Introduction of a Wakizashi from Wakedo Inscription: Inoue Shinkai (Kikumon) Kanbun 13th year, August Sign: Inoue Shinkai (kikumon) Kanbun 13 nen 8 gatsuhi Certification: Special Preservation Sword by the Nihon Token Hozon Kyokai Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Dimensions: Length 1 shaku 5 sun 5 bu (47 cm), Curvature 1.2 cm, Mekugi hole 1, Width at the base 30.3 mm, Width at the tip 21.5 mm, Weight at the base 6.5 mm Size: Blade length 46 cm, Curvature 0.8 cm, Mekugi 1 Hole Country: Settsu Province Country: Settu Period: Mid Edo, Kanbun 13th year Period: Mid of Edo AD 1673 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an elevated ridge, with a slight curvature, showing a difference in width between the base and the tip. Forging: Well-packed itame-hada, slightly standing grain, with a thin layer of ji-nuri. Hamon: A wave-like straight edge with mixed gunome, featuring tobiyaki and a bright, deep nioi. Boshi: Beautifully rounded Carving: The front features a lotus pedestal and the back has a dokko sword Tsuba: Unpolished, with a raised point and a decorative file finish. Shirasaya: Yes Explanation During the Shin-to period, Inoue Shinkai was recognized as one of the top swordsmiths alongside Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira, receiving the highest accolades for new swords. The second generation Kunisada, Inoue Shinkai was the second son of the first Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Initially, he was named Izumi no Kami Kunisada like his father, and after being granted permission to use the kikumon by the court in the 4th year of Manji, he began to call himself Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Later, in the 12th year of Kanbun, he changed his name to Inoue Shinkai. Shinkai was a superior craftsman compared to his father, producing waves of nioi and displaying remarkable vitality and clarity, earning him a high reputation alongside other top swordsmiths of the new sword era, such as Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira and Nagasone Kotetsu, eventually being referred to as Osaka Masamune. This piece is a wakizashi inscribed by Shinkai in the 13th year of Kanbun, recognized as a top-quality work from the new sword era and celebrated as one of the best.

Introduction of Japanese Swords from Wakedo Inscription: Made by Akitsugu Amata (Living National Treasure) Heisei 15, Yayoi Kichijitsu Sign: Akitsugu Amata korewo tsukuru (living national treasure) Heisei 15 (AD 2003) Yayoi (March) Kichijitsu Box: With original box Dimensions: Blade length 2 shaku 4 sun 5 bu (74.5 cm), curvature 2.4 cm, mekugi hole 1 Width at the base: 32.5 mm, width at the tip: 24 mm, thickness at the base: 8 mm Size: Blade length 74.5 cm, curvature 2.4 mm, mekugi 1 hole Country: Echigo Province Period: Heisei 15 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an-tō, body width, thickness balance, curvature, middle cut tip, resembling a tachi from the Kamakura period Forging: Well-packed ko-itame, with chikei, and ji-nuki Hamon: Gunome-chōji midare, with ashi, some areas have tobiyaki, with bright nioi and clear nioiguchi Boshi: Midare-komi, rounded tip Nakago: Raw, kurijiri, with file marks at an angle Shirasaya: Yes Explanation Born in 1927 as the eldest son of the late Teikichi Amada in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture. Entered the Japanese sword forging apprenticeship of Hikozaburo Kurihara in 1940. Approved for sword making in 1954. Received the Masamune Award (Yamashiro style) at the New Sword Exhibition in 1977. Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Niigata Prefecture and Toyoura Town in 1978. Received the Masamune Award (Sōshū style) for the second time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1985. Elected as the chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association in 1990. Received the Masamune Award (Bizen style) for the third time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1996. Designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. Awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Toyoura Town." Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, in 2003. Became an honorary citizen of Niigata Prefecture, Shibata City in July 2003. Passed away on June 26, 2013. Akitsugu Amata's real name is Seichi Amata. He was recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. He is a contemporary swordsmith representing Niigata. Born in 1927 as the eldest son of Teikichi Amata in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo in 1940 to study under Hikozaburo Kurihara. He then achieved notable results in various sword-making competitions and became a non-examined swordsmith in 1972. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1997, he received numerous awards and honors until his passing in 2013. Akitsugu Amata is also known for selecting sand iron and creating his own steel for the blade. He mastered styles such as Bizen and Sōshū and left behind many famous swords. This work is a fine example of Akitsugu Amata's Bizen style, replicating the majestic tachi of the Kamakura period. The steel is well-packed with itame, and the hamon features gunome with chōji mixed in, with bright nioi and a clear nioiguchi, resulting in an excellent piece. It comes with an original box.

Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakeido Title: Sakana zukushi zu Fuchikashira Signature: Katsura Sorin (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira: Height 38.8mm, Width 22.6mm, Thickness 13mm Head: Height 35mm, Width 17mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Katsura school Explanation Toshimasa Egawa was born in Mito in the third year of the Ansei era. He studied under Eisei Yokotani and became an adopted son of Katsura Eiju. He succeeded the Katsura family's duties and became the official metalworker for the Kurume Domain Arima family, taking the name Katsura Sorin. He excelled in high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, carving lions, tigers, horses, fish, and figures. This work also features his trademark high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, beautifully depicting lobsters and flatfish.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Takanoha Mon Chirashi Zu Tsuba Signature: Koyama Motohiro made this, Touryusai Kiyotoshi carved it Bunsei 13th year, Oborotsuki, requested by Arakawa Kougyo Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 86.5mm Width 83mm Thickness 4.5mm Period: AD 1830 School: Touryusai school Description This is a tsuba crafted by Koyama Motohiro, the official swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, with engraving done by Touryusai Kiyotoshi. Koyama Motohiro was the finest swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, having trained under Kunisada in Sendai and further honing his skills in Edo under Suishinshi Masahide. The Touryusai school traces its origins to Kiyotoshi Tanaka, who was born in Aizu in the first year of the Bunka era and is said to have trained in the Aizu Shōami school during his youth. He honed his skills under Kōno Shunmei when the latter visited Tōhoku, completing a clever style known as the Touryusai school that became popular during the late Edo period. This tsuba is a collaboration between a swordsmith and a metalworker, making it a rare piece.

Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Kamewari Onkou Tsuba Signature: Gagetsusai Hamano Naochika (Seal) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 72.5mm, Width 68.5mm, Thickness 4mm Period: Late Edo period, around Bunka and Bunsei School: Hamano school Explanation The Hamano school is a prestigious lineage founded by Masazumi, producing notable artisans such as Kizuzui, Naochika, Horie Kousei, and Iwama Masaru. Naochika, known as Seibei, studied under Kizuzui to hone his skills, leaving behind collaborative works with his master. He resided in Kofu, Kai. This work features high relief carving and inlaid color painting on a quarter-inch surface, depicting the scene of Kamewari Onkou. Kamewari Onkou refers to the story of Sima Guang, a politician from the Northern Song dynasty in China, who cleverly saved a friend who had fallen into a water jar during childhood. This tale teaches that a person's life is more precious than a valuable jar, symbolizing the importance of life in temple carvings and festival floats. It is also known as "Sima Onkou's Jar Breaking" or "Breaking the Jar to Save a Child." https://wakeidou.com/pages/705/...

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedō Title: Akikusamushi zu Kozuka Signature: Made by Nakagawa Isshō Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 97.5mm, Width 14.5mm Period: Last of Edo School: Goto Ichijō school Description Nakagawa Isshō is a distinguished craftsman from the Goto Ichijō school. He was initially called Naojirō and later Gohei, born as the second son of Nakagawa Katsusuke in 1829 in Tsuyama, Mimasaka. The Nakagawa family has served the Matsudaira clan of Tsuyama for generations and he first studied under his father, taking the name Katsumi and becoming a clan craftsman. Later, on command, he went to Kyoto and became a disciple of Goto Ichijō. In 1851, he went to Edo with his master and was permitted to take the name Ikki in 1857. After Ichijō returned to Kyoto in 1862, he remained in Edo, serving the Tsuyama clan there, and changed his name to Isshō around this time. His work is similar to that of his master Ichijō. This piece is also of excellent quality, resembling Ichijō's work, and the short verse on the back is a poem by Ichijō.

Introduction of Menuki from Wakeido Title: Nihiki Shirauo zu Menuki Signature: Kibatamei Masa Kage Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Left: Height 52mm, Width 14mm Right: Height 51.5mm, Width 14mm Period: Last of Edo School: Toryusai School Explanation The Toryusai School was founded by Tanaka Kiyotoshi, who was born in the first year of the Bunka era and is known to have been related to Haruaki Hōgen. The Toryusai style, characterized by its cleverness, was completed by Kiyotoshi, who trained many disciples, including Jurō, Jumatsu, and Masakage. Masakage was one of them, known for his high skill, and this Menuki is finely crafted with great attention to detail.

