Steel and Honor - The Legacy of the Samurai Sword at LA Japan House

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Category: Events Calendar

Date and Time

• Saturday, Apr 26, 2025  11am - 12:30pm

Location

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Details

Travel back in time to the world of samurai craftsmanship with Michael Yamasaki, a leading samurai arts specialist and founder of Jidai Arts. This special program will be a rare opportunity to experience authentic samurai culture up close as Yamasaki shares selections from his remarkable private collection of swords and related artifacts.

During the program, Yamasaki will guide guests through the evolution of samurai swords, exploring their changing forms, aesthetics, and usage over centuries. He will introduce key artifacts from his collection, sharing the rich stories and historical significance behind each piece. Samurai armor specialist Darin S. Furukawa, co-founder and president of Jidai Arts, will join the discussion, offering his insights into the function and aesthetics of samurai armor.

For over a millennium, the samurai class evolved from warriors to political leaders and eventually administrators during centuries of peace, shaping Japanese society along the way. Swords were central to samurai identity, functioning not just as highly effective weapons on the battlefield, but as symbols of honor and identity within a complex social hierarchy. As the role of samurai transformed, so did their swords, from practical combat tools to prestigious status symbols, with master swordsmiths continuously refining both functional design and artistic expression (to learn more, read a new article about the history and artistry of samurai culture). Though the samurai class was officially dissolved in the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and was thereafter banned from carrying swords, the remarkable tradition of Japanese sword craftsmanship endures today, preserved by dedicated artisans who keep this legacy alive, along with passionate scholars, collectors, and fans around the world.

Together, Michael and Darin will share their extensive knowledge and expertise as a curators and consultants, offering unique insights into the cultural and artistic significance of swords and samurai armor, as well as the appraisal and understanding these exceptional works of art. Join us for an exciting afternoon witnessing and celebrating the long legacy of samurai art and culture.

*The collection will be on display at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Level 5 Salon, until 5:00 PM (PDT). Guests are welcome to walk in and enjoy the exhibit.