Leen Posted January 22 Report Posted January 22 Dear sword enthousiasts. In this post you'l find a link to the up and coming Japan Art Fair in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I will be there :-) JAF – Japan Art Fair 3 Quote
Lewis B Posted January 22 Report Posted January 22 I will be attending again this year too. I bought my first Nihonto at last years event. Quote
Lewis B Posted March 2 Report Posted March 2 Tickets now on sale. Prices are significantly higher compared to 2024, though there is a Shinsa event on the Sunday (a first for JAF) with a limit of 2 blades per person. https://www.japanartfair.com/tickets/ 1 Quote
Gakusee Posted March 3 Report Posted March 3 Thank you for the reminder, HB. Could you please help me understand something in case you have more information. Who is leading the shinsa, what format is it going to have and what will the outcome be? In other words, is it an informal friendly evaluation or a formal exercise with some certificate issued thereafter? Thanks. 1 Quote
Lewis B Posted March 3 Report Posted March 3 I will make inquiries and report back. The only information I have at the moment is what is in the announcement. Quote
Benjamin Posted March 3 Report Posted March 3 Thank you HB, I'm interested too. I think I'll try to come. Quote
Lewis B Posted March 3 Report Posted March 3 6 hours ago, Benjamin said: Thank you HB, I'm interested too. I think I'll try to come. If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour. Quote
Lewis B Posted March 7 Report Posted March 7 On 3/3/2025 at 3:49 AM, Gakusee said: Thank you for the reminder, HB. Could you please help me understand something in case you have more information. Who is leading the shinsa, what format is it going to have and what will the outcome be? In other words, is it an informal friendly evaluation or a formal exercise with some certificate issued thereafter? Thanks. I have more details regarding the kantei. It will be an informal event without issuance of papers. Basically its for an owner to get an honest opinion in case they were thinking of submitting to Japan for Shinsa. Sort of is it worth the effort for this particular blade. The experts on hand will be the very knowledgeable Hataya-san (Daisuke Hataya) and Shono-san (Ginza Seiyudo) for the evaluations. It's possible there will be a 3rd as of yet unannounced expert. These guys really know their stuff. I think we all have swords we would like to know more about so this is a great opportunity for the European contingent. 2 Quote
Gakusee Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 12 hours ago, Lewis B said: I have more details regarding the kantei. It will be an informal event without issuance of papers. Basically its for an owner to get an honest opinion in case they were thinking of submitting to Japan for Shinsa. Sort of is it worth the effort for this particular blade. The experts on hand will be the very knowledgeable Hataya-san (Daisuke Hataya) and Shono-san (Ginza Seiyudo) for the evaluations. It's possible there will be a 3rd as of yet unannounced expert. These guys really know their stuff. I think we all have swords we would like to know more about so this is a great opportunity for the European contingent. Thanks HB I have met both Hataya san (senior and junior) and Shono san (father and son). It is good they will be visiting again. Your post is helpful and clarifies matters. I think such an initiative will be particularly helpful to new starters in this hobby, of whom undoubtedly there will be a representation at the fair. Quote
Deiro Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 great, If I will get better I'll surely visit again. Quote
Benjamin Posted March 9 Report Posted March 9 On 3/3/2025 at 9:26 PM, Lewis B said: If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour. Thank you very much HB. I took my tickets, and can't stand waiting to be there Quote
dimitri Posted March 20 Report Posted March 20 I'm disgusted, I can't go, I would have had 2 blades to have pre-evaluated. For once there is this chance. 😭😭 Quote
oli Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 hi, Leen and i discussed about a meeting point for NMB members. What do you think about? We can also make a little bit advertising for the board, regards Oli 2 2 Quote
Lewis B Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 I will be attending Friday and Saturday and would be happy to meet up with other NMB members. 2 Quote
Stephen Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 List of exhibitors is worth the price of admission very impressive https://www.japanartfair.com/exhibitors/ 1 1 Quote
oli Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 I wasn't thinking about about a exhibitor table, more like a table in the coffeeroom, or something like that. 1 1 Quote
Lewis B Posted March 31 Report Posted March 31 15 hours ago, oli said: I wasn't thinking about about a exhibitor table, more like a table in the coffeeroom, or something like that. Thats certainly possible given the layout at the last event, but I would check with the organizers first. Quote
Deiro Posted March 31 Report Posted March 31 Well if there shall be a NMB meeting point I guess I would have no choice but to drop by again... I assume saturday would be the best day to attend. 1 Quote
Lewis B Posted March 31 Report Posted March 31 2 hours ago, Deiro said: Well if there shall be a NMB meeting point I guess I would have no choice but to drop by again... I assume saturday would be the best day to attend. All depends if you are looking to buy or have some quiet time with your favourite blade. Friday will be more relaxed and give you first crack of the whip. Saturday after lunch was the busiest last year. Quote
oli Posted March 31 Report Posted March 31 My plan is to come saturday and sunday. Would be nice to meet some new people. Maybe appointment Saturday evening in Pub? Maybe a local can help? 1 Quote
oli Posted June 8 Report Posted June 8 so few days left, should we make a appointment time in the Coffee Room? Quote
Benjamin Posted June 8 Report Posted June 8 Hello, I'll be there from friday to sunday, but with family and they will do a little of sightseeing and I'll join them according to the program of the show or the program of their visits. I would be interested with a NMB meeting but can't commit. Watching for what you decide. Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 Hmmm… I wouldn’t be too sure. Some folks like to focus and go for one thing first, and maybe socialize afterwards. Horses for courses, no? 1 Quote
Lewis B Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 One suggestion is to meet before the event starts like 2.30 or 3pm. The hotel has some beautiful gardens with tables and chairs in the grounds and Friday's weather forecast looks promising. Quote
oli Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 3 hours ago, Lewis B said: One suggestion is to meet before the event starts like 2.30 or 3pm. The hotel has some beautiful gardens with tables and chairs in the grounds and Friday's weather forecast looks promising. We come on Saturday to the Expo, Friday we are still on the way. Quote
Lewis B Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 2 hours ago, uwe said: I’m already on my way… Me too, for the past 10 days Currently in Reims, then onto Ghent, Antwerp and finally Utrecht for a midday Friday arrival. 1 Quote
ThomasP Posted June 11 Report Posted June 11 On 6/9/2025 at 2:15 PM, Lewis B said: One suggestion is to meet before the event starts like 2.30 or 3pm. The hotel has some beautiful gardens with tables and chairs in the grounds and Friday's weather forecast looks promising. I have a ticket for Friday. I don't know if I will be there on Saturday. Maybe.... Doesn't the event start at 1:00 PM? www.japanartfair.com/program/ 13.00 - 17.00 Opening day First look of this years event! 1 Quote
Lewis B Posted June 11 Report Posted June 11 Thanks for the heads up Thomas. I checked the emailed event details when I purchased the tickets a couple of months ago and it definitely states 4pm start on Friday. Changes must have been made to the program since then. Good to know. I will be there for 1pm. 1 1 Quote
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