Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai

The Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (日本美術刀剣保存協会, 'The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords')(NBTHK) is a public interest incorporated foundation established in February 1948, to preserve and promote Japanese swords that have artistic value.

Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai
日本美術刀剣保存協会
The Japanese Sword Museum, where the headquarter office of the Foundation is located (Sumida-ku)
AbbreviationNBTHK
Pronunciation
  • Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai
FormationApril 1, 2012
TypePublic Interest Incorporated Foundation
Registration no.6011005003782
PurposeContribution to the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Japanese culture.
HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
Location
  • 1-12-9 Yokoami , Sumida-ku, Tokyo
OriginsNihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai ( February 24, 1948 – March 31, 2012)
Official language
Japanese
Chairman and Representative Director
Tadahisa Sakai
Revenue (March 31, 2016)
1,602,44,627 yen
Staff (March 31, 2016)
29
Websitehttp://www.touken.or.jp/
A Soshu school katana attributed to Etchu Norishige and ranked Tokubetsu Juyo Token by the NBTHK.

History

Japanese sword has value as arts and crafts and there are more than 110 swords being designated as National Treasure (Japan). (in "国指定文化財等データベース"[1] select "美術工芸品" and search keyword "刀")

But after the Meiji Restoration (1868) and the 廃刀令 (Swords Abolishment Edict, Haitōrei Edict) in 1876,[2] a major concern grew that the swords would be lost overseas.[3] Although, Japanese sword making was abandoned work, it was approved in the 4th Imperial exhibition in 1934 as a revival of Japanese swords.The nihonto tanren renshu jo (Japanese swordsmithing training center) led by Kurihara Hikosaburō discovered 82 swordsmiths from local area and supported.[4]

After the end of the World War II, the confiscation of the Japanese swords were carried out by the GHQ(General Headquarters)in the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers).[5] However, the US military understood the strong request from the Japanese side through the Yokohama Military Commission that "Japanese swords are treasures of each family as art objects."[6] As a result, swords as art objects were excluded from the confiscation.

The "Prohibition of possession of firearms" (Emperor's Decree No. 300) was promulgated, and the prohibition of "swords and valuable items as art" were excluded on June 1, 1946.[7]

The Japanese government has designated 17 swords and others as new important works of art.[8]

The volunteers established the Foundation on February 24, 1948, with the purpose of passing Japanese swords on to future generations,led by Junji Homma, who was a leading Japanese sword researcher, and Kan'ichi Sato, who was the director of the swords department of the Tokyo National Museum.[9]

Initially, the headquarter office was located at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno,Taitō,Tokyo,Japan.

The National Museum (currently Tokyo National Museum) held the "Sword Art Special Exhibition" in May 1948 as an exhibition of swords as works of art.[10]

In the same year,the association started a certification system for swords. In addition, the 1st presentation of sword polishing production technology was held.

In 1949, the association published a specialized magazine, "Sword Art," which continues to this day.[11]

In the magazine, there are commentaries with images of famous swords and sword tools, and the question is presented as a "paper appraisal" showing the Oshigata of the Hamon (刃文の押形), and the correct answer is explained in the next issue.

In 1955, the first sword technology presentation was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and thereafter, it has been renamed to "New Masterpieces Exhibition" and "Modern Swordsmiths Exhibition" and is being held until now[12](see January 1955).

In 1968, moved the office to Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,and set up the Japanese Sword Museum was opened with the funds raised by the members, to exhibit the saved and preserved swords.[12](see history)

In 1976, in order to secure sword-making materials that would become difficult to obtain year by year, the Nittoho Tatara Plant was established to produce "Wako (Japanese steel for blades)" and "Tamahagane (High quality blade steel)", in Okuizumo town, Shimane Prefecture[12](see June 1976) In 1977, the Nittoho Tatara Plant was revived in Yokota Town, Shimane Prefecture.

In 1982, the system for appraisal was changed from the conventional system for sword approval.

