7 Points to Consider when Choosing Your Japanese Sword
Written and compiled by Pablo Kuntz
Founder of Unique Japan
Founder of Unique Japan
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Preface: NOTHING SAYS JAPAN LIKE A SAMURAI SWORD
Point 1: THE SWORD, THE SOUL OF THE SAMURAI
Point 2: TYPE OF SWORDS
Point 3: WHEN IT WAS MADE
Point 4: BUDGET
Point 5: THE STEEL AND ITS STRUCTURE
Point 6: SWORD MOUNTINGS (KOSHIRAE)
Point 7: NBTHK or NTHK CERTIFICATION
Closing: THE NEXT STEPS…
Preface: NOTHING SAYS JAPAN LIKE A SAMURAI SWORD
Point 1: THE SWORD, THE SOUL OF THE SAMURAI
Point 2: TYPE OF SWORDS
Point 3: WHEN IT WAS MADE
Point 4: BUDGET
Point 5: THE STEEL AND ITS STRUCTURE
Point 6: SWORD MOUNTINGS (KOSHIRAE)
Point 7: NBTHK or NTHK CERTIFICATION
Closing: THE NEXT STEPS…
NOTHING SAYS JAPAN LIKE A SAMURAI SWORD
From Japan’s ancient times, the sword was regarded as not only a prized weapon, but also an object of worship.
In fact, one of the three sacred Imperial regalia – objects said to have been handed down directly from the gods to the founder of the Imperial line and to symbolize the emperor’s legitimacy – is a sword. [Kokan Nagayama, Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords]
Swords play a central role in Japanese tradition and are widely admired for their elegance, beauty, technical excellence and spiritual qualities. They were perfected during the late Heian period (circa 1150AD) and helped define the Samurai (warrior class) from 1185 to 1868.
The Samurai were spiritual warriors honored to serve and protect it’s people. Their sword embodied such commitment, a legacy, a vessel for their enduring soul.
JAPAN’S SUPREME KEEPSAKE
If you’ve had the privilege of having lived or visited Japan, an antique Samurai sword is arguably the country’s finest memento. It is a valuable, iconic piece of Samurai history that can commemorate your experience in Japan.
It will also live on for centuries as long as it is loved and cared for.
Future generations of your family can cherish and remember you through the preservation of such a valuable object.
After all, Japanese Samurai swords are so superior that they remain in essentially the same condition today as they did hundreds of years ago.
If you are interested in acquiring your very own antique Samurai sword, we’d be truly honored to help make ownership a reality for you.
We have proudly served dozens and dozens of happy customers acquire their ‘chosen’ sword AND assisted with the legal exportation of their investment safely back to their home country.
As one of our customers so eloquently said: “Japanese swords are extraordinary pieces of history, culture and art all rolled into one.”
This article has been created to give you an interesting and factual overview of one of the world’s most beautiful and rarest of possessions.
As you embark on the journey towards ownership, contained herein are seven points to consider when investing in a Japanese sword.
Point 1: THE SWORD, THE SOUL OF THE SAMURAI
First and foremost, gaining an understanding of who the Samurai were and what their sword represented to them is of vital importance.
Samurai warriors were the elite of four classes of Japanese feudal society (1185-1868);
Highest class – Samurai
Second class – Farmers
Third class – Craftsmen
Forth class – Merchants
Highest class – Samurai
Second class – Farmers
Third class – Craftsmen
Forth class – Merchants
The term, Samurai, is a derivative of the Japanese verb for service, “saburau”. Samurai literally means “one who is a servant”, and that is how they began, SERVING AND PROTECTING the imperial family and subsequently other lords.
During the Edo Period (1600-1868), the Samurai were expected to PROTECT members of the other three classes.
Samurai were inspired by Bushido “Military-Knight-Ways” is an unwritten code of moral principles which the knights (Samurai) were required or instructed to observe.
Bushido made the sword its emblem of power and prowess. The very possession of such a valuable instrument imparts to him a feeling and an air of self-respect and responsibility. What he carries in his belt is a symbol of what he carries in his mind and heart – loyalty and honor.
And only the Samurai were permitted to carry a sword.
The term 士道 Shido means “The Way of the Samurai.” The ultimate warriors’ code of honor, the Way of the Samurai is to “protect your truth.” Never betray yourself. A Samurai would choose death over living with an untrue heart. **
Often, the second son was born into a life of warfare, as the first son was needed to take care of the family household. As part of his training, a Samurai warrior considered it “his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times.” Doing so, will fulfill the ways of loyalty and familial duty.
