Introduction of Kozuka from Wakeido Title: Plum Tree and Small Bird Design Kozuka Signature: Okina Toshiyoshi sei Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 97.5mm Width 14.5mm Period: Last of Edo School: Tōryūsai school Description The Tōryūsai school traces its origins to Tanaka Kiyotoshi. Kiyotoshi was born in Aizu in the first year of the Bunka era and is said to have trained under the Aizu Masamune school in his youth. He honed his skills under the guidance of Kōno Shunmei Hōgen during his visit to the Tōhoku region, completing a clever style known as the Tōryūsai school. Many skilled disciples followed, including Toshiyoshi, who trained numerous students. Toshiyoshi was Kiyotoshi's foremost disciple and a refined successor of the Tōryūsai school. With high-level techniques, he popularized the Tōryūsai style during the late Edo period. This piece features a small bird and plum blossoms in a four-part design, with the trunk and branches of the plum tree having thick areas in high relief while becoming flat towards the end to create a sense of three-dimensionality. It embodies the essence of Tōryūsai and is quite charming.

This is an introduction to the fuchikashira from Wakedo. Title: Bairyu Taketora zu Fuchikashira Signature: Yanagawa Naomasa (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira - Height 38.4mm, Width 22.2mm, Thickness 12mm Head - Height 35mm, Width 16.3mm Period: Middle Edo Period, AD 1692 - AD 1757 School: Yanagawa School Description The Yanagawa School, founded by Naomasa, is a prestigious school of town carving with disciples such as Naomitsu and Naoharu. Naomasa was born in the fifth year of Genroku as the son of Masatsugu, with the childhood name Heijiro, later changed to Sanzaemon. He entered the school of Yoshioka Inabanosuke during his youth and later learned under Yokoya Somin at his father's instruction. He passed away at the age of sixty-six in the seventh year of Hōreki. The Yanagawa School is known for its high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, and works signed by Naomasa can be seen as imitations of Somin's style. This work, Bairyu Taketora zu, also features Yokoya-style dragons and tigers delicately applied to the red-copper fish skin, showcasing Naomasa's exceptional skill.

Introducing a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Fujikoshi Ryu-zu Tsuba Signature Shohakudo Sunagawa Masayoshi (kao) Certification The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K.) Tokubetsu Hozon Tousogu Dimensions Vertical 78 mm Horizontal 73.4 mm Seppa-dai thickness 4 mm Period Late Edo period School Sunagawa school Description He was the third head of the Sunagawa family and used the art-name Shohakudo. He specialized in plant motifs such as chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragon designs. This work skillfully depicts a dragon crossing Fuji in sukidashi carving, showing high technical ability. The iron has a pleasing texture, and the workmanship is excellent.

Introduction to a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Kasane kine sukashi Tsuba Signature Unidentified (Mumei) Kanayama Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size Length 70mm Width 70mm Thickness 4.5mm Period Momoyama period School Kanayama Description The accepted view is that Kanayama tsuba were made around Owari, though some suggest production spanned from Mino into Owari. Their history goes back as far as the mid-Muromachi period, with a heyday during the Sengoku era. The style is somewhat small; the iron ground takes on a pleasing dark tone. The rim sometimes shows pronounced iron ridges and sometimes more gentle ones. Robust and full of character, they have a devoted following. This piece displays fine iron character and attractive rim ridging, making it an excellent example that fully conveys the charm of Kanayama tsuba.

Sword Exhibition and Sale Notice Katanaza 2026 by Touza will take place today and tomorrow at Osaka Castle Hall and Shiromi Hall. The weather is fine today, so please come enjoy a pleasant weekend. We look forward to your visit. Venue: Osaka Castle Hall and Shiromi Hall Address: 3-1 Osaka Castle, Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002 Dates: Saturday, March 28, 2026 and Sunday, March 29, 2026 Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Admission: 1,000 yen on the day of the event

