TLDW (the title has a typical clickbaity YouTube title): in Japan, there's some strict law regarding owning weapon (long story short: it's because of WW2) katanas have a PDO-like status (just like...
TLDW (the title has a typical clickbaity YouTube title):
in Japan, there's some strict law regarding owning weapon (long story short: it's because of WW2)
katanas have a PDO-like status (just like anyone can't call their sparking wine "Champagne")
However, as stated at the end of the video, there's no doubt there's better katana out there (as in:
better material, better price, etc.); only they don't meet the legal criteria to be called as such in Japan.
Personal note:
Owning a decent Chinese production katana and having seen up close one of those million yen nihonto (as in: one of my best buddy recently imported one - he also happens to be one of the best iaidoka I know): there's a no question there's a gap in quality. The finish on the nihonto is impeccable. It's like driving a high-end car or dining in a multiple Michelin star restaurant: it's the same as the regular thing, only it's flawless. However, 1 million yen is darn expensive, there's certainly is a market and a value for cheaper stuff.
I would also take notice of the "spiritual provenance" aspect (for lack of a better word). I like how Shogo explains that in a non-religious way, comparing it to other items that are emotionally...
I would also take notice of the "spiritual provenance" aspect (for lack of a better word). I like how Shogo explains that in a non-religious way, comparing it to other items that are emotionally significant to one's personal history and cannot be replaced with a copy, such as wedding rings.
TLDW (the title has a typical clickbaity YouTube title):
However, as stated at the end of the video, there's no doubt there's better katana out there (as in:
better material, better price, etc.); only they don't meet the legal criteria to be called as such in Japan.
Personal note:
Owning a decent Chinese production katana and having seen up close one of those million yen nihonto (as in: one of my best buddy recently imported one - he also happens to be one of the best iaidoka I know): there's a no question there's a gap in quality. The finish on the nihonto is impeccable. It's like driving a high-end car or dining in a multiple Michelin star restaurant: it's the same as the regular thing, only it's flawless. However, 1 million yen is darn expensive, there's certainly is a market and a value for cheaper stuff.
I would also take notice of the "spiritual provenance" aspect (for lack of a better word). I like how Shogo explains that in a non-religious way, comparing it to other items that are emotionally significant to one's personal history and cannot be replaced with a copy, such as wedding rings.
@lou, did you intend to submit the video with the 10min timestamp? If it was as accident, let me know and I can remove it.
I have not, I'll appreciate it if you change the link. Thanks.