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 […]
