Month: July 2014

Last weekend, we hosted the 4th Noda Token Ichi at the Hotel Granbois. It was a 3 day sales event.
I had worried about the impact of the 8th Typhoon, but it seemed to grace us with its absence. Instead we had clear skis and high temperatures.

The outcome of the event was successful beyond our expectations. I attribute the success to the fact that our business is based in Noda. Lately, I have also seen a trend of new magazines on Nihonto for sale in shops. It seems to me like the increase in the business is an indication that Japanese economy may be on the rebound.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the customers and visitors, that showed up despite the heat. Some of you came and stayed until we closed for the day. Some came all of the 3 days, and some of you found items of interest that you purchased each time.

It was lovely to see so many people with such enthusiasm during the weekend, and it makes my heart warm.

The next event we will host will be the 5th Noda Token Ichi, in January 2015.

In last week’s issue of ‘JAPAN UPDATE WEEKLY’, there was an article about the Touken Ichi hosted in Naha by us. It made me happy to read their impressions of the event, as I am always interested in feedback and the perspective of others.
I have come to understand that it is through this paper that many of the foreigners living in Okinawa have found out about our events in the past. And, I am very grateful for the coverage and interest shown us through the efforts of many different individuals.

During the weekend that passed, the 5th Okinawa Token Ichi was successfully concluded. More than 100 people visited the event during the 3 days it was held. All of them, seriously interested in the Japanese sword and its fittings. Many familiar faces were seen among the visitors, and I am grateful that people keep coming back.
On the 3rd day (Sunday), I held a basic lesson on the Japanese sword and its history, and was very happy to see many young people in the room, listening to the information I shared.

Okinawa does not have any sword dealers of its own, and traditionally, doesn’t share the culture of the Japanese sword, but shows great interest and enthusiasm for the sword and the culture surrounding it. It made my heart warm hearing people say, ‘Thank you for organizing this event’, or seeing the happiness in the eyes of someone who just purchased his first blade. It inspires me to work harder and to make the next event even better.

Though other events may be more profitable for sword dealers, I enjoy spreading enthusiasm among likeminded people, and Okinawa has a special place in my heart. Therefore, this journey of love for the Japanese sword, is something I intend to continue to bring to Okinawa in the future as well.