The daily national newspaper, Sankei Shimbun, recently published an opinion piece about the meticulous craft of nihonto (traditionally-made Japanese swords) highlighting valuable insight from Paul Martin, a Jarman International Core 50 member and one of the world’s leading experts on the topic.
Originally from England, Paul has been living in Japan for 20 years, and currently serves as a trustee and researcher for the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture (NBSK). The overarching mission of the foundation is to protect the sword culture that has existed in Japan for hundreds of years. According to NBSK, nihonto is an important cultural symbol and “a mirror reflecting the soul of the Japanese.”
In 2006, Paul became the first non-Japanese to win the sword appraisal competition in Tokyo (continuing with a second win in 2018), during which participants are tested on their knowledge and expertise in various aspects of nihonto (when and where it was made, by what maker, etc).
Paul reflects on his interview with Sankei Shimbun as follows: “While we see nihonto in various media around the world, the reality indicates that the traditional craft is facing endangerment. I hope the article raises awareness regarding this challenge, and hopefully inspires more people to help ensure this traditional craft continues to exist for generations to come.”
