Translation of info from NBTHK Museum?

[djl]

I'm going to visit the museum in Tokyo next week, and if memory serves, there isn't very much English. Has anyone translated any of the info from the museum recently (I think the displays change)? Any hints for a non-kanji reader who hopes to understand something about what he is seeing?

 

Thanks!

[Bugyotsuji]

This one I guess:

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/nbthk-tk ... museum.htm

 

Maybe contact them in advance and ask for an English-speaking guide.

[Brian]

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Japan.htm

I don't think there are any English (human) guides available at all, but iirc from my first visit there, language was not really a problem, and there is plenty to look at. I can't remember how many labels were in English, but it is a brilliant place to see swords and fittings, and I think there is enough English to make do. I can't remember thinking that I don't understand much (probably from shock anyways) and I think you will be fine. One of the must-do's in Tokyo. Just have a good map handy, as it isn't the easiest place to find.

 

Brian

[Tokaido]

Hello Dan,

you will get a leaflet with the list of the exhibited items. Unfortunately it is availiable in Japanese Kanji only.

But every item in the display case has an english name on it (and there are only big names swords on display, so easy to read kanji

So you may miss the (very short) descrition (in Japanese), but you can write down the swordsmiths names on your Japanese leaflet.

Most times there is no englishspeaking staff availiable, sorry.

 

Kind regards

Andreas B.