Sword Exhibition and Sales Notice katanaza2026 One of western japan’s largest exhibitions and sales events for art swords and sword fittings will take place at Shiromi Hall in Osaka-jo Hall. Sword dealers from across the country will gather, displaying renowned swords and masterpieces. ■ All swords and related items displayed and sold at the venue come with official registration certificates, so anyone may purchase them. Buyers should bring photo ID (driver’s license, health insurance card, etc.). (Sales to minors are not permitted.) Wakeido will also have a booth. Please come by in this glorious spring season when the cherry blossoms are beautiful. Venue: Osaka-jo Hall, Shiromi Hall Address: 3-1 Osaka-jo, Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002 Dates: Saturday, March 28, 2026 and Sunday, March 29, 2026 (two days) Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Admission: On the day: 1,000 yen Advance at Lawson: 900 yen (L code 55755) https://katanaza.jp//

From Wakeido, a product introduction. This is a sword attributed to Narie of Bizen from the Nanbokucho period(AD1350). Sword Mumei（unsigned） Nariie Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Measurements Length 71.4 cm Sori (curvature) 15 mm Mekugi-ana (peg hole) 1 MOTO-HABA (base width) 32.5 mm SAKI-HABA (tip width) 25 mm MOTO-KASANE (base thickness) 7 mm Province Bizen(Okayama) Period Nanbokucho period Shape Shinogi-zukuri, iorimune, wide mihaba with little difference between base and tip width, slightly thick kasane, shallow overall sori with a belly curve, large kissaki Hada (forging) Itame with mokume and nagare textures mixed, somewhat prominent hada, ji-nie well attached in places, frequent chikei lines, faint utsuri appearing Hamon (temper) Generally low tempered line, small tare mixed with gunome, a few sharp-pointed teeth-like elements, komasaari (small foot) present, nioigachi (prefers nioi), kansuji present, occasional niokuchi depression Boshi (tip temper) Midare-komi with kansuji, on the omote the point is swept and looks yakitsume-like, on the ura it turns back shortly with a small round tip Carving Bo-hi drilled through on both sides Nakago (tang) O-suriage (shortened), saki-kiri, yasurime kiri Commentary Nariie of the Osafune school in Bizen Province is said by one account to be a descendant of Keishu (Mitsutada’s younger brother) and was active in the late Nanbokucho period as one of the smiths classified among those with kosori school. However, mei-kanki records list somewhat earlier years such as Bunwa through Koan, and based on style and mei characters a connection with Kanemitsu is also possible, requiring further study. His skill is comparable to Masamitsu of the Kanemitsu group from the same era. This sword displays the Nanbokucho-era style with a wide mihaba and large kissaki. The jigane shows itame forging with somewhat prominent hada and frequent chikei, producing irregular areas of changed iron that appear thick in places. The hamon is low notare and mixed gunome, demonstrating the distinctive features of Nariie belonging to the Kosori school type. Above all, its heavy, majestic presence and the varied, striking forging make this an outstanding piece.

Introducing the Beauty of Japanese Swords: The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions, Phase 1: Yamashiro-den and Yamato-den is taking place at the Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum from Saturday, February 21, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. We warmly invite you to visit. The first phase highlights Yamashiro-den and Yamato-den, showcasing masterpieces from the Rai school as well as blades by Sanjo, Senjuin, Hoshō, Tegai, Shirigake and others. Exhibition list for "The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions" Yamashiro Tachi: Kunikuni Rai (special important sword) Tanto: Rai Kunimitsu Wakizashi: Kunizane Rai (important sword) Katana: Yoshinori (late Sanjo) Wakizashi: Dewa Daijo Fujiwara Kunimichi Yamato Katana: Shumei Norinaga (Shirigake; special important sword) Tanto: Yamato Province, Fujiwara Sadahiro (Hoshō; special important sword) Sword (ken): unsigned, Senjuin Katana: unsigned, Senjuin (important sword) Katana: Kaneharu (Tegai) Venue: Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum Address: 522 Shimohonnojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 21, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026 Closed: during the New Year holidays and on days for exhibit changes Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Admission: Adults: 700 yen; Junior and senior high school students: 500 yen; Elementary school students: 300 yen School trip students: 300 yen; Persons with disabilities: 300 yen Honno-ji Hotel guests: 500 yen; Groups (30 or more adults): 600 yen #Documentary film #Documentary film The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Film The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Sword #The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Kanehisa #Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum #Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum #Kyoto #Nobunaga #Honno-ji Incident #hamon #hamon property#Japaneseswords #japansword #sword #katana #hamon https://x.com/nihontonobi...

