Paul Martin

Today was the final round of proof reading at the publishers for the book. The photos of the swords are a bit of a mixed bag. Some are excellent, and some are not so good. Not all are full size, although many are! Some are certain sections of the blade in question blown up to full size. Although, there are quite a number of full sized blades on pullout pages with the full length koshirae below (see pic). The pics of the fittings are pretty amazing. tsuba the size of small to medium sized dishes, and menuki, etc, blown up to 300%. There has been some creative editing due to space where the translation was too long, so some (not so exciting) information has been edited out. And some of the fittings translations have been cut to just the basic information. I still think it is a must for anyones sword book collection. Peter, The sword book boom is mostly different publishers regurgitating similar introduction to Japanese sword magazines, generally using the same meito and various modern craftsmen. However, in recent years I have seen a couple of paperback meikan (Shinkai, Kiyomaro), be republished and on major book retailers shelves. A little taster from the forthcoming book, Nihonto no Bi: Nihonto (The Japanese Sword). This is one of the promotional posters. The book has many pullout pages like this one. Apparently it will be available from here: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-1829538

I don't have all the details, I was just employed as a translator. According to amazon it does have pages (252) . I have only seen a mock up and lots of large pages on a table. I do know that it is quite large and comes in a box cover. The images are full size of the whole blade, but some of the ones I have seen have been cut into two parts on long pull-out pages. I haven't seen all the pages, but at least one of the handful of shots I've seen, the nakago was quite dark. However, it still looks like a VERY exciting book.The translation is not separate, it is in the main text of the book, and for 60 USD for a book of this quality with all the images (including top fittings magnified to 300%) I don't think that you can go wrong. There is a massive sword publication boom in Japan at the moment, and this is the best one so far (and it's mostly translated).

Let me see what I can do. It's not out yet, so no rush. In the meantime, if I can get an idea of numbers, it gives me something concrete to discuss with them.

Nihon no Bi: Nihonto (The Japanese Sword) Out September 28th 2015. The forthcoming book from Gakken publishing. A rare combination of sword eye candy and lots of information. Including many National Treasure and Juyo-Bunkazai swords all reproduced in the full size. There is a also a selection of top fittings and koshirae, with many magnified shots that really let you see the fine craftsmanship. And best of all, it is mostly translated into English (by Paul Martin of The Japanese Sword ) Price 6,372 JPY available for pre-order from certain outlets including Amazon Japan.

Thanks Brian, I'm sorry, I was posting these in the wrong section. Japanese Sword Video Mag #2 Masters of the Craft #1 Shameless self promotion Best

No, they were at the Hayashibara sponsored forge in Okayama before it closed. He only has the forge at Niigata now.

My latest effort, By the way, the Saka-Choji blade is available if anyone is interested. 3 million JPY

Thanks for all the well wishes. Seem to be on the mend now. I am hoping to get the all clear on Monday after further x-rays. Hopefully back up to full speed in the next week or so. Best Paul PS. I have never worked at the V&A

Thank you very much for your compliments. Wah, No. All shot without a slider on a 60D. Just a monopod at times. All the blades were in cases, and with the public dipping in and out. Lost some clarity on some shots as I had to digital zoom in post production to cut out Evangelion images as much as possible.

Edition 2 is out. If you read my previous posts on FB, you would have seen that there was copyright problems with this vid. It has been rigorously edited to a former shadow of itself, so as to try to avoid any copyright issues, and not get anyone but myself in trouble. Get it while it is hot, as it may get blocked or taken down soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NqejYrlNYE

Hello Peter, Thank you! PM sent Best

Only four days left on the fundrazr campaign. Just uploaded a trailer video with a mix of old and new footage as a last boost for donations. The program will be edited better. https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4aqO8/ab/61pjW2

Many thanks to Fred and Kevin. The project is moving along. It will take a bit of time as I am learning as I go along, and want to put out the best product that can within my limits as an amateur. I am not promising, but am aiming for something to go out early next year. I will probably disappear from public view for a while, so that I can concentrate on the project later in the year. In the meantime, I will also see many of you at the All Japan Taikai in October, and the Dai Token Ichi on the Friday only. Thanks again for all of your support. We still need donations though, some more equipment to buy, and there are other overheads to cover for other aspects. However, we are getting there. I have had some very positive responses from the Japanese side. Exciting times. Best

Yes Barry and Ken, Looks like a nice bit of kit. I wish I had seen this earlier, reasonably priced on Japanese Amazon too. Something else that will have to go on the wish-list. Best

Thanks Ken, Tripod 3 x spare batteries for Canon EOS 60D. (I have 2 Cameras) Multi-charger for above 2 x Scan DisK Extreme Pro SDXC 64 GB SD cards Azden Wireless mic system (two mic sets) Wide angle lens for Canon (good for video) Camera top stereo mic with muffler Specialist rucksack for camera equipment