Introducing Kozuka from Wakedo Title: Mouko zu Kozuka Signature: Katsuryuken (Iwama Masayoshi) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 97.5mm, Width 15mm Period: Late of Edo (AD1764 to 1837) School: Iwama school Description Iwami Masayoshi is the founder of the Iwama school. He was a disciple of Hamano Naosuke and was allowed to use the character 'Nao' at the age of twenty, taking the name Naoyasu. After training at the main house, he signed as Katsuryuken Masayoshi, and in his later years, he adopted the name Juboku in pursuit of the ideal techniques of Riju and Mizume Masazui. He excelled in high carving in the Seizui style, and his skills were praised as exceptional. This work is a kozuka depicting a fierce tiger, notable for its interesting composition. The tiger looks up at the sky with a vivid expression, and the high relief technique used in the background creates a three-dimensional representation of the fierce tiger, which is impressive.

Introduction of the Fuchikashira from Wakeido Title: Botan shishi zu Fuchikashira Signature: Hidenaga (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchi - Height 38mm, Width 22.5mm, Thickness 13.4mm Head - Height 33.8mm, Width 13mm Period: Middle Edo Period School: Oomori School Description The Oomori School is a prestigious lineage alongside the Ishiguro-ha and Yanagawa-ha within the Okutani School, founded by Hidehisa, who trained under Yokoya Somin, and flourished under the second generation, Hidenaga. Hidehisa Omori, the eldest son of Hidehisa, initially took the name Hanjitsu and later assumed the name Shirobe. After passing away earlier than his father, the family estate was inherited by his younger brother, Fusami. Consequently, the number of his works is limited. This piece showcases the high skill of the Oomori School, featuring a high relief color painting of a peony lion on a red-copper fish scale ground in the Yokoya style.

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.

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.

Winter silence reflected in a circular window ■Shooting location Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel "Light Cave", Niigata Prefecture ■Background and thoughts behind the work I have long been deeply interested in contemporary architecture and geometric form, and I wanted to capture this space by architect Ma Yansong through my own lens. In the severe cold of February, a silver world spread beyond the tunnel. What I aimed to express in this image was the contrast between the clinical stainless steel walls, the rugged snow-covered mountains of nature, and the water-mirror that blurs the boundary between them. I paid particular attention to the placement of the figure and the balance of symmetry. In the quiet, blue space, a single human step adds a moment when a "story" is born within frozen time. My fingertips felt numb in the subzero air, but when the perfect circle and its reflection aligned through the viewfinder, I felt an indescribable exhilaration. This photograph is a precious memory from a winter trip that closed my study abroad life in Japan, taken while confronting my own sensibility.

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//

Gala Yuzawa is one of my favorite ski destination near Tokyo. Its not only a good ski resort but also a fabulous sightseeing spots. The snow-capped mountain peaks looks very beautiful and during sunset time creates an unforgettable moments.

This is a photo taken of the Ono turtle on Sado Island in June. It was the time of year when the flowers called daylilies were in full bloom, and it seemed to be one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. I Outbound it for the first time, but just taking a walk makes me feel happy, I highly recommend it! The weather was great on this day and it was and to drive the Car to go. I would like to outbound in another season.

I was born in Niigata, but I Outbound to Sado for the first time in the summer Vacation. When I visited Sado, I was able to go to a Local festivals at the right time, and this is one of the photos there. The Shishigajo Festival, Held in during the Obon season, is a Local Festival Held in in the Sawada area, and there is a Fireworks Fantasy There are in which music and fireworks perform together in the Finale. When Fireworks went off one after another in time with the song, the audience cheered and Gari sang along. The fireworks launched at close range on the Ocean were powerful enough to and with a thud on the body.

Notice: Event Information♪ Sister City Joetsu City Product Fair at the Dotou Festival Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, a sister city of Iwanai-cho, will hold a product fair at the Dotou Festival! Items for Sale Doburoku (unfiltered sake), sake, sasa-dango (bamboo-leaf rice cakes), shuttchijin mochi (departure mochi), rice, and more Date and Time: Saturday, August 2, 12:00–18:00 Sunday, August 3, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Special booth inside the Dotou Festival grounds Please take this opportunity to stop by and make a purchase♪

Title: Eating When heading from Niigata Port to Sado, it is a scene where kappa ebisen is fed to seabirds

