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/

　It was taken at the Fujiwara Festival in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. About 900 years ago, at the end of the Heian period, when Minamoto Yoshitsune, who was chased by his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, relied on Fujiwara no Hidehiro of Hiraizumi and went down to the east. This is the 62nd Festival that Reproduction the Scene. Dressed in costumes Reproduction Heian picture scrolls, a line of horses and cattle Car procession from Moetsu Temple to Chūson Temple. 　The photo was taken Temple a brave warrior who departed from the main gate of Mao Yue.

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

This is the only place in Osaka Castle where the cherry blossoms bloom early！ A proverb that combines the dying moment of a samurai with the magnificent cherry blossoms in their waning moments. The flowers are cherry blossoms, the people are warriors. A proverb that combines the dying moment of a samurai with the magnificent cherry blossoms in their waning moments. The flowers are cherry blossoms, the people are warriors. For details on the most popular Hanami plans, please visit #SamuraiArmor #kimono #SAKURACelestialBlossom

Samurai Armor Experience In April 1615, the Tokugawa forces marched on Osaka Castle. Here, the "Osaka Summer Campaign" begins. You, a member of Toyotomi's side, will wear armor and participate in the battle. You will be the best soldier in Japan, and go into battle! #osakacastle #samuraiarmor

First, we will explain what calligraphy is, followed by an explanation of attitudes and tools first. You will better understand the difference between calligraphy as a form of character decoration (caligraphy), which also exists overseas, and Japanese "shodo" (calligraphy). Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese culture that uses brush and ink to express characters artistically, and is appreciated for its neatness, the way the brush is carried, the shade of the ink, and the beauty of the overall arrangement of the characters. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy #tatamiroom #samurai

The Samurai sword is the most cutting blade to date and can only be worn by Samurai. After changing into a samurai costume and learning how to handle a sword, it's time to try your hand at sword cutting! Let's try zanjiri zanjiri! #katana #samuraiSword #bushido

A proverb that combines the dying moment of a samurai with the magnificent cherry blossoms in their waning moments. The flowers are cherry blossoms, the people are Samurai. For details on the most popular Hanami plans, please visit Osaka Castle Park 🌸Best time to visit Umegorin (plum grove) ➤ 2/ upper - 3/ middle Cherry blossoms (Someiyoshino) ➤3/15 - 5/up #samuraiarmor #kimono #Sakura #osakacastl

-Samurai Sword Trial Cutting You will learn how to use a sword and become aware of your self-respect and the responsibility of carrying a deadly weapon. At that time, you will be allowed to wear a serious sword. You will try your hand at sword cutting with a samurai sword. Experience the best cutting edge in the world. #samuraisword #bushido

The only souvenir that can make you feel "Japanese". 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 the mind quiet and focused when writing. It is also essentially about basic manners, such as sitting upright, keeping a straight back and holding the brush upright. The fan, which is still familiar to Japanese people as a tool that appears at milestones in life, and calligraphy on hanging scrolls, which are traditional Japanese works of art, are very popular among foreigners, as they are decorated in an appropriate manner and can be displayed in tokonoma (alcove) and other places. #kakejiku #kanji #wabisabi #snuvenir