It is rather surprising how people from all walks of life come to this event every year.
Foreign visitors and Japanese alike, take a couple of days off, to immerse themselves in an environment overflowing with all things to do with the Japanese sword.
Many came to look and to learn for a few days or hours. For others, it was more about business.
Some lived close, but many had come from quite far away to take part in this venue.
On the two floors of the Tokyo Bijutsu Club, visitors took the opportunity to fill their weekend with their yearly doze of their common passion for all the different aspects of the Japanese sword. And they seemed invigorated by it, judging from the many smiling faces.
It seemed, I think, most of us were a little dazed by the sheer volume of items displayed at the event.
But on the good side of that, there was something for everyone!
From newly made blades, to blades forged during the ‘Kamakura-era’.
For me personally, this event was a good opportunity to catch up some old friends I hadn’t connected with in a while, as well as meeting some new ones.
Being far from the only foreigner at the event, and, from talking to some of the others, it became evident how appreciated this annual venue is, among foreigners and Japanese alike. We all seemed to enjoy ourselves. And why wouldn’t we?
This event is the biggest of its kind in Japan, and feels, at times, like a two floor ‘Nakamise’ for the sword enthusiast.
There was even a nice little cafeteria area, serving very tasty ‘Bento’, the Japanese version of boxed lunches, should anyone need to “refuel”, before going on to the next floor.