#Japan #Cultural Heritage #Auction #Shinjuku #Japanese Sword

The Rising Interest in Japanese Swords

In a stunning auction at Sotheby’s New York, a short sword fetched an impressive 35.54 million yen, which is nearly double its expected price. This sale has raised eyebrows internationally, prompting questions about the growing fascination with Japanese swords. But what exactly is driving this trend?

The Seminar on Japanese Sword Business

To address these inquiries, Keiei Sanpo Co., the operator of the business community bar sanbouBAR in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will host a seminar on October 3, 2026. Titled ‘Why Are Japanese Swords Capturing Global Attention? Learning the Front and Back of Japanese Sword Business with Real Examples,’ the seminar is set to commence at 6 PM.

The guest speaker will be Norikazu Shoshi, a specialist from Meiyo Co., an enterprise that deals in art and antiques. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to examine actual Japanese swords, learning about the distinctions between swords that gain attention and those that do not, the cost-effectiveness of appraisal fees, and real auction examples from both domestic and international markets. This hands-on experience will allow participants to grasp these concepts visually and tangibly.

Context Behind the Surge in Interest

With the decline of the yen and the influx of wealthy collectors from abroad, coupled with the international success of cultural references like the video game 'SHOGUN,' interest in Japanese swords is experiencing a significant boost. However, it is crucial to understand that not all swords circulate in this newfound spotlight. Determining which swords are appealing involves certain criteria that will be discussed in detail during the seminar. This topic is particularly relevant for businesspersons exploring asset diversification outside of cash and financial assets, as well as those interested in the art world but hesitant to enter due to price uncertainty. This event aims to clarify what constitutes a ‘good’ sword by allowing participants to see and engage with actual items.

Event Features and Highlights

• - Expert insights from Norikazu Shoshi, who will explain the dynamics of the Japanese sword market before real swords.
• - A breakdown of what differentiates sought-after swords from those that lack interest, alongside considerations for appraisal effectiveness.
• - Real ticket sale cases from auctions to aid in understanding market trends.
• - Essential tips for prospective buyers, highlighting vital aspects to check such as appraisals, registration certificates, preservation state, and vendor selection.
• - Discussion on important tax-related points to share with accountants when handling art as company assets.
• - Attendees can directly observe the craftsmanship of swords, from the quality of the steel to the patterns on the blade.
• - The event will conclude with a networking session featuring food and drinks, providing an opportunity to engage with the speaker.

This seminar is not intended to promote specific financial products or offer investment advice.

Event Details

• - Date: October 3, 2026 (Saturday) 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
• - Location: sanbouBAR Shinjuku, 3-15-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Directions Here
• - Participation Fee: 6,000 yen (includes unlimited drinks and food).
• - Target Audience: Business executives considering various asset classes, individuals interested in art but unsure about investment valuation, and those needing guidance on art during inheritance or business succession.

Facilitators: Kenji Araya, CEO of Keiei Sanpo, alongside Norikazu Shoshi from Meiyo Co., will guide discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Japanese sword market.

Community Focus

sanbouBAR serves as a unique space where business leaders, professionals, and creators gather to share insights and brainstorm ideas over drinks, transcending mere industry networking. With over 500 events held, this bar has become a pivotal hub for over 10,000 executives.

Company Overview
Keiei Sanpo Co., established in November 2015, specializes in management consulting and operates the sanbouBAR network, aiming to provide better support to business leaders and create valuable community connections.