Practicing Reading Nthk Papers

[EdWolf]

Hi to all,

Reading sword appreciation papers is one magic thing for me. To upgrade my skills I was practicing trying to read an example. But after a few hours searching the internet and reading books I still can’t figure out the boshi and the hamon part (only a small part). Can someone please help me?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Ed

[Shugyosha]

Hi Ed,

 

I'll have a go at filling in some of the gaps:

 

Hamon: 中直ぐ刃調 に 小乱れ交じり - Chu suguba chyo ni ko midare majiri - Chu suguba style mixed with ko midare.

 

Boshi: 細 - hoso - thin, narrow. 焼 きつめ風 yakitsume style. So thin suguba with no turnback (kaeri).

 

Nakago: 個 - this kanji is linked to the number previously and is the appropriate article used when counting holes. So this section reads "Mekugi ana mitsu ko".

 

Date: as you realised the last column gives an approximate date in this case "Mei Wa goro". 頃 = goro = around or about. 

 

I hope that helps.

 

頑張って下さい!!

[EdWolf]

Hi John,

Thanks for filling in the gaps. Very impressive!

This was my first try. It's really fun to do.

Thanks again.

Best regards,

Ed

[Shugyosha]

Not that impressive - I can read a few kanji and work out the meanings of some others but it will be a long long time before I can simply read something without referring to a dictionary.

 

Good luck with your efforts - it's certainly easier when you find it fun.

 

Best,

John

[EdWolf]

Hi John,

After trying a few translations you start to recognize the more frequently used Kanji characters. I find it very satisfying to solve the little puzzles. Thanks again. Al the best, Ed

[Bugyotsuji]

Suguha Cho.

Nakago Ana, San ko.

Although the meanings are correct, sometimes the readings may follow tradition more than grammar. The only way to pick those up is to sit and listen to J people discussing their appreciation of swords, and hope your sub-conscious is working properly.

[EdWolf]

Thanks Piers for your explanation.

Best regards, Ed

[Rich S]

Ed-

 

This page may (or may not) help.

 

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/origami.htm

 

Rich

[EdWolf]

Hi Rich,
During my search for information I came by this site. A lot of useful information. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Ed