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Last weekend, we had a regular auction event at our shop. I am happy to say that it was quite successful and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that participated.

I see a growing interest in the Japanese sword and I think this is reflected in many ways. More and more people are learning about the Japanese sword and more people are getting involved in the business. I am happy to say that I think the Japanese economy and the way it is becoming stronger is one reason for this.

In the future, I would like to help others to understand the sword and the business world around it better.

Recently, a cell phone game called ‘Token Ranbu’ has become very popular in Japan, especially with young women. There was an article about this trend in a Japanese financial paper named ‘the Nikkei Shimbun’, which talked about how famous swords made by legendary sword smiths are the main characters in the game. At book stores, there are books and magazines about Japanese swords and swords men that I think will help alongside the game to make the Japanese sword more popular and spread the interest to groups that haven’t had any interest in them before. This may lead to a little sword boom in Japan which I find really encouraging.

As a member of the ‘TOKENKAI’, a newsletter published every other month, I am sometimes asked to write articles to be featured in said newsletter.
This time, I had the pleasure to write about a future movie project, by the name of ‘TATARA SAMURAI’. This movie will be directed by Yoshinari Nishikori, and the Executive producer is none other than Hiro, of the music group EXILE, one of Japan’s most famous pop bands. The lead role will be played by Sho Aoyagi, also a member of EXILE.
Thus, this week I found myself partaking in a meeting with the chairman of NBTHK, as well as other members of the management, to plan for the movie.
Since this movie examines the work and mind of a Japanese swordsmith, as well as the subtle artistry and beauty, that is a result of the dedicated work and years of polishing mind and spirit, needed for the craft, I think it will be popular among both young and old. I also expect the enthusiasm and involvement of Hiro and Sho, both artists in their own right, to further inspire the younger generation.
The movie is to premier in May 2016.

Last Sunday, we had the distinct pleasure and honor of hosting a lecture by the master craftsman, Ozawa Norishige, a sword smith who has received several prizes from the NBTHK, and who kindly shared some of his expertise and deep insight on forging a Japanese sword, with us. Ozawa Tosho is a student of Takano Yukimitsu, of the Ono Yoshimitsu linage, and both a kind and humble man.

As a result of Ozawa Tosho’s lecture, there was a great boost of enthusiasm in all that attended the event. Just as Ozawa Tosho’s beautiful character shines through in his swords, his understanding of this ancient skill becomes clearly apparent through his words.

After the event, I put forth a request to have a Tanto in Akihiro-utsushi style, by Ozawa Tosho, which he kindly agreed to make. I am looking forward with great anticipation, to display the Tanto at the next lecture of his, I am certain it will be a very interesting item to study for all participants. It is, I feel, our duty to safe guards his level of skill and insight, to make sure it is not lost for the future generations.

Should you the reader, be interested in further following this excellent sword smith, you can do so by clicking the link below;

https://www.facebook.com/umevayasi/photos_stream?tab=photos_stream

Last weekend, Touken Matsumoto hosted its 8th Ningyocho Token Ichi. Although the weather forecast, once again, predicted heavy snow, the weather remained fine.

This time, I had tried a new way of advertising, using flyers inserted into the Asahi-shimbun, which proved successful.

The turn up to the event was good and I am happy that so many of our friends and customers support us. Thank you very much.

In the future, I hope to inspire our group of customers, friends and clients to grow, so that we all benefit from our mutual interest and relationship.

The past weekend, we hosted the 5th Noda Token Ichi and it went off without a hitch. The weather was beautiful throughout the event and I was happy to see a lot of familiar faces. Through advertising in the Chiiki Shimbun, we were able to reach a larger aria of enthusiasts than previously. However, through a misunderstanding, some customers showed up after 3 pm on the last day and I would like to apologize for any inconvenience as they may have come from far away. The first 2 days we always close at 5 pm. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who, through the internet, found out and traveled long distances to attend.
Through establishing new relationships with some new visitors, I was able to have pleasant conversations with many people and look forward to speaking and communicating with them soon again. It made me very happy to hear people say that they have been looking forward to coming to our events, and it warms my heart and make it worth the effort of organizing the events.
I will make more efforts to improve these events and I am looking forward to an even better 6th Noda Token Ichi taking place on the 10th to 12th of July opening the doors at 10 am and closing at 5 pm. The event will take place at the Hotel Granbois.

Last month, as my father took a step back as director of the company, I shouldered this responsibility and the tasks that come with it.

It has almost been five years since I started this journey at Touken Matsumoto, and thanks to the staff and people around me, the company and myself are growing steadily.

As a sword trader and a connoisseur, I have still a lot of things to learn before I am at an expert level. However, with the support of my father and other teachers of mine, I feel confident that one day I may realize the goals I have set for myself and for the company.

So, as the new year begins, I look forward to it with great anticipations and would like to thank you as well as wish you all a happy 2015.

This year is shortly coming to an end and new one will begin in a few days. For me, 2014 has preceded my expectations and I feel very grateful to all our friends and customers. My efforts will continue both in improving our service and to further our relationships and studies. Furthermore, I am looking forward to seeing everyone in 2015. And thus, the only thing that remains is to wish you all happy holidays and a very happy 2015.

Sincerely,

Yoshiyuki Matsumoto

Last week, Touken Matsumoto hosted the 6th Okinawa Token Ichi in Naha, Okinawa. I saw quite a few familiar faces which warmed my heart, and also many new ones, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time.

Due to a mistake in planning, I was unable to use the same location at the time as I previously used it during the December events. This time, we were 3 weeks early, and therefore, missed the bonus season which affected us and the visitors a little. However, we got to spend some time together, which I think everyone enjoyed.

I also conducted a small lecture for a number of eager enthusiasts at the beginning of their years of studying the Japanese sword, its history and culture. I was impressed by how attentively they were listening to me, which I found most inspiring.

Okinawa was originally its own nation, known as the Ryukyu kingdom. It therefore has no history with the Japanese sword before becoming part of Japan as a nation, during the Edo period. It is therefore important to me to share the knowledge and passion for this part of our culture. I’m confident that in time the interest will become a lot bigger.

Every 6 months or so, my Czech friend comes to Japan and always takes time out of his busy schedule to come and say hello at the shop. This relationship was started 14 years ago and he is now like family to my father and I. He always seems eager to learn new things and to share news and happiness during his stay in Japan.

In the later years, he has brought some of his students to help them learn more about the traditional aspects of Japan, and we sometimes go out to eat at a nearby Sushi restaurant.

I hope that this relationship will continue for a long time and that they will continue to learn and share their knowledge.

The Dai Token Ichi 2014 has ended, and I feel both grateful and happy that it was such a success.

I would like to express my thanks to everyone that visited us, and to the kind customers that brought us snacks and little treats, as well as the customers and friends from abroad.

Last year, the weather gods sent us a Typhoon which slowed business for most of the traders. This year, however, the weather was much better and it seems so was the business for many.

I have only attended this annual event for the last 4 years, but my father has attended each one since the beginning, and said this is the best year he can remember.

Over the years, all the sword traders that attend have taken their preparations and planning further and their efforts have improved the event and its success.

In conclusion, this year can be summed up with the words success and gratitude. And, I intend to further my efforts in the coming years to ensure the event’s quality and success.

The 1st of November is the start of the 3day event known as Dai Token Ichi. It is the largest sword event in Japan and a good opportunity for enthusiasts to explore and further their knowledge about the Japanese sword.

This year, Touken Matsumoto contributed to the organizing of the event by translating the catalog that showcases some of the swords, to English.
In a week or so, a simplified English version of the catalog will be downloadable from the homepage of the All Japan Sword Traders Association.

http://www.zentosho.com/daitokenichi/the_annual_dai_token_ichi_2012.html

The job of translating was rather time consuming, but we hope the finished item will contribute to the experience of the event and further the enthusiasm for Japanese swords and their fittings.

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.