Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
During my latest Nomadic Journey to “The Land of the Rising Sun,” I dedicated myself to researching a katana to bring home for my historical exhibition. Yet, I required a blade that aligned with my spiritual energy. Many of these handmade art pieces are centuries old and were mastered by true Samurai warriors. The methodology of purchasing and shipping is a tactical procedure. I grew up practicing martial arts and studied Japanese culture for decades, so I was more than excited about the possibilities of aligning with the right piece of metal.
Katana (Japanese sword) shopping is a very intimate and strategic process. In-depth hand engineering and artistic expressions from swordsmiths are incorporated into the process. An authentic Katana is a collector’s item and can be priceless, especially if swung by actual Samurai who were praised like royalty. Forged by masters, imagine holding an ancient sword from the Edo Period (1603 -1868)!
Well, I did just that in Tokyo and instantly felt the power and vibrancy of a specific blade I came to respect. Back then, they were made for protection and battle. Today, a katana is a symbol of art, but it can still slice with precision. If you’re interested in purchasing, visit a retailer like Ginza Choshuya and select your preferred sword. You must have the katana registered by the Japanese government before it can be exported. Be cautious of counterfeits made outside of Japan and sold online. The cheapest katana I saw went for $5,000. But they can easily surpass hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Kanji on the blade will provide its origin story. The value decreases if there is no signature or description. My piece read, “Echigo Kuni Yoshimitsu Hori Dosaku,” which means “a sword personally forged and engraved by Yoshimitsu of Echigo Province.” This inscription identifies the maker, the region of origin, and the decorative carvings by the maker himself.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a brother from the inner city who didn’t grow up with a love for martial arts, whether it was Kung-fu, Samurai, or Ninja flicks. That was me all day. Years ago, I added Muay Thai boxing from Thailand to the mix. Run Run Shaw produced some of the best films, from “Five Deadly Venoms” to “The Kid with the Golden Arm.” Where do you think the Wu-Tang Clan got their inspiration from? Also, be sure to research the first Black Samurai, Yasuke. Moreover, Karate (Empty Hand) from Japan’s Okinawa Island is praised by millions of practitioners worldwide.
I have not yet decided on the acquisition as the analysis continues. However, next time you are in Japan, be sure to check out a katana shop that meets your needs. Allow at least an hour to find your precious blade. It’s all quite fascinating.
“The consummate leader cultivates the moral law and strictly adheres to method and discipline, thus it is in his power to control success.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War