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos. We are Wakeido, a specialty shop for buying and selling Japanese swords and traditional blades. We operate in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, buying, selling, and appraising nihonto (Japanese swords) and fittings. Founded over 70 years ago, we have built lasting relationships with many people through swords. In this first post, we would like to introduce who Wakeido is and what kinds of swords we handle. ■What is Wakeido? Wakeido is a sword specialist based in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and we have provided many Japanese swords and sword fittings to customers. Our strength lies in offering authentic, NBTHK-certified items (appraisal papers issued by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). We have experienced sword appraisal specialists on staff who provide reliable transactions and accurate guidance based on expert judgment and trust. We strive to give first-time visitors a welcoming consultation experience, so please feel free to contact us. ■What is a Japanese sword? A Japanese sword is a traditional blade made using Japan’s unique forging techniques and is often seen as a symbol of samurai culture. Beyond being a weapon, its aesthetic form, functional excellence, and historical background have earned it high regard domestically and internationally as an art object and cultural asset. Japanese swords generally have the following characteristics. ・They use a special steel called tamahagane ・A beautiful hamon (temper line) appears on the blade ・Their structure and hardening techniques make them hard to break, resistant to bending, and very sharp ・Shapes and features vary by period and swordsmith, giving them strong appeal for collectors At Wakeido, we consider it our important mission to convey these attractions of Japanese swords with correct knowledge and to pass them on to the next generation. ■What kinds of swords and fittings does Wakeido handle? Wakeido deals in a variety of sword types, including tachi, katana, wakizashi, and tanto. We also offer many sword fittings such as tsuba (handguards), fuchigashira (collar and pommel), menuki (ornamental grip pieces), and kozuka (small utility knife handles). These items often have high value as art objects and are popular for decoration and collecting. ■What about Wakeido’s online sales? If you cannot visit the store, we invite you to use our online shop for purchases. We ship to sword enthusiasts worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. How to order: https://wakeidou.com/pages/117/... Our official website includes product photos and detailed descriptions, so you can shop with confidence from anywhere in the country. One of our goals is to act as a bridge that shares the appeal of Japanese swords with the world. ■How can you sell or have a sword appraised? We evaluate and buy unwanted swords, swords inherited through succession, or blades whose value is unknown by assessing their condition and whether an appraisal certificate is present to arrive at a fair valuation. Estimates are, of course, free. We offer several purchase methods: in-store purchase, home-visit purchase, and mail-in appraisal services. You can choose the option that suits your convenience, so please feel free to consult us first. ■Where is Wakeido? Access information Our shop is located at 1-chome Kashiwa-cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. It is about a 13-minute walk from the West Exit of Nagaoka Station, and parking is available. Business hours: 9:00–18:00 Closed: 1st and 3rd Sundays ■For Anything Related to Japanese Swords, Turn to Wakeido We at Wakeido want to connect with everyone who is interested in Japanese swords and fittings through bonds formed around swords. ・Those who want to try purchasing a Japanese sword ・Those who want to sell or have a sword appraised ・Those who want to expand their collection ・Those who want to experience a sword for the first time We welcome both domestic and international customers. We will help you enjoy the appeal of Japanese swords as a cultural asset and pass that appeal on to the future. Thank you for your continued support of Wakeido. https://wakeidou.com//

【Information on Iron Exhibition Hall Events】 Let's make a "handmade knife"! Gari is surprised that an unexpectedly authentic knife is made from five nails! There is also an afternoon session, so please come and visit us ♪ Date: Sunday, July 27 　　　Afternoon session: ▶ 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included) Capacity: First 30 people

【Information on Iron Exhibition Hall Events】 Summer Vacation Support Project!! Let's make a "handmade knife"! Date & Time: Sunday, July 27 (1) 10 a.m. – noon 　　　　　　　　　　 (2) 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Capacity: First 30 people for both (1) and (2) Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included) Workshop to make your own Original knife using five-sun nails, Summer ♪ Vacation crafts, etc. 😚

"Noh Prayer and Japan Sword Culture◆The 5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Pre-Workshop" We will Held in a Workshop to enjoy the "5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Funa Benkei" scheduled to be Held in at the Sakaki Town Cultural Center on Saturday, August 23rd! It is a two-hour event filled with various things such as Japan swords and Noh, Buddhism and Noh, Kanze-ryu Noh play master Chitoshi Matsumoto's explanation of the highlights of "Funabenkei" and the experience of the work of the sword. Held in ∶ 7/20 (Sun) Place: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Hours: 10 a.m. to noon Participation fee: 1,000 yen (including admission fee)

