A Daimyō’s Decline: The 1850 Dōmaru of Hori Chikayoshi
This article explores the striking 1850 kon-ito odoshi dōmaru armor owned by Hori Chikayoshi—the last daimyō of the Hori clan—and the turbulent world in which he lived. Through his political downfall, exile, reputation, and brief restoration, this armor becomes more than an artifact: it becomes a symbol of loyalty, loss, and a samurai family’s final […]
Tameshigiri: Japan’s Blade Art Meets Europe
https://www.japanartfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tameshigiri-Paris.mp4 Japanese diplomacy in Europe has long leveraged cultural exchange to strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding. As the Japan Foundation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MOFA) send cultural ambassadors across Europe, this blade art becomes a bridge between samurai tradition and modern audiences. Initiated by Mr. Etsuro Ninomiya (Financial Counsellor of The Embassy of Japan in […]
Kazuki Kawashima and the Prayer of the Katana
Amid the mountains of Japan, far from the rhythms of modernity, Kazuki Kawashima carries forward a sacred legacy. As a katanakaji – a traditional Japanese swordsmith – he does more than shape steel: he forges soul into substance. His work is not industrial, nor is it merely artisanal. It is devotional. “Forging a katana is […]
Journey of Ink and Legacy
Japanese calligraphy, or shodō, began as Chinese writing brought to Japan in the 2nd–3rd centuries, later branching into a uniquely Japanese art form by the Manyōgana era and flourishing in the Heian court under the “Three Brushes” masters. More than decorative writing, shodō is a spiritual discipline: its deliberate ink preparation and brush strokes cultivate […]
The Samurai Museum Berlin: A Gateway to Japan’s Warrior Heritage
In a quiet corner of bustling Berlin lies a place where time bends, transporting visitors to the austere beauty of feudal Japan. The Samurai Museum Berlin, tucked away amidst modern architecture, holds within its walls a world shaped by honor, discipline, and artistry. Among the treasures on display, there is one object that often draws […]
