Uesugi Kenshin: The War God of Echigo (1530–1578)
Uesugi Kenshin was deemed invincible – a Buddhist monk who fought in the name of the war god Bishamonten. History,…
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Uesugi Kenshin was deemed invincible – a Buddhist monk who fought in the name of the war god Bishamonten. History,…
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Tomoe Gozen – warrior, legend, question. What do we really know about Japan's most famous onna-musha? History & fact-check at…
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Ashikaga Takauji overthrew Emperor Go-Daigo and founded the Muromachi shogunate – yet is still regarded as a traitor in Japan.…
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The Tōsei Gusoku replaced the Ō-Yoroi after 1543. How iron plates and hinges answered the arquebus. With original exhibits at…
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The tachi – the long sword of the Heian samurai. History, manner of wear, gokaden & the path to the…
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Japanese swordsmithing: how a katana is made from black iron sand. Tamahagane, hamon & master smiths explained – with original…
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The Meiji Restoration ended 700 years of warrior rule. How Saigō Takamori, the sword ban and Shiroyama sealed the end…
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Gokaden – the five great swordsmithing traditions of Japan. Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Sōshū & Mino: history, characteristics & original blades…
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The daishō – two swords, one status badge. History, symbolism & craftsmanship of the samurai pair of swords, with originals…
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For 56 years, Japan was ruled by two emperors at once. The Nanboku-chō period: civil war, the collapse of loyalty,…
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