In 2006, "Issues of Shinsa (grading examination)" described later became a problem in the House of Representatives.

In 2009, more than 400 unregistered swords, which owners were unknown, were discovered in a storage of the NBTHK. In 2011, the documents on a violation of the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Low were sent to prosecutor's office, involving the NBTHK, then director and managing director, due to 36 unregistered swords possession. [13],[14]

But in 2012, the directors were exempted from prosecution. Then, on April 1, NBTHK was certified as a "public interest incorporated foundation (公益財団法人)" by the Cabinet Office of the Japanese government[12] (see history) by contributing "Sword Appraisal" to the public interest business.[15]

In 2017, the Japanese Sword Museum moved to Kuramae and relocated to a new building.[16]

These measures contribute to the development of Japanese sword culture.

Issues of Shinsa (grading examination)

The prestigious Sword Appraisal Certificate affects the quality and value of swords. For example, "Meizukushi", a sword appraisal certificate from 1316 (Kamakura period), is held in the National Diet Library. The swordsmith Rai Kuniyuki described in the book is designated as a national treasure.[17] "Nakajirō" of the same book describes the price of thirty 30-kan as the valuation.

In the modern day, appraisal is almost monopolized by this association (NBTHK), which is a public interest corporation certified by the government. In the answer from Mr.Ibuki the minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, said the "NBTHK is the only institute for appraisal (Kantei) for Japanese swords". [18](go to answer HTML)

Therefore, a fair response is required for the examination. However, there were complains about the examination by this association. the department of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ordered investigation and instructed for ensuring fairness of examination.NBTHK answered that the board member and their family members and examiners are not arrow to submit exmination.[19](go to Answer HTML)

After that, the association applied for a sword examination that violates the resolution for improvement measures of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.Representative Hosaka Nobuto raised a subject at culture and science committee on the 165th national diet No.3 20th (Friday) Oct. 2006.[20] Also,(2007) representative Sasaki Kensho asked about examination application from board-members or non members and unfair relation with specific dealers, etc. [19](go to Sasaki ask HTML) On the contrary, Prime minster submitted response to the chair of the house of representative include circumstances of the story Cabinet house of representative question 169 No.79.[21]

Below is a summary of the answers: regarding to the examination of Tokubetsu Juyo token [2004], There were 344 cases of violation of regulation such as submitting examine from board members and their families, and from non members since report of 2006.NBTHK announced self-restraint of submitting from board members, their families, stuff members and examiners. so, the agency of cultural affair will supervise them.

  • In this regard, the former secretary general litigated status confirmation about dismissal by the chairman to the former secretary general who reported to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.[22]
  • The plaintiffs have won the Tokyo High Court decision in May.[23]

Gendai Tōshoku Ten (現代刀職展 former name: Shinsaku Meito Ten)

The NBTHK is the organizer of Shinsaku Meito Ten - a competition of Modern Japanese swords. It is a major goal for modern swordsmiths to be awarded at this competition. [24] The competitions are held in two sections of Japanese sword making (1. Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Naginata and Yari section, and 2. Tantō and Ken section), carving technique on blade, and metal engraving.

Awards
  • Tokushō (Special prize)
  • Takamatsu-no-Miya Memorial Award
  • The NBTHK's President Award
  • Kunzan (Junji Honma) Award
  • Kanzan (Kanichi Sato) Award
  • Yūshū-shō (Excellence Award)
  • Doryoku-shō (Great effort Award)
  • Shinjin-shō (Newcomer Award)
  • Masamune Award

The awards are as described above, but a swordsmith who wins each prize multiple times (8 times including twice of Takamatsu-no-Miya Award, or 10 times of Tokushō) is given the Mukansa title, and considered to be one of the best modern smiths. The Masamune Award is a special prize, and only given when an outstanding sword made by Mukansa smith was submitted. Most recentry,the Masamune Award was given to Amata Akitsugu in 1996[25],a Tantō made by Norihiro Miyairi in 2010.[26] , and to a Tachi made by Kunihira Kawachi in 2014. [27]


