Richie112

Just out of curiosity what is the effect in Japan of a dealer/smith not handing in the registration card? I have heard of the practice of people being sent swords without the registration card. My understanding was that the card had to be handed in with the registration application for the sword to be exported. Otherwise the sword wouldn't be allowed to be sent abroad..... or am I wrong? Does this mean that nihonto are being shipped as mogito?

Mr Chan Is the young smith you referring to Komiya Kokuten? Have you seen or handled any of his work?

Hi Ford Thanks very much for your input.... very interesting and enlightening. I imagine what you say about nyusen also applies to the other places ie you can have 3rd prize but in 6th place of 3rd prize. Mind boggling. . . Just out of interest, how does a smith get elevated to the rank of Mukansa and is this a permanent rank or can it be lost?

Thanks very much Andrew and Jean for taking the time to reply and the links. It's interesting to note that there are more than one first, second and third prizes. I agree completely Andrew that the results of such competitions shouldn't be the reason for choosing a smith, hence my post. Their are only a one or two web pages with pictures of Shinsakuto made by the smiths recommend to me and with my scant knowledge of Japanese, I am left out to water. So. if anyone can help with any further information I would be most greatful.

Hi and happy New Year to you all I just wondering if any one has any information or links that will point me in the right direction for the questions I have. I have dug about the internet to no avail. I'm in the process of getting Shinsakuto made for me. A few smiths have been recommended and results from the AJSA have been quoted at me but what do they all mean? Living Treasures and Mukansa speak for themselves but what is the meaning of Toku-sho, Yushu-sho, Doryoku-sho and Nyusen. Another question is, does anyone here have a sword made by either Kimura Mitsuhiro from Kumamoto, Tanaka Sadatoyo or Kawahara Sadachika? Thanks for any help in advance