Japan's First Public Display! Homecoming Exhibition of the Modern Sword 'Hananomiyako Wago Koro' That Enchanted Paris [Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture]

Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, conducted a modern sword promotion campaign in Paris, France, from May 27 to June 3, Reiwa 8, with the goal of widely disseminating the appeal of Japanese swords both domestically and internationally, and fostering the development and retention of sword artisans through the popularization of modern swords.

We are pleased to announce the homecoming exhibition of the artwork "Hananomiyako Wago Koro" (Hana no Miyako Wago Koro), which was displayed in Paris, France, as detailed below.

Details of the Homecoming Exhibition

Period

June 19 (Friday), Reiwa 8, to July 20 (Monday, National Holiday), Reiwa 8

Location

1st Floor Exhibition Hall, Bizen Osafune Sword Museum

(966 Osafune, Osafune-cho, Setouchi City)

Admission Fee

Admission to the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is required for viewing.

・General: 500 yen

・High school and university students: 300 yen

・Junior high school students and younger: Free

Wakizashi Sword Inscribed "Hananomiyako Wago Koro" (Hana no Miyako Wago Koro)

The wakizashi inscribed "Hananomiyako Wago Koro" (Hana no Miyako Wago Koro)

This piece was created specifically for exhibition in Paris, France (May 27 to June 3, Reiwa 8), incorporating motifs related to both France and Setouchi City into various parts of the design.

The tsuba (handguard) features carvings of the chrysanthemum, the official city flower of Setouchi, and the iris, the national flower of France. Other metal fittings (fuchi and kashira) are designed with the rooster, the national bird of France.

Overall, the sword is decorated in black and gold. The scabbard is lacquered in black wax color, with gold maki-e patterns evoking the Seine River. The inscription carved by the swordsmith on the nakago (tang) of the blade expresses the creator's sentiment behind this exhibition: "Hananomiyako Wago Koro" (Hana no Miyako Wago Koro).

[Creators]

・Swordsmith (blade forging): Kazuki Kawashima

・Polisher (blade polishing): Tomoyasu Yokoyama

・Metalworker (kozuka forging): Shigeyuki Koike

・Metalworker (seppa forging): Ken Muto

・Metal Artist (tsuba crafting): Shigetsune Katayama

・Scabbard Maker (shirasaya construction): Saburo Ishizaki

・Lacquerer (scabbard lacquering): Teruhito Kishino

・Handle Wrapper (tsuka wrapping): Shinya Yamada

Achievements of the Sword Promotion in Paris

On-site, the city's mayor led top-level sales efforts, and the team conducted lectures, media PR, and exhibitions, successfully introducing the charm of modern Japanese swords to many people, including French citizens. Additionally, tangible outcomes were achieved, such as receiving orders for modern swords.

Inquiries

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, Bizen Osafune Sword Village, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture

Phone: 0869-66-7767

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)

Closed: Every Monday (closed on the following day if Monday is a holiday)

The day after national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 – January 4)

Temporary closures may occur during exhibition changes.