Month: July 2022

Yamagata Token Ichi was held at the Yamagata International Relation Plaza, known as “Yamagata Big Wing”, in Yamagata City for 3 days from Friday July 22nd. The venue was 417 square meters wide, which is three times as large as the usual place, so this time I host the event that four other sword traders; Fujiya (Koriyama City), Kimura Art Sword Store (Takasaki City), Santo Ryu (Yokohama City), Shinbori Art Sword (Yokohama City).  We asked the four parties to participate with us, and we had a wide selection of products, blades, and fittings. We repeatedly advertised in newspapers and hoped that it would reach Yamagata’s sword enthusiasts even at this first event. However, the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Yamagata Prefecture surged from 350 on February 3 to 581 on July 20. I was depressed at this worst timing. However, the Yamagata Shimbun, the most subscribed newspaper in the area, came to interview me and it was posted in an article on Saturday. They also took a video of the exhibit. Then, the number of visitors tripled from the first Friday to Saturday and Sunday. The number of visitors far exceeded the initial expectations. We were able to receive compliments from many visitors for the explanation, so they felt that the Japanese sword was a little closer to them. I could then feel that the event was a success, with all the sword traders selling items during this time.  At the end of the day of the fulfilling joint exhibition and sale, all the participants deepened their friendship with delicious Yamagata food at night.

On July 15th, we will successfully celebrate the first anniversary of the Nishi-kasai store’s opening. Because of the COVID-19, I didn’t advertise much at that time. However, recently the situation has become more stable, so I started to advertise more to raise the shop’s awareness. I placed an advertisement on the platform of the Urayasu train station on the Tozai Subway Line. Urayasu station is 2 stations closer to Chiba from Nishikasai station, which is the closest to the store. There are many passengers getting on and off at the express train stop at this station, so I expect there should be greater awareness. Last month on June 22, we placed an advertisement on the mirror board inside of the Nishi-kasai station. Starting from July 1st, we also placed an advertisement on the Fire Hydrant Pole in front of the Nishi-Kasai Station close to the shop. The third was the advertisement on the platform of the Urayasu train station. I hope for better recognition, so please visit our shop and be sure to tell your friends about us.

As this fiscal year ended in June, the staff and I went on a yearly company trip. The yearly trip is to appreciate everyone’s hard work for the year, to experience different cultures, cultivate diversity and new perspectives, and renew our spirits for the new fiscal year starting from July. This is the 8th year of our trips, but it is the 3rd year that we are unable to go abroad due to COVID-19. This year, we spent time at a resort hotel in Onna Village, central Okinawa Island, and all the staff were refreshed. I will do my best for the next year so that next year’s company trip will be an overseas trip again to enjoy and make good memories!