A true Samurai was never loud, boastful or a braggart. This type of character was reserved for those of lower stature. A Samurai was modest, independent and appreciated the beauty of life. A quiet character perhaps; certainly one with a silent intensity unlike any other.
Perhaps most significantly, the Samurai lived for the day, for this very moment.
As Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan in the early 17th century) said, “The Sword is the Soul of the Samurai.”
Point 2: TYPE OF SWORDS
The western world is generally familiar with the long katana that one sees in movies and books. However, the Samurai had more types of swords at his disposal. Let’s now explore these fascinating types of swords:
THE TACHI
Above: A Heian Period Naminohira Yukiyasu Tachi (circa 1160)
Above is an image of a Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Nitta Yoshisada. Notice the tachi sword slung from his waist line.
Tachi were long curved swords often used by armored Samurai on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185) into the Kamakura period (1185-1333). They were loosely suspended from the belt with the edge downwards and were able to be drawn efficiently for cutting down enemy foot soldiers. This is how many battles were fought, above the ground, on horseback.
It is very interesting to note that in the beginning, the sword was not the weapon of choice of the Samurai. It was, in fact, the bow and arrow. Kyuba no Michi or the “Way of the Horse and Bow” was the code which pioneering Samurai lived.
Generally speaking, tachi swords are long, quite curvy and light. This made it easier to draw from the scabbard when riding. Tachi should always be displayed with the blade down, as if it is smiling.
For sword connoisseurs, there is nothing quite like the majestic beauty of a Samurai tachi, especially one with full exquisite mountings and preferably from the Kamakura period. As such, they can be very expensive.
THE KATANA
Above is an example of an Edo Period Kanbun Shinto Katana measuring a classic 2-shaku 3-sun (69.4cm) that we sold at our Okinawa Sword Show in June 2011. It is a gorgeous piece, and represents the early Edo period very well indeed. Click the sword for details.
Katana swords, used from the Muromachi period (1392-1573) onwards, were worn through the belt edge uppermost (blade up). This was due to the changing style of warfare during the Period of Warring Provinces (1467-1573) when battles between well-armed horseman gradually gave way to large-scale warfare between great armies of infantry.
A sword longer than two shaku (60.6cm) is considered to be a katana.
By placing the edge up in the scabbard, the Samurai warrior is able to draw his katana to cut downwards towards his opponent in one dramatically smooth and quick motion. In movies, Samurai duels tend to be long drawn-out and fantastically orchestrated events. In reality a Samurai sword duel was most often over in an instant.
Many such swords, known as uchigatana (hitting swords), were correspondingly shorter than the tachi, typically around 60cm-64cm. They were intended for use in one hand, and have very short tangs. Uchigatana swords were very popular with warriors during the Late Muromachi period when the country was in deep conflict.
From the Edo period onwards (after 1600), katanas became longer, and standardized in length. As a basic rule, Edo period swords tend to have less curvature and heavier than koto or older swords made before the Edo period.
THE WAKIZASHI
Above is a photo of my very first sword (currently not for sale!). It is a long wakizashi (or o-wakizashi) from the early Edo Period (17th century). The swordsmith’s title is Hitachi Daijo Fujiwara Narisada.
The wakizashi (side or companion sword) was the shorter of the two swords, worn at all times by the Samurai. In contrast, the katana was usually only carried outdoors due to it’s length – basically it was too cumbersome to have a long katana slung indoors.
The length of a wakizashi is between one shaku (30.3cm) and two shaku (60.6cm).
When the Samurai was seen in public he could be admired for carrying what is known as the daisho . Literally meaning “big and small”, it is the traditional name given to a matched pair of swords (the katana and wakizashi).
Only Samurai carried a daisho and it was a privilege reserved only for this elite class. In accordance with the Buke Shohatto (Laws of the Military Houses) edict of 1629 at the start of the Edo period defining the duties of a warrior, Samurai were required to wear matching swords when on official duty.
“I am personally rather fond of the wakizashi. It’s a little easier to handle, elegant, and because the Samurai always carried the sword, one could argue that it is more symbolic of his spirit. In the instance that the Samurai decided to commit seppuku (or ritual suicide), it was the wakizashi that he turned to.”
THE TANTO
The sword above is a fine example of a tanto from the 15th century that was sold to a client in Okinawa. Click image for details.
The tanto is a very tough and sharp sword designed primarily to pierce through armor. Although the tanto may not gather as much fame as the celebrated wakizashi or katana, do not underestimate their importance both as a trusted weapon and symbol of the Samurai class.
