Private Museum: Symbolism, Meaning and the Swords of the Samurai
Soul of the Samurai The sword represented the embodiment of the samurai’s soul, his status in society, and his beliefs and philosophy. The scabbard in which it rested and the fittings encasing the razor sharp blade were decorated with motifs from nature, plants and animals with deep and special meanings. Masterfully crafted artworks, the sword […]
Jigen-ryu: Secret Swordsmanship of the Samurai
Jigen-ryu Swordsmanship Jigen-ryu is a style of swordsmanship unique to Kagoshima founded by a samurai named Togo Tobei Bizen no Kami Chui (1561-1643). Even today Jigen-ryu has a profound effect on the mentality and culture of Kagoshima. Jigen-ryu has been passed down unchanged from father to one son over the past 400 years to the […]