Ono Yoshimitsu Demonstration Excel London May 19/20 2007

[Paul Martin]

Press Release

 

Cyberbudo and The Japanese Sword.com are pleased to announce the attendance of master swordsmith Ono Yoshimitsu and master sword polisher Abe Kazunori to Seni 07 (http://www.senishow.com) at the Excel Centre, Docklands, London May 19/20. This is a rare opportunity for anyone interested in Japanese swords, as this is the first time that these two master craftsmen have appeared outside of Japan.

 

Ono Yoshimitsu is a strong candidate to become a Living National Treasure. At the annual sword forging competition he won the top prize (Prince Takamatsu Award) four times in a row and five times in total—a feat unachieved by any of his contemporaries. Now ranked mukansa (above competition level), he no longer has to compete as his blades are guaranteed display at the annual exhibition in the Japanese Sword Museum, Tokyo. This is a rare chance to see a real master demonstrating some of the processes of sword making and view some of his works. Yoshimitsu is renowned for his re-creation of the Japanese national treasure sword called the Yamatorige. On this occasion we will be fortunate enough to be able to see this displayed at the Cyberbudo stand.

 

Abe Kazunori is a mukansa ranked Japanese sword polisher. A winner of seven first prizes at the annual sword polishing competition in Japan, he is one of the top polishers in Japan today and has been entrusted with polishing many important Japanese swords. Also a producer of oshigata (hand drawn records of Japanese swords) for a major sword publication, Abe will be giving lectures over the weekend and will be demonstrating traditional Japanese sword polishing techniques throughout the day at the Cyberbudo stand.

 

Paul Martin

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Thanks for the info, Paul.

 

Hope I'll be there. Eventually I'll get in touch with you.

 

Cheers.

[Paul Martin]

Hi Carlo

 

I look forward to seeing you!

 

Best

[pcfarrar]

Hi Paul,

 

I will be there as well, will we be able to get signed copies of the Ono Yoshimitsu catalogue at the show?

 

Peter

[Paul Martin]

Hi Peter,

 

Yes, Ono san will sign them personally for you at the venue. We will also be bringing some of his kogatana, tamahagane, silicon lens cloths, Fujishiro Oil and uchiko. Also we will bring some copies of the All Japan Swordsmiths' Association booklet. There may be some other surpises too.

 

Best

[Henry Wilson]

What is Fujishiro oil?

[Brian]

Henry,

 

I'm assuming it is just good quality oil sold under the Fujishiro brand name (like the uchiko they sell) that is known for its good quality?

 

Brian

[Paul Martin]

That is correct. It is oil and uchiko sold from the Fujishiro polishing studio under the Fujishiro brand name.

[w.y.chan]

Hi Paul,

I believe the record for most Prince Takamatsu award is 6 by one Miyairi Kei, might be wrong but need confirmation?

[Paul Martin]

Hi Wah,

 

You are correct, Miyairi Kei won the Takamatsu prize 6 times. 1993,95,96,98,99 and 2000. If you know anyone who has won it equal to or more than four times in a row please let me know.

 

Best

 

Paul

[w.y.chan]

Hi Paul,

 

Thanks for giving the info. I wasnt sure if any smiths had won 4 Prince Takamatsu prize consequetively other than Ono. Yoshihara Yoshikazu did dominate the top spot for some years, I dont have the record if they were consequetive?

 

Another thing I want to ask about the sword making competition. I am not sure if I am correct but it appears some smiths became mukansa on the same year they won a 1st prize while others became without having to compete on the year they are nominated, I probably read it wrong somwhere. If I can bother you for time, do you the stats for the two Yoshihara brothers of their competition success over the years?

 

Cheers

W

[Paul Martin]

Hi Wah,

 

Its all in Modern Japanese Swordsmiths isn't it?

 

Best

 

Paul

[w.y.chan]

Modern Japanese Swordsmiths although gave the prizes won it doesnt show the year it was won. It is up to 2001/02. You are probably the best person here to shed some lights on this.

I believe Ono won the top prize in 1987, the last time he entered as a competing smith and the same year was nominated Mukansa, but new mukansa are named when the result is announced and need not be listed as competing, unless the rules were changed since? Last year Ogawa Kanekuni and So Masachika was named mukansa but as has been before they werent listed as competing smiths.

 

Thanks again

 

W

[Paul Martin]

The Lectures will take place on Saturday 11 am and Sunday 3 pm. This is also a hands on look at Ono Yoshimitsu's blades including his Yamatorige utsushi mono. Abe Kazunori will be showing all the different stages of polishing and allowing visitors to see the appearance of the steel at every stage.

 

Hope to see you there! (Seni07 Excel London)

 

Best

[w.y.chan]

Paul, do the guests allow flash photography while at work?

 

Had a chance of using the other type of Fujishiro oil yesterday, the yellow or choji version just to see how it it was like. Its almost odourless and the light yellow colour looks like camellia oil, maybe it is? Still too early to tell how good it is but I imagine not as good as their mineral version which is highly recommended.

[Paul Martin]

Flash photography is fine.

 

Also, I would encourage everyone to get their pictures taken with these two master-craftsmen on this rare occasion. However, please use some discretion depending on what they are doing at the time. Both guests are very obliging and will probably try to help people get the shots they require. But again, please use discretion as there will be other people who came to see them too.

 

Best

[Paul Martin]

This weekend, don't miss it!

[AndreasU]

Hi Paul,

unfortunately I cannot be in London due to the situation that I have to prepare my marriage :D

 

So, is it possible that you can get one of these catalogues signed for me and if yes what will be the price for it?

If you have a little piece of Tamahagane (Nut size) I would appreciate if you can also store it in the package :D

 

I don't know if you want to answer official, if not please send me a PM.

 

Best Regards

 

Andreas U.

[pcfarrar]

Hi Andreas,

 

I can get you the catalogue and tamahagane if you like, as I'll be around both days. I'll be buying both for myself as well

 

Peter

[Red Anjin]

Paul,

Is there a way to order the catalogue from you? As I'm in the middle of the Persain Gulf right now attending isn't really an option.

 

Thank,

Josh

[Paul Martin]

Sure no problems,

 

Let me know your address privately and who you want in signed to.

 

Best