Swords that are no longer than one shaku (30.3cm) in length are registered as a tanto.
Historically speaking, a tanto is a dagger carried by men and women of the Samurai class in Japan. Due to it’s size and ability to be concealed, it was a useful weapon for in close quarters when a long katana or slightly shorter wakizashi would not suffice.
Women of the Samurai class tended to wear their tanto in their kimono obi for good luck and protection from evil. In rare instances, their tanto was used for jigai (or suicide).
In Samurai circles, the bride received a tanto as part of her wedding gifts. Many of these daggers had black-lacquered handles and matching scabbards. They could be carried in a pouch of brocade with a drawstring for easy access.
Even today, a Japanese tanto is given as a gift as part of the ceremony of some traditional Japanese weddings.
There is a definitely a wonderful appeal to owning a tanto. It is a discreet and powerful symbol of the Samurai class.
THE NAGINATA
Above is a wonderful Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Yoshikazu (~1865) of General Kusunoki Masashige during the Nambokucho period (1333-1392) on his horse with his fierce naginata in hand. Many Naginata swords were converted into wakizashis over the centuries.
The naginata is a glaive-like pole-arm with a curved, single-edged blade that broadens out toward the point. Many naginatas were shortened to become wakizashi swords.
Benkei, the legendary huge and loyal warrior monk from the 12th century carried a Naginata. He is most famous for posting himself at a bridge in Kyoto and defeating 999 Samurai and collecting their swords. The 1000th warrior he faced was Minamoto Yoshitsune who defeated him. Benkei then became one of Minamoto’s most trusted warriors and eventually died in battle under his service.
Point 3: WHEN IT WAS MADE
Would you prefer an antique sword with over 400 years of history such as those in the Kamakura (1185-1333), Nambokucho (1333-1392) or Muromachi (1392-1573) periods?
Perhaps a more artistic sword with a decorative hamon (temper line of the blade) made in the Edo period (~1600-1867)?
Or maybe a brand new piece made by a modern-day swordsmith who passionately carries on the sword-making traditions of centuries past?
1000 Years of Curvature…
In the world of Japanese swords, there are a number of significant time periods to discover. It is quite fascinating to note that just by examining the overal shape and curvature of a particular sword, one can make accurate assumptions as to the age of the sword as shown in the image below.
Why was there such a large degree of different shapes and sizes? It basically boils down to fighting styles determining what was useful in battle and, especially in the Edo period, what was fashionable at the time. Yes, even swords couldn’t escape the Samurai’s personal taste and fashion!
Here are the broad categories of sword-making periods that are commonly used in the sword industry.
KOTO SWORDS
Koto (literally: old swords) is the general term used to describe swords made between the years 800 to 1600. The blade’s steel is lighter and softer when compared to Shinto swords, and they have a graceful curved elegance to them. Koto swords are seemingly better balanced in the hand, and are altogether easier to wield. In a word, magical…
Koto (literally: old swords) is the general term used to describe swords made between the years 800 to 1600. The blade’s steel is lighter and softer when compared to Shinto swords, and they have a graceful curved elegance to them. Koto swords are seemingly better balanced in the hand, and are altogether easier to wield. In a word, magical…
SHINTO SWORDS
Shinto new swords) are made between the years 1600 to 1780. They are likely to be heavier, thicker and have lower curvature that koto swords. As transport links became more efficient so did the centralization of steel making. This resulted in a more uniform appearance of the steel.
Shinto new swords) are made between the years 1600 to 1780. They are likely to be heavier, thicker and have lower curvature that koto swords. As transport links became more efficient so did the centralization of steel making. This resulted in a more uniform appearance of the steel.
The hamon (temper line) generally has more artistic variation during this period. Shinto swords marked the beginning of the Edo period, a time of peace in Japan, so only the best smiths were able to continue business and the best of these were retained by the provincial daimyo (powerful territorial/feudal lords).
One can look at Shinto sword swords as the commencement of the true ‘art’ of the Japanese sword.
SHINSHINTO SWORDS
Shinshinto (new new swords) are made between the years 1781 to 1876 (approximately the end of the Edo period). This was an era where swordsmiths tried to replicate the great koto swords of old. They are often very long, have a shallow curvature and had hard steel or a mix of hard and soft. The signatures on these swords are often long, and highly stylized. Here is an example.
