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Practical guides on purchasing, owning, and handling Japanese swords. Clearly explained for first-time buyers and collectors.
A practical guide to exporting Japanese swords internationally — covering Japanese Board of Education deregistration, export permits, and import regulations in the US, EU, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Common day-to-day issues — saya rattle, loose mekugi, stuck koiguchi, loose tsuka — explained with practical guidance on what you can handle yourself and when to consult a togishi or sayashi.
Learn how to display and photograph Japanese swords to maximize their visual impact. This guide covers lighting techniques, stand selection, and camera settings for capturing stunning hamon shots.
A comprehensive guide to legally purchasing Japanese swords within Japan, covering registration certificates, finding reputable dealers, and navigating sword fairs, antique markets, and auction houses.
A guide to the NBTHK appraisal system: what Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Juyo, and Tokubetsu Juyo grades mean and their impact on value.
Uchiko powder, choji oil, and nugui paper — tools and proper procedures for maintaining Japanese swords.
For first-time buyers: how to set a budget, what to look for, and how to identify trustworthy dealers.
Legal procedures for shipping swords from Japan: METI export permit applications and import regulations by country.
Choose a theme, keep records, build a network — building a sword collection with a long-term perspective.
Rainy season humidity, winter dryness — sword care wisdom adapted to Japan's four seasons.
Personal property insurance, fine art insurance — choosing the right coverage for your sword collection.
Uchigatana, tachi, and han-dachi mountings — how to choose koshirae suited to your blade's type and era.
Lighting, angles, camera settings — practical techniques for photographing Japanese swords beautifully.
Sword stands, cases, lighting — a practical guide to displaying swords beautifully and safely at home.
Bonhams, Christie's, domestic auctions — pros, cons, and considerations for buying swords at auction.
Japanese Sword Export Guide: Country-by-Country Customs, Registration, and Procedures
Modern Swordsmith Interviews: Those Who Carry the Legacy of the Five Traditions
Japanese Sword Troubleshooting: Saya Rattle, Loose Mekugi, and Stuck Koiguchi
Samurai Culture and Contemporary Art: How Japanese Swords Inspire 21st-Century Expression
Japanese Sword Authentication: Practical Knowledge for Spotting Forgeries