Commemorating the Anniversaries of Emperor Meiji
(1852-1912)
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture
Chairman Shunji Yanai
President Kuniie Yoshihara
This year marks the 170th anniversary of the birth and the 110th anniversary of the demise of Emperor Meiji. We are proud to be part of the celebrations at Meiji Shrine and curate the exhibition, Craftsmen of the Japanese Sword, in his honor.
The sword has been a part of traditional Japanese culture since mythological times and is a symbol of the Imperial lineage by its inclusion as one of the three items of the imperial regalia: the sword, the jewels and the mirror. This uninterrupted lineage continues to this day with the current 126th Emperor.
Shikishima no Yamato gokoro wo migakazuba,
TsurugiJaponský dvoubřitý meč původního "čínského" stylu. V pozdějších dobách spojovaný zejm... More obutomo kainakaramashi
This waka poem, composed by Emperor Meiji in 1904, states that no matter how hard you train and learn to use a sword, it is meaningless unless you also refine and cultivate your Yamato Spirit (Japanese mindset). This sentiment shows us how much Emperor Meiji valued the Yamato Spirit.
There is an anecdote that Emperor Meiji always kept a sword close to him and would admire its beauty. Japan achieved dramatic growth during the 45 years of the Meiji era, and built a modern nation on a par with the rest of the world. The central figure of that era was Emperor Meiji who always prayed for the betterment of the nation and the happiness of its people. Even in times of great trouble for the nation, Emperor Meiji while pondering governmental affairs, would seek solace by viewing his sword, and through doing so, composed such a meaningful poem, which is highly appreciated. We who are living in the present age should also take heed from his example.
In an effort to deepen the understanding of Japanese sword culture to a wider audience, the exhibition, which suggests, Emperor Meiji and Japanese Swords, is being held at the Meiji Shrine Treasure House. It consists of various works by contemporary sword craftsmen. It is the first time that such an exhibition and forging demonstration of Japanese swords have been held at Meiji Gingu.
We hope that the exhibition and events will attract not only the amateur circles of swords, but also all the people around the world
We hope that you will understand the purpose of this exhibition and view the numerous artworks.