Iron Exhibition Hall Events Information ★ [Gallery session of swordsmith Yozo Ueyama and kenshi Soichiro Abe] This is a session by Teruhei Ueyama, a swordsmith who won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in the sword category, and Soichiro Abe, who won the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Award in the Grinding category! Date: Sunday, July 6 Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participation fee∶ 500 yen (admission fee not included) Please come and visit us ♪

✨ The 15th New Japan Sword Exhibition is ✨ being held in Events Information for tomorrow 6/29 (Sun) ↓ "Beginners Welcome! Japanese Swords Course for Beginners" You can ♪ pick up and Appreciation a number of famous swords Hours: 10:30 a.m. to noon Participation fee∶ 500 yen (admission fee not included) * We do not accept advance applications, so please ♪ come by the time of the day

Right now, the [Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall] is holding in a special exhibition "The 15th New Japan Sword Grinding Exterior Sword Craftsmanship Technology Exhibition" until August 31st! Today's Events ♪ ★ Gallery Talk Held in date: June 22 (Sun) *Last during the special exhibition period! Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Capacity: First 10 people Participation fee: Free ★ Sword care experience Held in date: June 22 (Sun) *Last during the special exhibition period! Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Cancelled during other Events) Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included) 【Iron Exhibition Hall】 Address: 〒389-0601 Nagano Prefecture, Hanishina District, Sakaki Town, Sakajo 6313-2 TEL：0268-82-1128 Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission until 4:30 p.m.) Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is closed, the next day, year-end and New Year holidays) Admission fee: 600 yen during the special exhibition period (June 7 to August 31), free for junior high school students and younger　 * Special discount! If you came to → Bara Festival, you will find this Iron Exhibition Hall discount ticket (valid until June 30th) in the pamphlet distributed on the day, so please bring it with you ♪

Events at today's Iron Exhibition Hall! ★ Gallery Talk 　Held in: Sunday, June 15 and Sunday, June 22 　Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 　Capacity: First 10 people 　Participation fee: Free ★ Let's disassemble the sword 　Held in: Sunday, June 15 　Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Cancelled during other Events) 　Capacity: First 10 people 　Subjects: Junior high school students and above 　Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included) 【Iron Exhibition Hall】 Address: 〒389-0601 Nagano Prefecture, Hanishina District, Sakaki Town, Sakajo 6313-2 TEL：0268-82-1128 Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission until 4:30 p.m.)　 Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is closed, the next day, year-end and New Year holidays) Admission fee: 600 yen during the special exhibition period (June 7 to August 31), free for junior high school students and younger

Right now, at the Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall, "The 15th New Japan Sword Grinding Exterior Sword Craft Technology Exhibition" Held in! In Sakaki Town, also known as the town of swordsmiths, a new sword exhibition brings together the skills of craftsmen in the modern Japanese swords world. Many other Workshops and Events will be held in until Sunday, August 31st, such as the popular "Handmade Knife Making", "Japanese Swords Course", and "Sword Care Experience"! Please come and visit us ♪

Today, 800 years after the time of the samurai, Bushido is still the spiritual prop of the Japanese people and still influences the politeness and manners of the Japanese people. Some aspire to Bushido from childhood, learning calligraphy and tea ceremony as spiritual training to become a respectable adult like a samurai, and swordsmanship as training in the martial arts. In the past, a "respected person" was called a "samurai. Others in general are simply samurai. Those who have learned bushido from abroad and aspire to become "Samurai" will be wielding Samurai swords tonight. #katana #bushido #samuraiSword

The average life expectancy a samurai in the Warring States period is said to be about 42 years. The average life expectancy for men in Japan today is about 81.5 years, and 87.6 years for women. With only about half the time compared to today's life expectancy, these Samurai ran through an era when they did not know what tomorrow's life would bring... #katana #bushido #osakacastle #samuraiSword #samuraiarmor

