leaves ❚ Current Leaf Condition as of November 2, 2026 The autumn leaves at "Hoshoji Temple" located in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. In the temple grounds, the trees are gradually starting to change color. By the time of the light-up, they are expected to be at their peak. The status of the autumn leaves will be updated regularly. Please check the latest information before visiting. 【Location】 1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Fee】 Free admission 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 10 minutes by car from Roadside Station Kiyokawa 【Parking】 Available (free, approximately 20 cars) ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on October 17, 2014. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. Here are the Time Bell Tower and the Nasori no Dashi.

Captured on October 17, 2026. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. Here are the Time Bell Tower and the floats from Minamitoorimachi and the Nasori dance.

Yusaku Park's Autumn Leaves ❚ Current Autumn Leaf Status as of November 2, 2026 Located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Yusaku Park is one of the representative spots for autumn leaves in Oita Prefecture. Although the park is still quite green, some leaves have started to change color. The Yosaku Tourism Momiji Festival will begin on November 3rd, featuring local residents selling grass rice cakes and more during the event. We will provide updates on the progress of the autumn leaves, so please use this as a reference for your outing plans. On November 7th, 13th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd, there will be illuminations from sunset until 9 PM. You can enjoy both the daytime autumn leaves and the different atmosphere of the illuminated night leaves within the same park. 【Location】 Kameozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City 【Admission】 Free entry 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 10 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji 【Parking】 Available (free) ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 2nd River Park Inukai Sweet Potato Digging Event ❚ November 8, 2026 The "2nd River Park Inukai Sweet Potato Digging Event" will be held at a farm near River Park Inukai in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. On the day of the event, there will be two activities: "Sweet Potato Digging Experience" and "Sweet Potato Filling Challenge." The fun lies in discovering what shapes the sweet potatoes will take as you dig them up. During the sweet potato digging experience, you can take home five sweet potatoes that you have dug up. The filling challenge is priced per bag, allowing you to fill as much as you can into the bag. The fees are separate for each activity, so please choose according to your preference. Why not enjoy a harvest with your family for a dinner dish? 【Date and Time】 November 8, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM *Last entry at 12:00 PM 【Location】 Farm near River Park Inukai (Tawara, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) *Please check the flyer in advance. 【Fees】 Sweet Potato Digging Experience: 500 yen per person (includes 5 sweet potatoes) Sweet Potato Filling Challenge: 1,000 yen per bag *Separate fee from the digging experience 【Registration】 Via the QR code on the flyer *Advance reservation is required. 【Access】 About 30 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC 【Parking】 Available (Parking lot at River Park Inukai, about 700 meters to the farm) 【Notes】 There are no restrooms or water facilities in the fields. Please use the restroom next to the parking lot before heading to the venue. ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yokohama is one of my favorite cities. Various events are held in different places over the weekend. The Bashamichi Festival runs from October 31st to November 3rd, and although I couldn't see the horse-drawn carriages (only on Tuesday), I did get to see the gas lamps. At the National Hometown Fair at Akarenga, I enjoyed a lot of delicious food and got completely full.