The opinion expressed on those Nipponto ( Japanese sword ) books are not necessarily shared with the SFNS members and associates. These opinions are strictly our Sensei's personal & humble opinion based on his understanding of English language & Japanese language.
As you may know by now, the English books written pertaining to the Nipponto in the US & the UK contain terrible mistakes, misunderstandings, misleading information, wrong pronunciation of Japanese words, lack of accurate descriptions, incorrect author's speculations, and obvious lack of study, etc. in their contents.
There are, more or less, 50 sword books written on the topic of Japanese swords in the
English language. The actual # of the published books on this topic are unknown.
If anyone can provide accurate, substantiated information on this, it will be appreciated.
However, we are certain that there are over 11,000 books written on this topic in the Japanese language. Therefore, if you can read and comprehend the Japanese language, it will help your Nipponto studying process tremendously.
Our Sensei grades the books using the following point system:
1. 10 points / Useless information
2. 20 points / Lack of accuracy on translation
3. 30 points / Very amateur author
4. 40 points / Very poorly done
5. 50 points / Many mistakes
6. 60 points / Acceptable, but needs improvement
7. 70 points / Educational, but a few mistakes and misleading
8. 80 points / Well done & Informative
9. 90 points / Valuable information within
10. 100 points / Highly recommended to other sword study goers
We have also provided some photos of these books, which can be used by the Nipponto study goers as the reference and identifying the books.
All rights belong to the authors and publishers of these works.
We have provided images for nonprofit,
educational reference purposes,
not for commercial gain.
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:23 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:15 PM
]
Book 7 / English
70 points
Title: The Japanese sword American perspective
Author: Gary Murtha
Many color photos Koshirae Kanagu ( Tsuba, Fuchi/Kashira, Menuki, Kozuka, etc. ) are included. A few mistakes
on Mei reading.
126 pages
This book ocassionally appears in the E-Bay, we recommend to buy it from the Auction site.
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:23 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:16 PM
]
Book 6 / English
60 points
Title: Japanese swords and fittings in the Western Australia Museum
Author: George Trotter
It took 11 years for them to correct some statements and diagram, in a new version.
There are still many mistakes on translation and inscription reading. More than 80% of the listed Nipponto need the polish. A rare Wakizashi made by the Kaifu Group of swordsmith is listed on page 63.
131 pages
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:22 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:17 PM
]
Book 5 / English
90 points
Title: Japanese swordsmanship
Author: Gordon Warner and Donn F. Draeger
If you a Iaido or Kenjitsu practitioner, this book can be a good source of information. The photos of Tachi-Kake and Katana-kake are listed.
296 pages
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:21 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:18 PM
]
Book 4 / Japanese
90 points
Title: Yari / Naginata Nyumon ( Introduction )
Author: Kazuo Iida
Very rare photos are included. Usually, Yari and Naginata are under-stated and often under-valued.
194 pages
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:21 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:19 PM
]
Book 3 / Japanese
90 points
Title: Tanto
Author: Katei Suzuki
If you are the avid collector of the Tanto, this is a good reference book.
267 pages
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:20 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:21 PM
]
Book 2 / Japanese
100 points
Title: Minoto Taikan
Author: Dr. Kazuo Tokuno
Before this book was available, there were so many erroneous statements & information floating around on Mino-den tradition swords. A very informative book. Printed only 1,500 books.
543 pages
Our Sensei has 3 of the Minoto Taikan books:
1. Purchased from one of his Japanese friends / $200 in 1982
2. Purchased from the E-Bay Auction site / $400 in 1990
3. Purchased from a book store in the Kanda area, Tokyo / $600 in 1997
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posted Jul 18, 2009 7:19 PM by Website Administrator of SFNS
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updated Oct 29, 2009 2:22 PM
]
Book 1 / English
100 points
Title: Swords of Imperial Japan 1868 -1945 Cyclopedia Edition
Author: Jim Dawson
Many unusual, rare items are included such as the Gensuito, Sword pistol, General's tarssels, Kyu-Gunso with Dokuro design, A Kinsakuto by the Gassan Kaji, A 3-toed Japanese dragon Menuki, etc. /
Ove 400 pages of color photos!
The other short version of this book is also recommended by our Sensei. He said that this book is probablly the best Gunso and Gunto book written in the English language. Highly recommended !!
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