A question about Tanobe-sensei's choice of sayagaki

[Guest Simon R]

I wondered whether members more knowledgeable than myself about the internal etiquette of the NBTHK could throw some light on when and how Tanobe-sensei chooses to write a sayagaki.

 

Specifically, does he do it on a whim, perhaps after being alerted by the shinsa team (him now being retired) to a very unique or precious blade?

Or, alternatively, does he receive specific requests to do so and thus a helpful contact within the organisation (or a respected dealer/representative) is needed to set things in motion?

 

Simply curious.

[Gakusee]

The latter 

[Guest Simon R]

1 hour ago, Gakusee said:

The latter 

I thought as much. Thank you, Michael.

[cju777]

And not just a contact within the NBTHK organization, many of those offering shinsa services or dealers know and visit him or know of a proxy to get a blade to him to request a sayagaki. 

[Jacques D.]

Tanobe san makes his sayagaki pay.

[Guest Simon R]

That all makes perfect sense.

Thank you Chris and Jacques.

 

Last night I had dinner sitting next to the great grandson of Tokugawa Yoshinobu talking swords all night - perhaps I should have asked him to put in a good word for me? 🤔 C'est La vie.

[Gakusee]

Most dealers can do that for you. As well as probably people like Bob Hughes “Keichodo” etc. 
Actually, Tanobe sensei is very personable and friendly. 
Have not had the chance to meet Tokugawa san yet, but from friends who have met him, have heard he is down to earth and friendly too. 

[Guest Simon R]

1 hour ago, Gakusee said:

Most dealers can do that for you. As well as probably people like Bob Hughes “Keichodo” etc. 
Actually, Tanobe sensei is very personable and friendly. 
Have not had the chance to meet Tokugawa san yet, but from friends who have met him, have heard he is down to earth and friendly too. 

Indeed Michael, he is an absolutely fascinating gentleman and, as you've already heard, extremely friendly. I belong to a historical society of which Mr. Tokugawa is a board member - which is how I had the great pleasure of meeting him last night.

 

Regards,

Simon

[IBot]

I was at Nikko Toshogu Shrine during one of their Spring festivals during which Tokugawa San attended to pray for his ancestor. This he does in a special side-room off from the main room of the shrine. I was perched on a shogi in the main room with my backside getting more and more uncomfortable as the Head priest, Inaba San, went through the ceremony. Finally Tokugawa San emerged from the side room dressed in traditional costume. The effect was really spooky as  he looked exactly like all the portraits of Ieyasu.  Afterwards during the evening banquet I managed to have a few words with him, and he came across as an absolute gentleman in the true sense of the word.

Ian Bottomley