Month: December 2025

The 18th Nishi-Kasai Token Ichi, our final event of this year, was held at our Tokyo Nishi-Kasai store for five days starting Wednesday, December 24th. Though I was concerned about number of visitors given the year-end timing, the event concluded successfully. Particularly, perhaps due to our enhanced purchasing efforts, buyback reached an all-time high, including visitors from distant locations. It was a fulfilling five days where we expressed our gratitude to everyone who supported us this year and requested their continued patronage next year. After the event concluded, we had a year-end gathering with a sword-smith and a master of tsukamaki, wishing for another wonderful year ahead.

I held a study session for mid-career and young sword dealers participating in the Noda-kai Sword auction. The instructor was Nakahara Nobuo sensei. I hold these sessions every two months, building on previous sessions. This time, after viewing the swords and sword fittings, he explained topics such as the difference between the original hi (ubu-hi) and the later hi (ato-hi) on the blade, how to determine the attribution of unsigned swords, and the characteristics of various openwork tsuba from schools like Owari, Kanayama, Higo, Kyoto, and Akasaka. Since differences in knowledge directly impact business, everyone was serious and deepened their understanding. Afterwards, we enjoyed a lively Bonen-kai (year-end party) in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The 4th Mito Token Ichi was held over two days, Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th, at the Mito Civic Center. Many visitors came to the modern, comfortable facility and showed great interest in Japanese swords. In addition to sword enthusiasts from Ibaraki Prefecture, familiar collectors traveled from afar to Mito, including from Fukushima Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and Tokyo. We are deeply grateful. We celebrated with a local specialty, ankō nabe (monkfish hot pot), together with a familiar customer couple who were newlyweds and visited us on the very day they submitted their marriage registration. The next event, the 5th Mito Token Ichi, will be held next July. We will strive to increase the number of sword enthusiasts in Mito!

The Noda-kai Sword Auction held its “Semi-Annual Auction” at Business Hotel Noda. As a token of appreciation to all sword dealers participating in the monthly “Regular auctions” held on the 3rd and 19th of each month, we host the “Semi-Annual Auction” on December 3rd and the “Annual Auction” on June 3rd at a local hotel each year. Once again, a large number of sword dealers attended. Lively bidding continued from morning until evening. While most auctions finish early due to reduced items, the participants generously offered many attractive so called ‘ubuni’ items. The staff, who had been busy preparing, breathed a sigh of relief at the turnout, which exceeded expectations.