The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945
by Tom Kishida
Book Summary Information
Author: Tom KishidaTranslator: Kenji Mishina
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2004-10-29
ISBN: 4770027540
Number of pages: 168
Publisher: Kodansha International
Book Reviews of The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945
Book Review: The forgotten swords from Yasukuni
Summary: 5 Stars
Books on Japanese swords are by their nature scarce and expensive. Many of them are out of date, or of supeficial scholarship. And many of the best ones are in Japanese, which makes it difficult for the English speaking collector/ enthusiast to use. But this book is an essential reference
in this field of interest.
Most books of Japanese swords cover the old historic swords. But since there are only so many of these surviving, a new market in swords made after the age of the Samurai have become popular. Hence the interest in swords made in modern times, but in the traditional manner.
This book originally appeared in Japanese in 1998, and was translated in 2004. It covers the efforts in the 1980s to commemorate the traditional
Japanese sword smithy and manufacturing unit that existed at Yasukuni
shrine from 1933 to 1945. Yasukuni shrine was founded in the late 19th century in Tokyo to commemorate the spirits of Japanese war dead.
A number of these smiths were located, and some made swords which
were part of special exhibition. Eventually a special presentation sword was made by a group of these artisans, and given to the shrine marking the 50th anniversary.
Most of the production of these swords were given as presentation pieces
to graduates of the Army and Naval officer schools. Also a number were ordered by the Imperial household. All of the swords made at Yasukuni
were of the highest quality, and rigid quality control was enforced.
The book is full of wonderful details about the smiths and artisans working in Yasukuni, the establishment and history of the unit, and its demise at the end of WW II. There are numerous pictures of these swords, their inscriptions, production notes, even the layout of the sword
shop. There are also the basics about Japanese sword making and the
traditional forge and tools involved. For a slim volume like this, there is
an amazing amount of information and research packed into it. In all
approximately 8100 swords were made at Yasukuni from 1933 to 1945.
This is an excellent book and essential addition to anyone with an interest in Japanese swords, Japanese history, arms & armour, or WW II in the Pacific theatre.
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