Noda-kai Sword Auction Annual Taikai was held at the Noda Business Hotel. On the previous day, everyone had a great time at the gathering, where they were fascinated by magician Hitomi's tricks and had fun competing in a rock-paper-scissors game for participation fee free tickets. On the main event day of the Taikai, about 60 sword dealers participated, and some Juyo Token, many attractive swords and sword fittings were put up for auction, resulting in a record-high turnover. I received many words of appreciation from the participants, and all the staff were filled with a sense of satisfaction as they successfully completed the long and busy two days.

The 3rd Mito Token Ichi was held over two days, May 23rd (Fri) and 24th (Sat), at Mito City Civic Centre. Mito City Civic Center is an arts and culture facility located in a lively area with three facilities lined up: Keisei Department Store and Art Tower Mito, affectionately known as "MitoriO". Not only sword collecters but also many people interested in sword culture visited. We also received encouragements from local sword dealers participating in the Noda-kai Sword Auction, making it a very successful two days. It is not easy for me to exhibit attractive swords made by swordsmiths and sword fittings from Mito that will catch the eye of Mito sword enthusiasts, but I will do my best next time to meet their expectations!

The 38th general meeting of the Japan Sword Dealers Association (Fiscal Year Ending March 2025) was held. I was appointed as MC. Chairman Mr. Fukami, president of Ginza Choshuya, moderated the meeting, during which the business report for the previous year and the business plan for this year were approved. The board of directors were re-elected every two years, and I was reappointed as a director. Yoshio Iida, president of Iidakoendo, was elected as the new chairman of the Japan Sword Dealers Association. The new executive team will inherit the trust and achievements that former chairman Mr. Fukami built up. I renewed my determination to play my part, however small, in the sword dealers association led by new chairman Mr. Iida.

I visited the private exhibition Fifty Years of Sword Making by Yoshimitsu Ohno[大野義光], Splendid Juka-choji hamon Blade'' held at the Art Gallery of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. In addition to reproduce of the national treasure tachi Yamatorige[山鳥毛], 20 swords made by the prestigious Ohno Yoshimitsu swordsmith are on display and for sale. While the cost of charcoal and craftwork are rising, it must be said that Japanese swords are considerably cheaper than paintings and other works of art. I want this to be a good opportunity to raise the reputation of Japanese swords,'' said Swordsmith Ohno Yoshimitsu passionately. The exhibition will be held until Monday, February 10th. Please don't miss this opportunity to appreciate Swordsmith Ohno's gorgeous Juka-choji hamon swords.

The first Japanese sword class of the new year was held at the shop in Noda. It started in 2020 with Nakahara Nobuo sensei as the lecturer. Once a month on a weekend from 5pm for about two hours, participants will appreciate five swords and develop an eye for Japanese swords. Now in its fifth year, I am happy to see that the participants' discerning eyes have improved.

I would like to extend our best wishes for the New Year.

Thank you for your patronage last year. In the new year, all of our staff will do our best to provide you with swords and sword fittings that will please you.  We appreciate your continued support this year.　(The first sunrise with Mount Fuji. Mt. Yatsugatake and Southern Alps illuminated by the first sunrise. Photographed in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.)