Shinshinto (new new swords) are made between the years 1781 to 1876 (approximately the end of the Edo period). This was an era where swordsmiths tried to replicate the great koto swords of old. They are often very long, have a shallow curvature and had hard steel or a mix of hard and soft. The signatures on these swords are often long, and highly stylized. Here is an example.
GENDAITO SWORDS
Gendaito (modern swords) are made between the years 1876 to Pre-WWII. The term gendaito is used by collectors to refer to traditionally made blades; those which have folded steel and are water tempered. The NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword) requires that for a sword to be “gendaito” it must be made of traditional tamahagane (jewel steel) made from satetsu (black iron sand). Generally speaking, we don’t normally carry many swords made during this time period.
Gendaito (modern swords) are made between the years 1876 to Pre-WWII. The term gendaito is used by collectors to refer to traditionally made blades; those which have folded steel and are water tempered. The NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword) requires that for a sword to be “gendaito” it must be made of traditional tamahagane (jewel steel) made from satetsu (black iron sand). Generally speaking, we don’t normally carry many swords made during this time period.
GUNTO SWORDS
Gunto (military swords) is any sword, whether handmade or not, that has military mounts on to them. For example, it is very common to have a very old koto sword, but housed in a WWII Japanese Army or Imperial Navy mounting. Below is a fine example of an officer’s gunto sword.
Gunto (military swords) is any sword, whether handmade or not, that has military mounts on to them. For example, it is very common to have a very old koto sword, but housed in a WWII Japanese Army or Imperial Navy mounting. Below is a fine example of an officer’s gunto sword.
MODERN-DAY SWORDS
At Unique Japan we can happily arrange for customers to purchase a brand new gendaito (modern sword) made by a living swordsmith. As there is an output quota placed on modern swordsmiths (only two katana or three wakizashi per month), these swords are typically quite expensive (over $13,000). The advantage though is that these swords can have your family name engraved on the tang.
At Unique Japan we can happily arrange for customers to purchase a brand new gendaito (modern sword) made by a living swordsmith. As there is an output quota placed on modern swordsmiths (only two katana or three wakizashi per month), these swords are typically quite expensive (over $13,000). The advantage though is that these swords can have your family name engraved on the tang.
Point 4: BUDGET
Investment into an antique Japanese Samurai sword starts from at least $2,000. A number of factors determine the final cost of the piece such as:
✓ Whether the swordsmith or school has a superior reputation
✓ Whether the sword holds interesting provenance/heritage to form an alluring story
✓ Whether the blade has achieved a particular certification ranking
(more on this in Point 7)
(more on this in Point 7)
✓ The overall condition of the blade; a more flawless piece will be more expensive
(but will hold better value)
(but will hold better value)
✓ Signed blades generally are more expensive than unsigned swords, but this is not always the case
✓ The period when it was made (ie. 14th century Kamakura period swords will command a higher price points)
✓ The quality of the pieces that make up the koshirae mounting (if it even has a mounting, more on this subject in Point 6)
“At Unique Japan, we take pride in working within most any budget range and seek to advise clients on the best investment opportunity for them. “
In the end, our clients just ‘know in their heart’ when they see the right piece. There is a common saying within Samurai circles that the sword always chooses its owner.
Cash benefits and layaway plans
We happily reward customers who settle payment in cash or direct bank transfer with a 4% discount because of the saved credit card charge that we would ordinarily have to incur.
We happily reward customers who settle payment in cash or direct bank transfer with a 4% discount because of the saved credit card charge that we would ordinarily have to incur.
Our low-cost layaway plan is a popular option often exercised with clients that invest in finer, more collectible pieces. Our plan offers a 40-day ‘no interest’ window with terms of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year.
Point 5: THE STEEL AND ITS STRUCTURE
Few things in life are more impressive than the strength and beauty of a Japanese sword’s steel. Below are points to consider when examining the blade.
HAMON (temper line)
The hamon or ‘badge of the blade’ – is the line defining the hardened edge and the crystalline structures within it. The quenching process that decides the texture of the jihada (ground skin) is primarily intended to form the hamon.
Broadly speaking, a hamon comes in three classifications; suguha (straight), notare (waves) and midare (irregular or wild).
This is a very personal decision where the hamon “speaks” to the admirer. More often than not, clients prefer a wavy hamon, but there is definitely much to admire in a perfectly straight suguha hamon. A word of advice is not to be too quick to judge the hamon.
JIHADA (body or skin of the sword)
While the hamon gets all the attention, looking closely to the actual body of the sword is not only important, but also fascinating.
