2008 Japan Trip
November 2008 saw the hosting of the annual Tokyo sword show called the Dai Token Ichi. This is the largest sword show in Japan, and was timed one week before the anniversary convention of the NBTHK. Five SAJSS members travelled to Japan during this time. They were B. Robinson, P. Quinn, D. Volkwyn, F. Hallam and N. Curtis. Arriving at the end of October, there were a few days to get used to Japan and get to know the basics.
The Dai Token Ichi is a real eye-opener. 2 Floors with over 70 dealers, and wall to wall swords, fittings and related items of the highest quality. The first day was spent looking at items, getting to know the very friendly dealers, and meeting some important overseas collectors and Japanese contacts. This was a very well attended event by overseas collectors, and there were people from the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Sweden and other places. It was quite a novelty for them to see collectors from South Africa, and the response was very friendly.
The evening of the first night saw over 50 international collectors meeting for a night out. This was a great event, and ample amounts of sake and shochu were demolished. It was great meeting some of the important people in the Nihonto community, and many others that we only knew through the internet. The show continued for another 2 days, in which time some beautiful items were seen, discussed and some items purchased.
The next 2 weeks were spent travelling around Japan a bit, seeing many sword shops, markets and fascinating sights. There were other social events and acquaintances made that will be of huge benefit to the society. Most visitors returned with extra suitcases bulging with books and related items. The swords examined ranged from Sadamune to Yoshimichi to cheap project blades. Every budget can be catered for, and there is no shortage of quality if you can afford it. The buzz at the show revolved around the weakened global economy and it is clear that the strong Japanese Yen is having an effect on the market there. But in spite of this, there are many good deals to be had, and even more to just look at and learn.
Good contacts were made for the future with polishers, swordsmiths, dealers, restorers and metalworkers.
Of note is the excellent and reasonably priced food in Japan, and the many sightseeing places to visit. The Nihonto community in Japan is strong, and a lot goes on behind the online scenes. There were many shops visited that aren’t online and not well known, and it is evident that there are thousands of swords traded yearly within Japan.
This will no doubt not be the last visit to Japan for some members of the SAJSS, and hopefully more members will visit on the coming years. Overall a very successful trip with many advantages for the collecting scene in South Africa.
Entrance to the DTI, first floor, center row of many
One of many sword and fittings dealers at the DTI
DTI dealer specializing in fittings
Dealer at the DTI Tokyo with wall to wall swords
Some high end swords available for purchase with origami
More top quality swords with origami
Tokyo by day - Shibuya crossing
Tokyo at night - Ginza
Social dinner with many important Nihonto people
Another social event - Yakatabune on the river