Hi Sword Brothers (and Sisters), As you can see by the page we have made some progress, and with the money, I have been able to buy some of the equipment necessary to get the project going. However, we are still far from a project target, and I need several things. Such as, a second camera body, a (at least) prosumer level tripod, spare batteries, and spare SDXC cards. Also, a special bag to put the cameras and lenses in so that they are protected when I go to various locations. Even if we can reach the halfway mark of the original project goal, I think it will be a good start. Please encourage other sword enthusiasts to donate so we can really get a good launch. Also, in the meantime, I have been to visit the Youtube partner facilities in Roppongi, and it is excellent. I have also been spreading the word within the sword world here in Japan, and there is a very positive response. We already have some features ready to be filmed lined up. Now to hone those filming, editing and subtitling skills. Yes, the program will be an uncontrived balancing act of basic and more advanced information hopefully presented in a way easily understandable for most people. And yes, it is my intention to interview many different modern sword craftsmen. Naruki Issei was already on my list (if he will agree) as he is probably the most famous tsuba maker in Japan at the moment (next to Ford ). Best

My deepest thanks and appreciation to all who have donated. I have tried to thank everyone personally via the fundrazr page, and via email for direct donations. If I have missed you, my apologies, and please let me know that you haven't heard from me. Stephen, thanks for your donation. It's not the size that counts I realize that it may feel like a gamble for some of you to donate. However, without the start up funds it also makes it harder to achieve, but we are getting there. I have already been speaking with several people who are willing to talk about interesting subjects. As I first stated, we are aiming at a quarterly edition first, to get the ball rolling and improve our skills. I don't want to rush and put out a half-assed effort that no-one will find interesting. There are several factors to consider. TV presentation has evolved over the years, to the point where we have the likes of youtube, and anyone can put out videos. Someone sent me a link to a TedX talk by a Youtube representative speaking on what makes videos go viral. Whilst it mainly didn't apply to the TJSVM, it was interesting to note video/online presentation is different to most things that have gone before, now it is mostly kinda personalized into a vlogging style. I have to take this element, combine it with the traditional Japanese sword world, also incorporate elements of Japanese up-beat presentation styles, appeal to a wide demographic audience. I want to put out something good. It's a tough trail, and probably another labor of love, but I think it needs to be done.

Hello Everyone! Many thanks to Ford and everyone for all your support, and encouragement. I am sure it will take a few tries to get my editing/filming skills up to scratch, and figure out what works, and what doesn't. It will cost money, as I am also having to purchase the best equipment I can, and outsource some elements to improve the quality, as I simply cannot manage it all by myself. I was going to start a Kickstarter, but was foiled on one side as they do not sponsor projects based in Japan. Also, to be completely honest, I did not want to gamble the possible funding I could lose if I didn't reach the target, as the project will go ahead regardless. It's just a matter of how much funding will reflect the quality of the finished product. So far, we have had tons of 'like' clicks, but out of the 4400 members on my Facebook page and the however many thousand members of the NMB, we have had less than 30 donations. If you think that you would enjoy an insight into the Japanese sword world, even if you can donated one dollar, we would be getting somewhere. Below is the link again, https://fundrazr.com/stories/e4xO6c?psi ... 0384ec9434

From Leon Mommersteeg I will jump in too. To fund Paul's project I am offering $500 of the proceeds of the sale of this netsuke to the project. Vanitas Pebble, the kagamibuta netsuke that looks great next to any sword! $1100

Also, here is a licensed blade with Showa stamp that was on sale from Japan. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KATANA-sword-w- ... 51ab85b8b3

I love how Ernest Satow mentions the boarding of Perry's ship by Yoshida so casually in 'A Diplomat in Japan' TREATIES— ANTI-FOREIGN SPIRIT 45 central idea of Japan's foreign policy for many years, as the sequel will show. Even at this period there were a few who would have willingly started off on this new quest, and two Japanese actually asked Commodore Perry to give them a passage in his flagship. They were refused, and their zeal was punished by their own government with imprisonment.

Thank you for the endorsements. Yes, I can do all that. Message replied to. Thanks again. Best

I too can vouch for the workmanship of the Morii Brothers. I often get requests for them in my services. They have both taken top prizes at the NBSK comps. Atsuhiro san's shirasaya are spectacular, and Tetsutaro san's sashikomi is also top notch. Best

"It isn't rocket science." I spent last summer working with a saya-shi, and I now think it is rocket science. It is years of experience and know-how passed down from teacher to student. It's not just a matter of "not using sand-paper". There are many fine points to be observed. The way the habaki fits in the saya; at what points the sword touches the saya; where to join the two halves; where else to remove a bit more material if it touches the blade at a certain point, etc and so forth. It has to be made with long term preservation in mind. If carved incorrectly, even not using sand paper, it can still cause rusting. It's not just 'cutting a sword shaped hole and slotting it in'. The same as making a sword is not just wrapping a harder piece of steel around a soft piece and hammering it out into the shape of a blade. Sorry to jump in like this, but I found this thread rather frightening. Best

Hi All, At the following link is the entry form to the 2013 NBSK (Tobunkyo) Sword Craftmen's competition. I am still working on the other pages of the application forms (Maybe in time for next year...) Please note# It is 10,000 JPY per entry. Application form must be faxed in during March +81-(0)3-5249-0065. Entries are physically accepted between April 15 through 18, between 10 am and 4 pm at the Okura Shuko Kan Museum, 2-10-3 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001. Tel +81-(0)3-3583-0781. Award ceremony June 7th or 8th TBD. Exhibition June 8 through July 28, 2013. Good luck! NBSK comp 2013.pdf