It’s important to keep in mind that a metallurgically well-made sword will exhibit harmony between the jihada (ground skin) and the hamon. It is just not possible to have a sword with a good hamon and a poor jihada, or vice versa.
The laminations produced by the folding process during the manufacture of the blade result in a visible grain on the surface. The grain in the jigane (metal of the ground) can be one of several types, or a mixture of them.
The most widely found resembles the grain of a cut and planed piece of timber and is called itame (plank grain). A similar grain consisting of closed concentric rings is called mokume (wood grain).
Another type is called masame (true grain) which looks like a series of parallel lines, like the appearance of a log cut down the centre. More unusual formations include hitatsura (full temper) nashiji (pearskin), ayasugi (wavy adulating lines) and the finest muji hada (groundless), which one may find on swords from Hizen in Kyushu.
A word on the Swordsmith…
The swordsmith was an inspired artist and his workshop a sanctuary. Daily he commenced his craft with prayer and purification, or as the phrase was “the swordsmith committed his soul and spirit into the forging an tempering of the steel.”
The swordsmith was an inspired artist and his workshop a sanctuary. Daily he commenced his craft with prayer and purification, or as the phrase was “the swordsmith committed his soul and spirit into the forging an tempering of the steel.”
Every swing of the sledge, every plunge into water, every fiction on the grindstone, was a religious act of grand intention.
NAKAGO (tang)
A sword’s tang (nakago) is never polished so as to help determine the age of the sword with decent accuracy. The nakago (tang) of koto (pre 1600) swords is thus very dark, almost black and soft in texture. The reason why the tang is so dark is because the steel has been left to rust for that much longer.
The nakago (tang) is an integral part of the whole sword, and its shape and size influence its cutting efficacy of the weapon. Since the Heian period (794-1185) when it was customary for smiths to sign their work, the tangs have been an invaluable guide to the whole history of sword-making in Japan. Name of the smith, and place and date of manufacture are found on many swords of earlier periods.
Many tangs are not signed, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In the Yamato tradition for example, finding a signed tang is likely finding the Holy Grail!
In the Edo period, some of the best swordsmiths worked directly for powerful Daimyo (great families) and thus rarely signed the sword. Bottom line is to not dismiss a Japanese sword just because it is unsigned.
HORIMONO (Carvings and Grooves)
Horimono (groove carvings on blades) may be carved partially or wholly along the length of the finished blade, for both structural and aesthetic reasons. Pictorial carvings and inscriptions such as the deity Fudo Myo-o can be frequently found. Of ferocious aspect of bared fangs, Fudo Myo-o’s (Fire God) unmoving aspect represents the aspiration of the Samurai to remain calm during the heat of combat and even at the instant of impending death.
A common misconception is that a long “blood groove” found on a sword was solely produced to enable gasses (and blood) in the stomach to flow up or along the blade to ease it’s removal from a body.
While there may be ’some’ truth this, the primary reason for having a groove helps to make the sword lighter and cut stronger as it takes on the cross-section shape and characteristics of an i-beam.
Point 6: SWORD MOUNTINGS (KOSHIRAE)
The image of a Japanese sword normally conjures up an image of a strikingly beautiful koshirae (mounting).
A koshirae (mountings) comprises of several handmade ornamental pieces that bring enormous character to the sword. The main pieces are a tsuba (guard), the kashira (pommel), the menuki (eye drawers on the hilt under the silk thread).
Just like the hamon, a swords koshirae tends to “speak” to the prospective owner. Whether the sword is ‘right’ or not is normally known in an instant.
“Many swords in existence today, including many valuable swords, are housed in a simple traditional shirasaya (white scabbard) and NOT in koshirae. Our clients sometimes are disappointed when a sword is not housed in a full koshirae, but the shirasaya is a like a humidor for an expensive cigar – it better preserves the steel as the magnolia wood absorbs fluid that might damage the steel.”
Think of the koshirae as daytime clothing and the shirasaya as the sword’s pajamas. The Samurai would remove the sword’s koshirae at night and house it in its shirasaya. In the morning, the Samurai would then place the koshirae. Even the Samurai was not impenetrable to fashion and would have many koshirae for a particular sword.
Build your Own Custom Made Koshirae!
A highly recommended project that many of our customers undertake it to invest in a quality sword in a shirasaya scabbard and then we produce a custom koshirae for them. For this process, modern-day craftsmen and women using traditional methods of koshirae making will produce all the necessary parts of the koshirae.