Learning calligraphy is said to help children develop concentration, correct posture, etiquette and the ability to express themselves. It also helps children to learn to write beautifully, leading to increased confidence and ambition. - Benefits of learning calligraphy: Improved concentration➤ Writing requires attention to stroke order and balance, which can improve concentration. Correct posture➤ Calligraphy is done sitting on the floor, which helps to develop correct posture. Courtesy➤ Students can learn etiquette such as how to hold a brush, ink rubbing and paper handling. Improved self-expression skills➤ Allows students to express their feelings and thoughts through writing. Developing self-confidence➤ Being able to write well and achieving goals can boost your confidence and aspirations. Relaxation➤ Writing letters with a brush and ink in a quiet environment helps to relax and relieve stress. Preparation for primary school➤ It is also an opportunity to practise pencil holding and writing order before entering primary school. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #shodo

Calligraphy is a hobby that can be enjoyed with friends. Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese culture and art. Exposure to a large number of calligraphy characters nurtures intelligence and sensitivity. It has also been proven that writing letters by hand has a positive effect on the brain. #Calligraphy #shodo #kanji

~ Samurai Habits ~ Every morning a samurai prepares for death. In the quiet of the morning, he imagines himself being struck by lightning, doused by fire, or cut to pieces with a sword or spear. It is hard to remember that one step outside the doorway is the world of death. 〜Make this activity a memory of a lifetime ~ For activities where you can wear samurai armor and have your photo taken with Osaka Castle in the background: ➤Rise Plan ➤Honor Plan ➤Bushido Plan For tour guides: ➤Holy Land Pilgrimage Osaka Castle, Tamatsukuri Area, Tennoji Area

Children begin to develop an interest in letters around the age of 3 or 4, and learning calligraphy can help them develop self-confidence, concentration, and good manners. Advantages of learning calligraphy for children Learn to write beautiful letters Improve concentration Learn posture and etiquette Increases self-confidence and ambition Develops the ability to think and be creative It is one of the art forms that easily expresses individuality and allows you to hone your own sensitivity and expressiveness. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #SamuraiExperience #tatemG

- Students will learn the basic stance of the katana. 1) Middle stance 2) Upper stance 3) Lower stance 4) Eight-phase stance (5) Side stance - From these stances, swing the sword. Swing. Swing. Swing. When swinging down, do not use your arm strength, but swing with the weight of the sword. If you are swinging correctly, you will know if you are swinging correctly because you will hear a "hirun" sound. #katana #samuraiSword #bushido #kimono

When children learn calligraphy, they learn to write beautifully. The benefits are especially great if they start learning before they start developing habits, so if they start by around age 5, they may have beautiful writing for a lifetime. In addition, calligraphy, as an ancient Japanese art, also teaches manners such as greetings and respect. #kanji #kimono #calligraphy #OsakaCastle

Calligraphy is an ancient Japanese art of learning. In addition to greetings, students learn to be respectful and polite to those around them. Many parents send their children to calligraphy classes because they can learn such manners from early childhood. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy

Trial Slashing Try your hand at sword cutting with a real Samurai sword! Experience the world's best cutting performance. #SamuraiExperience #samuraisword #katana

Calligraphy, a traditional culture, is generally started in early childhood, when children are 3 to 5 years old, as a form of learning. It helps develop the ability to write beautiful letters, concentration, and etiquette, and does not cause great embarrassment or disgrace when they grow up. #kanji #Calligraphy #kimono

Introduction to a Japanese Sword Making Tour See traditional Japanese swordmaking up close! You can observe the ancient craft of swordsmithing up close at the Japanese Swordsmith Training Workshop of master swordsmith Genrokuro Matsunaga, who lives in Arao City. The technique follows a traditional process of repeatedly hammering, stretching, and folding the steel. You will surely be overwhelmed by the power and drama of watching it at close range. In addition, you can take part in a name-engraving experience, where you use a chisel to carve your name or a favorite phrase into a steel plate, as well as a sword-making experience, and you can view Mr. Matsunaga’s collection of swords, armor, and other items. Name Matsunaga Japanese Swordsmith Training Workshop Address 1907-8 Kawatari, Arao City Phone number 0968-68-2250 *Visits require a reservation. Please contact us for details.

Calligraphy has a delicate sense of beauty, and the subtle changes in fine lines, dots, and shading enhance its beauty. There is also an aesthetic sense of stillness, and it is important to keep one's mind quiet and focused when writing. In addition, it is essentially important to perform basic manners, such as sitting upright, keeping the back straight, and holding the brush upright. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy