Lewis B

I plan to attend with the aim to purchase a mid to high end Koto blade (TH with Juyo potential or preferably Juyo). Is it worth talking to the dealers ahead of the show to ensure a blade they have in stock will be in attendance? Is there a list online of the participating dealers? I particularly want to meet the guys/gals at Eirakudo, Katana no Kura, Samurai-Nippon and Touken Komachi. I am hoping that if I do find a blade I can do what others have done, pay a none refundable deposit for the dealer to hold it and transfer the balance when I return to Germany. Then have it shipped after the registration/export docs are processed.

Yet to attend a DTI but plan to in 2025 so I'm interested in the responses, especially from those who have purchased from the participating dealers. My impression from previous reports is that some good deals can be found, but the higher end pieces are generally offered at retail price. With 70+ dealers the selection should be awesome. Based on my experience at the Utrecht event in June at least one of the dealers on a stand will speak some English. A translator app or gadget should fill in the gaps, albeit a little clunky. Unlike events like this in the West it seems there is less pressure to be first through the doors to find the best deals ala Black Friday. What is the etiquette regarding bargaining? Do the dealers negotiate on a sticker price? Or do the Japanese dealers find this impolite, borderline rude? Are they a bit more negotiable towards the end of the Show? I successfully negotiated a sizeable discount in Utrecht, but I waited until the last day to make an offer and ultimately I think both parties were happy. Was this a fluke? I get the impression from online dealings that prices are fixed (maybe they offer free shipping), unless it's a consignment piece but I have limited experience here.

I think the numbering is a little confused. Eg blades #3 and #4 (with the Futasuji-hi) are mixed up in different photos. Maybe start again?

You only list 4 makers plus the mystery. And there are 6 blades. Here's what I've got so far 1. Kotetsu 2. 3. Shigetsugu 4. Nakago looks very Muramasa like. And the Hamon (Hitatsura?) 5. Masamune 6. Yamato, possibly Taima

Ah yes, forgot about the export permit. Thanks for the reminder.

What a character.

For those who have attended DTI, is this a good venue to find quality Koto blades? Are the prices generally retail level? Will the dealers ship internationally or is it better to take back to Europe as checked luggage in an appropriate case? I plan to fly Singapore airlines and the reason I mention this is that I think JAL will not check blades. The 2023 show had 70 vendors which is mind boggling. Seems like a far better way to visit many different dealers without having to visit each location individually. And then if a dealer has something special at their shop, they could be visited in person.

I plan to visit next year. Although shades might be advisable with all the gold on display.

This to me is a good example of a poorly executed Atobori bohi. I'm a bit dubious of sellers claims its Ubu too. https://www.catawiki...ura-period-1185-1333

What happened to the original finish? Has someone gone at it with a Brillo pad?

Hello Robert, Do you think the Dai Token Ichi will also be earlier in 2025? When are the dates decided for the upcoming year?

My plan is take the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train from Tokyo to Okayama so I will certainly follow your advice. I have been following the travel vlogs on YT from the likes of Solo Solo Travel and they make this an absolute must. I will purchase a 3 week JR Rail Pass and this offers a discount on the sleeper.

Thanks for the detailed feedback and response to our suggestions. Some here are true experts and their considered opinions are highly valued. I read an article last week in Japan Forward describing how Japanese sword making had been influential in your career path. With your roots and clear passion for the field I think you are an invaluable member of the team at the museum. I'm guessing the decision to ban lighting other than LED was made by bureaucrats who have no idea how best to display nihonto. Some styles of Jihada and Hamon certainly benefit from a halogen light source. For a specific reason my plans are evolving and I will be travelling to Japan for next years Dai Touken Ichi. Dates are yet to be confirmed for this annual event and as soon as they are announced I will make arrangements. Plan is still to visit the Bizen Osafune Museum though.

Sage advice. Personally speaking, as a novice collector myself, having papers gives the buyer assurances the blade and mei (if present) is genuine. Any doubts would taint my ownership experience and makes it far more difficult to sell in the future.

The largest sword museum in Japan, in Nagoya just opened. Curious what others think. The lighting appears adequate but the signage, especially in English is hardly progressive. Opportunity missed? Its an extensive collection covering so much Japanese Militaria and art. The nihonto 'petting' section made me smile. Whoever designed the museum certainly loved gold,,,,,

Ah OK that makes sense now

Interesting. Wonder why? So where did you ship your blades?

I'm sure Brian will be very comfortable in 2 tier Kier's new top security prison accommodation. I bet that gets Netflix.

Maybe have a word with Gerry. He has purchased blades with Jauce

Bid through Jauce. You will have to authorize the bid theough so give yourself a couple of days to get the authorization and acceptance of the extra fees for swords. They provide a purchase thru delivery service. Never used them but others have. The fees do start to accumulate but could be a good standby option.

FIFY

That is the tachi that was part of this years Masamune Juttetsu Exhibition at the Fukuyama Museum. Spectacular Sugata. It is zaimai and you can see the kanji at end of the nakago. If I had to choose one sword this would be a strong contender. It's interesting to compare the differences in jihada. Top one is the Juyo Bunkazai Tachi above. The lower one is a Juyo wakazashi.

I posted it in another thread but its relevant here too to see the full sugata.

Not quite the same. The carving on that Den Norishige extends far into the yokan iro as would be expected if original to the blade, whereas it ends abruptly in the Norishige I referenced as well as on the Ko Uda. I can see no other explanation than that these were carved more recently. As a matter of interest. When the Hi is carved by the sword maker is it done before or after Yaki-ire?

Even in the first post? Same items.