Some elements such as the tsuba, menuki, and fuchi-kashira can be from the Edo period, so the end result is a wonderful blend of modern craftsmanship meeting traditional pieces that are hundreds of years old. Since the project is catered to our customers’ taste, a strong PERSONAL CONNECTION always gets delivered. It’s a wonderful adventure.
Point 7: NBTHK or NTHK CERTIFICATION
Some Japanese swords have been certified by Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK, Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), or NTHK (Nihon Token Hozon Kai) both of which are trusted organizations responsible for screening and certifying judgement onto Japanese swords.
Certified swords are generally more expensive, but they offer a certain piece of mind. However, it’s VERY important that one doesn’t get too hung up if a sword is certified or not. A sword that is not certified does NOT at all imply that the sword is not genuine.
ALL SWORDS purchased from Unique Japan are guaranteed to be authentic. And EVERY piece, whether certified or not, has been legally registered with Japan’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs (which is, in a sense, an act of certification).
At the end of the day, certification from any organization is still only an opinion and the certification process does take time and money. Many experienced and knowledgeable sword collectors never feel a need to get their sword certified.
THE NEXT STEPS…
Here’s what I encourage you to do:
✓ Continue your discovery of Japanese swords. The more one gets acquainted with these prized objects, a clearer image of what you’re looking for will begin to emerge. Explore our RESOURCE page and our VIDEO GALLERY for loads of interesting material.
✓ One of the most engaging ways to become a sword owner is to shop at our SWORD SHOWS in Japan. We generally hold a significant sword show in Kamakura every few months and two big shows every year on the island Okinawa (May and November).
If you are a member of the US Armed Forces and stationed in Japan, we bring swords to some major sales bazaars on YOKOTA AIR BASE (March/April and October), MISAWA AIR BASE (October) and on ATSUGI AIR BASE in late November/early December.
For those stationed on or near YOKOSUKA or IKEGO BASE, I would highly recommend that you aim to catch one of our sword shows in Kamakura. It is less than 30 minutes away by train, and always free entry.
Kamakura is also a must-see destination in Japan as it is the birthplace of the Samurai. Some of the country’s finest temples can be discovered (including the BIG Daibutsu) so a day trip is advised.
At each of our sword shows we have well over 20 swords available for immediate ownership. Unlike other sword shops in Japan, we allow customers (under the supervision of experts) to personally hold and handle every sword they may be interested in.
At at the shows, our team strives for an courteous and enthusiastic environment that is always professional. Entry is always FREE.
✓ If you are unable to attend one of our sword shows, I encourage you to SHOP OUR COLLECTION ONLINE. We’re always updating our site with new arrivals. When you see a sword that speaks to you, contact me and we will make your dream a reality.
Remember if you are shopping online, WE OFFER A THREE (3) DAY WORRY FREE INSPECTION PERIOD in which the sword may be returned with full repayment if you (the buyer) are not 100% completely satisfied.
Closing thoughts
For me, when I take out one of my swords for it’s regular maintenance, I find a quiet time in the day where I can reflect on where I am in my life. I think about my family, friends, clients, and of course my years in Japan.
And it reminds me to live for today, for this very moment, just as the Samurai aspired to do.
It’s somewhat hard to describe, but all my nihonto (Japanese swords) act as a kind of barometer in my life. They have given me an immeasurable amount of enjoyment, inner peace and satisfaction.
And I am pleased to say, that similar feeling run true for my clients as well.
I hope you found this article helpful.
If you would like to get in touch, feel free to contact me at anytime.
On behalf of myself and the team at Unique Japan, we look forward to serving you.
Photos above:
(Left) Taken at the Okinawa Sword Show
(Right) Pablo Kuntz presents an information session on Japanese swords at the CLSA Japan Forum 9 (Hyatt Hotel, Roppongi)
(Left) Taken at the Okinawa Sword Show
(Right) Pablo Kuntz presents an information session on Japanese swords at the CLSA Japan Forum 9 (Hyatt Hotel, Roppongi)
Here below is a video clip from Discovery Channel’s new TV series “Dealers”, where I made a guest appearance showcasing two Samurai swords. It was a pretty memorable event (to say the least!), and I was happy to meet some very great people on the show.
Pablo Kuntz, Founder of Unique Japan (click link for Bio)
Reference Material
*A fair amount of the information in the article was acquired from tremendous books that I am fond of called “Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum” by Victor Harris.
*A fair amount of the information in the article was acquired from tremendous books that I am fond of called “Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum” by Victor Harris.
**THE SAMURAI SWORD by KOHSHYU YOSHIDA (Published by TUTTLE)
