At the Noda-kai, a trade-only sword auction that I organize, we hold study sessions every other month to help improve the knowledge and expertise of young and mid-career sword dealers who participate in the auction. For these sessions, we invite Nakahara sensei, a respected Japanese sword scholar who has served as a lecturer at many sword study groups.
This time, Nakahara sensei gave a practical lecture from the perspective of a sword dealer, covering topics such as how to evaluate unsigned swords attributed to the Hokke school, as well as important points regarding suriage and koshirae.
In our industry, what you know—or do not know—directly affects your business. The ability to judge authenticity and accurately assess value requires continuous study and years of experience. That is why every participant listened to the lecture with great focus and seriousness.
After the session, I received many words of appreciation from the participants, which made me feel that hosting these study sessions is truly worthwhile.
I sincerely hope that each sword dealer will continue to refine both knowledge and discernment, and grow into the next generation of professionals who will support and preserve the Japanese sword industry.