Japan art fair, the Netherlands

[Leen]

 

Dear sword enthousiasts. 

In this post you'l find a link to the up and coming Japan Art Fair in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

I will be there :-) 

 

JAF – Japan Art Fair

[Lewis B]

I will be attending again this year too. I bought my first Nihonto at last years event. 

[Lewis B]

Tickets now on sale. Prices are significantly higher compared to 2024, though there is a Shinsa event on the Sunday (a first for JAF) with a limit of 2 blades per person.

 

https://www.japanartfair.com/tickets/

[Gakusee]

Thank you for the reminder, HB. Could you please help me understand something in case you have more information. Who is leading the shinsa, what format is it going to have and what will the outcome be? In other words, is it an informal friendly evaluation or a formal exercise with some certificate issued thereafter? 
Thanks. 

[Lewis B]

I will make inquiries and report back. The only information I have at the moment is what is in the announcement.

[Benjamin]

Thank you HB, I'm interested too. I think I'll try to come.

[Lewis B]

6 hours ago, Benjamin said:

Thank you HB, I'm interested too. I think I'll try to come.

If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour. 

[Lewis B]

On 3/3/2025 at 3:49 AM, Gakusee said:

Thank you for the reminder, HB. Could you please help me understand something in case you have more information. Who is leading the shinsa, what format is it going to have and what will the outcome be? In other words, is it an informal friendly evaluation or a formal exercise with some certificate issued thereafter? 
Thanks. 

I have more details regarding the kantei. It will be an informal event without issuance of papers. Basically its for an owner to get an honest opinion in case they were thinking of submitting to Japan for Shinsa. Sort of is it worth the effort for this particular blade. The experts on hand will be the very knowledgeable Hataya-san (Daisuke Hataya) and Shono-san (Ginza Seiyudo) for the evaluations. It's possible there will be a 3rd as of yet unannounced expert. These guys really know their stuff. 

I think we all have swords we would like to know more about so this is a great opportunity for the European contingent. 

 

[Gakusee]

12 hours ago, Lewis B said:

I have more details regarding the kantei. It will be an informal event without issuance of papers. Basically its for an owner to get an honest opinion in case they were thinking of submitting to Japan for Shinsa. Sort of is it worth the effort for this particular blade. The experts on hand will be the very knowledgeable Hataya-san (Daisuke Hataya) and Shono-san (Ginza Seiyudo) for the evaluations. It's possible there will be a 3rd as of yet unannounced expert. These guys really know their stuff. 

I think we all have swords we would like to know more about so this is a great opportunity for the European contingent. 

 

Thanks HB

I have met both Hataya san (senior and junior) and Shono san (father and son). It is good they will be visiting again. 
Your post is helpful and clarifies matters. 
I think such an initiative will be particularly helpful to new starters in this hobby, of whom undoubtedly there will be a representation at the fair. 

[Deiro]

great, If I will get better I'll surely visit again.

[Benjamin]

On 3/3/2025 at 9:26 PM, Lewis B said:

If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour. 

Thank you very much HB.

I took my tickets, and can't stand waiting to be there

[dimitri]

I'm disgusted, I can't go, I would have had 2 blades to have pre-evaluated. For once there is this chance.  😭😭

[oli]

hi,

 

Leen and i discussed about a meeting point for NMB members. What do you think about? We can also make a little bit advertising for the board,

 

regards

Oli

[Lewis B]

I will be attending Friday and Saturday and would be happy to meet up with other NMB members. 

[Stephen]

List of exhibitors is worth the price of admission very impressive

 

https://www.japanartfair.com/exhibitors/

[oli]

I wasn't thinking about about a exhibitor table, more like a table in the  coffeeroom, or something like that. 

[Lewis B]

15 hours ago, oli said:

I wasn't thinking about about a exhibitor table, more like a table in the  coffeeroom, or something like that. 

Thats certainly possible given the layout at the last event, but I would check with the organizers first.

[Deiro]

Well if there shall be a NMB meeting point I guess I would have no choice but to drop by again... I assume saturday would be the best day to attend.

[Lewis B]

2 hours ago, Deiro said:

Well if there shall be a NMB meeting point I guess I would have no choice but to drop by again... I assume saturday would be the best day to attend.

All depends if you are looking to buy or have some quiet time with your favourite blade. Friday will be more relaxed and give you first crack of the whip. Saturday after lunch was the busiest last year.

[oli]

My plan is to come saturday and sunday. Would be nice to meet some new people.

Maybe appointment Saturday evening in Pub? Maybe a local can help?