Ichi

Sorry folks. Here's the official press release (in Japanese) from Japan Post confirming this new shipping regulations http://www.post.japanpost.jp/whats_new/ ... 02_c01.pdf On November 12, 2010 Japan Post made an announcement of new shipping restrictions to the USA. Recently, Twitter et al. has been ablaze with news of this announcement, and there seems to be some mis-information being passed around. The Truth: The restrictions basically state that in order to thwart terrorist activities, packages 453 grams (16 ounces) or heavier being shipped via aircraft to the US and its territories will not be accepted starting November 17, 2010 (tomorrow) continuing for an unforeseen period. Shipping methods affected: Standard Airmail Small Parcel Airmail Standard SAL Small Parcel SAL EMS So What? What does this restriction mean for you personally? As an individual shipping from Japan to the USA, you will have to chose another shipping method (ie. seamail) if your package weighs 453 grams or more.

email address and sending the following message to NMB members' addresses : At first I am sorry to disturb you ,please cost one minite reading it. Market of elecronics welcome your coming! We provide the cheapest electronics, and you would know finding us is your right choice if you want to buy electronics. We want to make an inventory of warehousebecause of the financial crisis ,so you could buy the cheaper product here, such as Cell Phone, Digital Cameras, Print Navigation Devices, Projectors, Monitor and displays, Rugged Computers, Televisions, Computers .We are ready to serve for our customer everytime. Here we could guaratee the price of product here must be lower than other companies.Come on ,constract us quickly! Have a rest ,and visit our website:http://PC-Printers.COM ---- d--2

The only info I have on this title is: Book Description: Author Colin M. Roach collaborated with top-level artisans, historians, and martial arts experts to create a unique, in-depth study of these magnificent weapons from a historical, iconographical, and technological perspective. In addition to a foreword by seventh degree iaido black belt Nicklaus Suino and a sidebar by Mukansa-level polisher Abe Kazunori, Japanese Swords includes rare looks into the world of Mukansa-level swordsmiths Kawachi Kunihira and Gassan Sadatoshi. Complemented by hundreds of stunning high-resolution photos and a DVD, Japanese Swords is a must-have addition to any Japanophile's library.

That article on Sakai was indeed interesting. Didn't know that Japanese pilots didn't carry parachutes! Thanks.

They are Kyoto Token Kobo run by Hashimoto family. Many good stuffs on upstairs. http://www.insolco.com/Japan-sword/pages/frameset.html Ichi

Hi Brian, It's Monday morning, and Guildo and the rest of NMB gangs must be experiencing massive hangovers. This year's DTI carried many big name blades and the vendors I talked to all mentioned that the prices are 20-30% lower. I guess the global economic storm is hitting their pocket. All the best, Ichi

You can pick one from here based on the district. http://Japan-hotelguide.com/hotels/Japa ... /index.htm

Yeah, there is one giftshop on the first floor of Yasukuni Museum, but nothing like this. They are mostly souvenir/gift stuffs.

That's okay, tsuba-guy. Btw, that tsuba stew was delicious ! See you at the next NMB party #VI.

Hi Scott, While googling to find the nearest movie theater, I found this site showing varies news clippings on this film: http://article.wn.com/view/2008/03/19/T ... rticle.txt It might take awhile to reach your end.

The documentary film Yasukuni, directed by Chinese will be aired from April 12. This film has become controversial because to make it the producers received a 7.5 million yen subsidy from the Japanese government, however the film have intention of delivering a political message. The movie, which was 10 years in production, focuses on a master swordsmith who made the so-called Yasukuni sword on the shrine grounds. I am looking forward to this film, but then many theaters are cancelling the program.

It doesn't like a mon to me, but rather a "sakura" . Sorry, I just came back from a cherry blossom festa here in Tokyo, and had a bit too much sake. The first kanji is mura [village].

Thanks, Koichi-sama. All the best,

Someone from NMB mentioned before whether nihonto was an expensive hobby.... Well, look at this Buddha from Kamakura era which went for a cool $14 million. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080318/ap_ ... _sculpture

Yo Oyabun-san, Where the f... is Sanjo machi? Googliing this whole afternoon, but can't find the spot. Any tip on the venue is appreciated. BTW, was Nobuyoshi/Nobuhira good at it? Any of Keith's swords available for viewing on the net? Cherry blossom season is just around the corner, and it will be nice to pay a visit to Nagano. All the best,

Nobunaga being a Heike was surrounded by his own generals from Genji descendant.

Velasis Marina? In Uraga? That's where I live, just in front of the beach where Commodore Perry anchored his blackship. Will keep watching with my binocular.

Yo Sencho-san, When entering Tokyo Bay, keep extra eyes on Maritime Self Defense Force's destroyer-class. They love to ram into civilian boats. Welcome back Simon!

If the filled holes were the original, then å…¼å‹ã€€mei is way too low positioned and not proportional right.

Humm... very interesting, Kajihei.

I think the good start is to post some pics here. The overall shape may help determine the period the blade was constructed.

Hi Doc Rich, Thanks for the tips. Will let my friends in the East Coast know about this. Glad you are back and recovering well. Sir.

Here you go Philip. Guess it's up to your taste. Not mine. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %26fvi%3D1

Straight forward answer... it's a Japanese sword look-alike made in China.

Hi Jean, The best on-line shop? My first sword came from Sanmei's Tokugawa Art. I've regretted it, and will never buy one from the net. I use on-line searching for one, and will make a personal look before buying one. I think it's still Aoi, although I agreed with Guido that there ain't that many around that's active. Tsuruta-san's mark up price is relatively lower compared to others. I think the overall quality of his blades went down recently though. His friend dealers bring them over to liquidiate their inventories. Some good ones don't even go on the net. Kurokawa sensei's Sokendo or Taibundo in Ginza may carry better quality stuff, but then no on-line information and price extremely higher.