New Sword Association in town

[Ford Hallam]

many of you will no doubt be aware of rumours about a proposed new sword culture promotion association. Well, it seems it's a reality. . Pierre Nadeau just sent me a link to an article that explains all.

 

You'll find all the details here;

on Pierre's website.

 

...and for our French members here is the original article from the website of Franz Baldauff.

 

...and the official Japanese web-site.

 

 

Personally I quite like the title; Tōbunkyō 刀文協...Sword Culture Association

 

regards,

 

Ford

[DirkO]

Is this new NBSK meant to replace the NBTHK in the long run ? Or simply to provide structure for certain areas which got less attention in the past ? Is NBSK supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs ? Does anyone have more info ?

[Clive Sinclaire]

Gentlemen (and Ford)

There are already a number of westerners who are members of the NBSK, including mysel and although "gaijin friendly", the organisation is mostly designed to support artisans of the Japanese sword. It is felt that the NBTHK was unable to truely represent the interests of the artisans, especially with the withdrawal of official Bunka-cho funding following various "irregularities" at the NBTHK. This makes progress to higher levels such as Mukansa rank, impossible, and so there is a direct effect on the lives of artisans.There is, however, absolutely no reason why they cannot co-exist with the NBTHK which will continue to run the Sword Museum and shinsa. The NBSK seem to have a good relationship with Kokusa Tosogu-kai with several officials in common.

In the longer term, there is a possibility that NBSK will run shinsa but would probably only run them at Hozon level, ie stating the authenticity of the sword only, as all other levels are seen as too commercialy orientated and this has been the route of problems at the NBTHK. Pierre's website explains the concept and details admirably.

Clive Sinclaire

[Ford Hallam]

Gentlemen (and Ford)

 

oooh...you just wait Sinclair, I know where you live Kettle, pot...black?

 

the organisation is mostly designed to support artisans of the Japanese sword.

 

still waiting for my stipend.

[Bugyotsuji]

Thanks for the update. The Japanese site seems to be nearly ready too, but it's strange the way they've done it. When you click on the titles, nothing seems to happen, but you then need to scroll down each time to see the pages.

[Guido]

This was a long time in the making, and as far as I'm concerned, the more (associations) the merrier. I have friends on both sides, but what *really* annoys me is that the NBSK (and the KTK by association) obviously sees a need to trash the NBTHK at every opportunity. Bad, *extremely* bad form!!! Why not letting collectors decide themselves? Badmouthing others to promote oneself isn't something I'm too partial to. I've never seen this behavior in regard to NBTHK vs. NTHK - both societies co-existed peacefully for quite a few decades without any childish mud-slinging.

[Clive Sinclaire]

Hi Guido

I agree somewhat with what you say but if any perceived rifts are to be healed, maybe it is better to refrain from talking about "sides" and portraying it as a "childish mud slinging" confrontational situation. Whatever may have been the case in the recent past, moderation in language will only help as I know you agree, but there were certainly serious issues that needed to be addressed. As you intimate, many of us have teachers and friends involved and in reality, it probably matters little what we think outside of Japan anyhow.

My regards to your better half (wife)

Clive

[Guido]

Clive, you're right about my mud remark - I should have been more moderate (pun) and diplomatic (double-pun). However, there *are* two camps, and the rift is not only perceived. I find that very regrettable and disappointing, and am afraid that there will be no "healing" as long as the NBSK continues its NBTHK bashing. And if it doesn't matter what people outside of Japan think, why bother to recruit foreign members?

 

And oh, you got me there for a second - good thing you qualified "better half" as "wife", I first thought you were referring to my evil twin! :D Anyhow, Minako says "hi", too.

[Justin]

Has there been any talk of establishing another tatara in Japan? (Since part of the NBSK's charter involves representing artisans). I think most smiths are happy with the quality of tamahagane, however I remember reading some negative comments in the two main books on modern Japanese swordsmiths.

 

Thanks

[Clive Sinclaire]

Justin

I am not aware of any disquiet that might lead to the establishment of a new tatara and think that this is most unlikely to happen. Having said that, I do know that certain highly placed swordsmiths, prefer to smelt their own tamahagane in small "home" tatara and the resulting swords are amongst the best shinsakuto. This predates the formation of the NBSK and I cannot see the new organisation taking on such a massive task as establishing a new tatara in the foreseeable future.

Clive