Past chairman

Generation / Name / Main Title

1. Moritatsu Hosokawa, member of Kizoku-in (the House of Peers)

2. Junji Honma Director, Arts and Crafts Division, Secretariat of the Cultural Heritage Protection Committee of the Ministry of Education, President of Honma Art Museum

3. Kinji Fujikawa, Director of the National Museum, Director of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Property Preservation Committee, Professor of Otsuma Women's University, sword researcher and collector

4. Sadanori Yamanaka, Secretary-General of the Okinawa Development Agency, Director-General of the Agency of Defense

5. Kajo Suzuki, President of construction company, sword researcher and collector

6. Ryutaro Hashimoto, Prime Minister

7. Atsuyuki Sassa, Director of Cabinet Security Office

8. Hiroyoshi Murayama, Tokyo High court Public Prosecutors Office General

9. Hiroshi Ono, Chairman of Rubber Products Company

10. Tadahisa Sakai, 18th Lord of former Shonai feudal

References
  1. "Kuni shitei bunkazai tou Database". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  2. 末広, 巌太郎 (1936). 現代法令全集: 警察篇,衛生篇. 第11巻. 日本評論社.search keyword "帯刀"p.18
  3. 丸山, 幹治 (1936). 副島種臣伯. 大日社. p. 410.
  4. "神戸大学経済経営研究所 新聞記事文庫・大阪朝日新聞　雑工業(04-059) Newspaper Clippings Collection of the Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration,Kobe University,Ōsaka Asahi shinbun Miscellaneous industry (04-059)". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  5. 荒, 敬 (1991), "占領期における非軍事化と武装解除：特に「占領軍の刀狩り」を中心として", 史苑, 51 (2): 18–19, doi:10.14992/00001291
  6. SCAPIN-12: LETTER REFERENCE RETENTION OF SWORDS BY JAPANESE MILITARY PERSONNEL 1945/09/07 : Directs swords may be retained if household treasures; swords issued by Japanese Government to be turned in with other weapons of war. Rescinded by SCAPIN 2099. September 1945.
  7. "National Archives of Japan Digital Archive". National Archives of Japan Digital Archiveaccessdate=1 July 2020.In "National Archives of Japan Digital Archive" cite, please copy the following keywords and paste them in the search box to search. "昭和二十一年　勅令第三〇〇"
  8. "新国宝指定(美術界年史（彙報）所収)". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  9. "The Japanese Sword Museum". Retrieved 1 July 2020. see Guide
  10. "国立博物館百年史". Retrieved 1 July 2020. see p.601
  11. "刀剣美術". 日本美術刀劍保存協會. Retrieved 1 July 2020.（Holdings search：CiNii Books)
  12. "The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK)". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  13. "日本経済新聞20111028". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  14. "Police Raid Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords". Japan Probe. Archived from the original on 1 August 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  15. "日本美術刀剣保存協会、公益財団法人に認定さる". IIDA-KOENDO. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  16. "The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK), profile". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  17. Meizukushi 銘尽. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  18. ""Shugi-in/House of representatives submitted question No.79 Feb.12th 2008". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  19. "Shugi-in/House of representatives. response No. 241". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  20. "165th national diet No.3 20th (Friday) Oct. 2006". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  21. "chair of the house of representative". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  22. "Tokyo District Court 20th of May 2008 "2006(wa) Chii kakunin nado seikyu kouso jiken". Retrieved 1 July 2020.(National federation of labour standards association precedent search)
  23. "2008(Ne)3144 Chii kakunin seikyu kouso jiken". Retrieved 1 July 2020. (Tokyo high court 19th of May 2009.)
  24. "New Japanese swords exhibition 1978 guidelines 平成28年新作名刀展開催要領" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  25. "KATANA JAPAN". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  26. "Waza-Museum". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  27. "Tōken Bijutsu.No.640" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2020.


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