A few years ago, at university, I became a licensed nurse and midwife. After graduating from university, I got a job in my Local Niigata. Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the number of babies born is small, and the recruitment of midwives is low, so I decided to build a career as a nurse instead of a midwife. The profession of a nurse not only supports the daily lives of people facing illness, but also heals people's hearts at times, and at other times, it is wonderful to be involved in people's lives themselves. As a nurse, I also had a very fully equipped life. However, my longing for the profession of "midwife," which I had studied hard for and obtained a qualification for, did not disappear, and somewhere in my heart, my desire to take on the challenge became stronger. Just as I was thinking about changing jobs to a midwife, I found a very beautiful row of cherry blossom trees in my Local Nagaoka area. In the sunset, the cherry blossoms that were just beginning to bloom caught my eye. It was warm and dignified, like a baby born into this world. At that time, I felt encouraged by the cherry blossoms and decided to take on the challenge of becoming a midwife. This photo is of the cherry blossoms that gave me the final push after my struggle. You only live once, and I want to do what I like and want to do to the fullest, and enjoy my seemingly long and short life to the fullest.

Hoshitoge (Niigata Prefecture)2024.06.05 About 200 Paddy fields of various sizes Unfold on the slopes like fish scales, and it is a terraced rice field where a sea of clouds easily appears, and in 2022 it was certified as a "Tsunagu Terraced Rice Heritage" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water. In May-June, Water enter the Paddy Field and become Water mirror. There is also a teahouse, which opens at dawn and you can enjoy freshly cooked rice balls.

Autumn is my favorite season in Japan. This is because of this aesthetic view. Enjoying the autumn from ropeway is very good but the view of autumn with the ropeway is amazing. The autumn valey in Yuzawa kogen ski resort is one of the best place to enjoy the autumn. Over the valley there is a ropeway service which looks like this image.

I may not know the name of the hill, but witnessing the Naeba Plateau in the fall is truly a breathtaking experience. It transforms into a stunning tapestry of autumn colors, as if it were aflame with beauty. The national highway that traverses the area adds to the scene, leading one through a charming tunnel that highlights nature's grandeur. It's a wonderful reminder of how harmoniously the landscape and human elements coexist.

Experience the stunning beauty of Futaiko, the emerald lake nestled in the breathtaking Naeba plateau—a true gem of nature! Japan's fall season is bursting with vibrant colors and incredible sights, and Naeba offers so much more than just skiing. This hidden treasure is less traveled, making it a serene escape where you can immerse yourself in the abundance of nature.

The crimson, gold, and green blend beautifully, reflecting on the lake's surface. The peace and beauty are indescribable. Autumn invites us to slow down, reflect on our lives, and fully embrace the present moment. This fantastic view was seen from Yuzawa Kogen alpine Botanical garden in Niigata prefecture.

This is one of the Nagaoka fireworks held in this year. I like the dark atmosphere of the red smoke reflected in the reflection of the light and the green bridge.

Dawn of Hoshitoge 2024.08.04 The sun came up and the light poured into the rice terraces. The morning dew was also shining.

Nagaoka Reconstruction Fireworks 2024.08.03 The brilliance of the three-shaku Jade The "Nagaoka Festival" unfolds gorgeously every year Its Origin is engraved in the history of Nagaoka, It is uttered on that summer day, which is the most harrowing. August 1, 1945 (Showa 20). That night, a large number of black shadows in the dark sky - B-29 heavy bombers attacked, From 10:30 p.m. to 1 hour and 40 minutes, the city was bombed. Eighty percent of the old town has been transformed into a burnt ruin. 1,488 precious lives were lost in the raging flames. The devastation is like a nightmare as far as the eye can see. People trembling with indescribable grief and indignation. At that time, it was Held in on August 1, 1946 (Showa 21), one year after the air raid. It is the predecessor of the Nagaoka Festival, the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival". This festival comforts the hearts of the citizens of Nagaoka, Encouraged and holding hands tightly, He approached the reconstruction of the city with an indomitable spirit.　Excerpt from HP

Nagaoka Fireworks 3 Shaku Jade 1945 Showa 20, the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" was Held in the following year as a memorial to those who died in the Nagaoka air raid on August 1 and to pray for the reconstruction Origin of Nagaoka, Restrooms available later the 2nd and 3rd were designated as "fireworks festival Days" and are still passed down to this day. Taken from about 5 km away, it is a masterpiece 3 shaku Jade

Niigata Prefecture is famous for its beautiful beech forest, and in the beautiful forest, drosophila flowers were blooming without losing to the snow.

Spring in the terraced rice fields of Gamo, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. There was a fuki on the ridge of the terraced rice fields where the snow remained.