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Yes I am on Facebook. Brent Tanner

Just moved to Southlake from Brazil. Would be great to get together with others in the DWF area.

Jim died of congestive heart failure in 2011. I knew him very well when I lived in Tokyo. As stated above, a very controversial person. His girlfriend Maeda is still trying to sell off his inventory or items, mostly fittings. I saw her at a DTI a few years ago, but am not sure how to get in contact with her anymore. Maybe someone in Japan might know. Brent

If you are ever in São Paulo, happy to arrange a viewing. Most of collection is back in the US, but still a few interesting pieces around. Regards Brent

Unfortunately the last smith we know of died several years. The one togishi I know was taught by his father who wasn't very good. The art seems to have died in Brazil.

Doing part 11 right now on Japanese swordsmiths who came to Brazil in the Meiji and Taisho era. There are three we have identified. One came from the Enju line of KiKuchi smiths. Interesting part of Japanese history not often talked about. Tough to break into the community to get information. Hopefully will complete by year end. Regards Brent

Thanks Markus. I will continue my research in the school. Appreciate the comments. Ciao Brent

Thanks Markus. This makes a lot more sense. My Japanese colleagues were perplexed by the statement and didn't understand the historical context. Any conjecture on why there is so little written about koto kaifu swords? Regards, Brent

I am also finalizing an addendum to that article. I want to add in a Meibutsu Kaifu blade named "iwakiri" (stonecutter) I read about and have a couple of Oshigata on. It is interesting that I have now found a few Juyo or TBH quality Koto Kaifu blades, particularly from Ujiyoshi and Yasuyoshi that are very interesting and worthy of praise. Personally I would love to own any of them. Would like to hear comments from anyone who may own one. Regards, Brent Tanner

Thanks for the suggestion. Not sure what the copyright issue would be, since there are scans of the two paper articles. If NMB wants and thinks it OK, I could send to Brian for posting. Regards Brent

I have the English and Japanese versions in several PDF files. The Japanese version includes the pictures. PM me with your personal email and I will send them to you. It is 7 PDF files over 30MB total. Unless someone knows a way to load them on this site? Regards, Brent

Possibly locally made in Brazil. I am located in São Paulo, I will send you a PM with my contact information. Regards Brent

Thanks everyone - I haven't been diligent enough on keeping up. apologies, Brent

Does anyone know if an English index was available for this years DTI catalogue? Regards Brent

This one may interest you. It is in my collection and was acquired from a family in Japan many years ago. It was taken to Iida Koendo (well know craftsman in sword world) and he recognized the Koshirae as having been made in his fathers shop. He then introduced the current mukansa fittings master who is the son (Miyajima-san) of the fitting master who made the fittings. They shared family photos of the shop and various saya and fittings makers, many of them well known in the sword world. These types of Koshirae were often special order, but well know at the time. Enjoy, Brent