The anime themed sword exhibit travels on...

[cabowen]

Enjoy:

 

http://www.jiji.com/jc/d4?p=eva514&d=d4_museum&google_editors_picks=true

[Peter Bleed]

I understand that there is an an ongoing serious attempt to get a new generation interested in Nippon-to, but this! OMG. It gives full meaning to "pimping swords."

Musashi is turning in the grave.

Peter

[paulb]

Hi Peter

Your reaction is much the same as mine when this originally appeared. At that time the majority seemed to think this was beneficial to the subject and they may well be right.

I am reassured by your comments that I am not the only one who finds this troubling. either that or I am not the only miserable old ****

I still think this does a great disservice to the art but feel I am in an increasing minority.

[kusunokimasahige]

I must say I quite like it.

 

I know Yoshindo Yoshihara's panther did provoke quite a stir, but I also liked that one.

 

And why should the Japanese sword and its art not evolve ?

 

KM

[chris covington]

I like some of the koshirae even though I would never buy something like that. I really like the sword with the multi sized same', red tsuba and blu saya. I think the use of the same' is very interesting and fun to look at. I am also a big fan of the three models, they really make the display that much more interesting

[paulb]

Dear KM

evolution should suggest development and improvement. I am not sure this is either I would describe it more as degrading an art form in an attempt to appeal to a broader market. Nothing wrong with the idea I just don't believe it does anything to represent the original art.

From when this first appeared it was clear I was in the minority on this and it is a purely subjective view but I feel this is more indicative of the need to link everything to celebrity or fad to enable it to gain recognition. It has nothing to do with evolving or improving the art form.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Art being in the mind of the beholder, I'm also not surprised that so-called "sword art" has taken this turn.

 

I just wonder if those young people interested in these "blades" will later turn to real Nihonto...?

 

Ken

[Lingonberry]

I think it's just as likely, if not more likely, that the young people targeted by this would ask for more fantasy/anime swords rather than traditional ones.

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think it's a great idea, and the craftsmanship on those pieces is stunning.

 

I am part of the new generation, I watched a lot of anime when I was younger. And now after having a break of it for some years I've started watching again, and some series are just amazing, wonderful story and very well made as a whole. Even though I wouldn't consider myself as an anime fan, I understand how it has such a strong following among many young adults & kids in western world.

 

When looking at these swords, try not to think them as nihonto, but as fantasy swords. I really like that Japanese have made this fantasy exhibition, as in western world fantasy swords have been very common. I bet many of you remember the Atlantean sword in Conan, and other famous fantasy swords seen in movies. And I remember doing the famous "Conan twirling" with my Euro swords as a kid. Seeing movies, anime and such will have huge influence on kids, (and even older folk).

 

Personally I'm not that much into fantasy swords neither Western or Japanese, I've always preferred more traditional swords. But fantasy swords are popular, especially among the younger collectors.

 

Is this improving nihonto as art, probably not, but it's evolving it into new direction.

[Dr Fox]

I wonder if it’s an age thing, or a generation jump, or even a culture difference. But apart from the attractive young ladies, this went completely over my head.

Despite my best efforts, I could not relate to this subject on any level.

Just a little annoyed, that if the majority found this enjoyable, I am completely out of step.

So one or more of the first paragraph applies, none of which has a quick fix.

[Peter Bleed]

With a posted link and only a couple of words Chris has created an interesting discussion. After reading Henk-Jan's positive assessment, I looked at the images once again and more carefully. Indeed there are some interesting - even attractive objects here. The modern tsuka, for example, do explore same in interesting ways. Certainly anyone who has felt and seen same-kaya has to recognize that it has lots of aesthetic potential. And there is no question that the craft of blade forging blade is impressive so that the fantasy blades are very impressive. Both of these categories seem like developments of Japanese swords. These developments are like the American knife makers' blades that are basically colorful sculpture that with one margin or a corner that is sharp. These may be legitimate evolutions of Japanese sword making.

But, I'm sorry, some of these items go too far. I see no reason to present an anime figure as sukashi-bori on a blade. There is a reason for a Fudo-miyo or a dragon, or bonji on a blade. But why put an anime nymph on a sword. If you want to chisel out a nymph, and and can find a market for it, go ahead and use horimono techniques, but I see no reason to do it on a blade. I do not see this as a reasonable extension of sword making.

I also have to voice mild disagreement with Chris' assessment of the charm of the young women presented with these objects. These are nice looking kids, but padded metalic halter tops just don't get me thinking about swords.

Peter

[runagmc]

I'm sure age has something to do with it, but the majority of anime doesn't appeal to me at all, either. However, there are some GOOD anime that I think may be enjoyable for you.

 

See what you think of this, http://anilinkz.com/sword-of-the-stranger when you have the chance (but you have to be open-minded, and give it a chance at least, to see if it's all as bad as you have thought.

 

Maybe we should make a short list of anime that the "more advanced in age" might still be interested in... there may not be many though. It would be interesting to see if you guys got any enjoyment out of the better anime. I think the movie I posted would be a good starter.

 

Edit to say - while the swords look nice, the mounts are not even remotely attractive, and many are just plain ugly/ridiculous looking, even as representations of fantasy items. (my opinion)

[kusunokimasahige]

Of course there is definetely something to say for the comments made by Peter and others about the "distasteful" aspects of putting an anime nymph as horimono on a sword. I personally do not like fantasy, nor fantasy anime thaty much, though I can smile when watching Bleach or Death note. Some others I find VERY disturbing, for instance Onegai Teacher.

 

Personally I love Jidaigeki anime, taiga anime and any historic anime in which samurai have a proper place (so not Afro Samurai). Sword of the Stranger is not bad, though the blond haired Chinese speaking foreigner was a bit over the top.

And yes, I also like Rurouni Kenshin. In the sci fi department its a different matter. Akira, legend of the overfiend,

Tetsuo and other classics.

 

But, this cosplay world has less appeal to me in general than the Re-enactment world or even the world of people who dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters.

 

I am not convinced that these swords will spark a new interest in Nihon-To or even Japanese history by youngsters, even Taiga drama is down in Japan at the moment according to an article in the Asahi shimbun, but well that is not the point of the exhibition itself I think. The point is to have fun and enjoy this mix of fantasy and real items.

 

About the girls...

 

I find the middle one very kawaii. But should I ever be made to choose, I would go for Wakeshima Kanon or Ueto Aya any day. And of course Ishihara Satomi.