Budo, Kobudo & Japanese Artisanry - The Seido Blog

In Japan, calligraphy, ink drawing, and painting are traditionally displayed on a kakejiku (also called sometimes kakemono). It's a lengthy scroll-like composition made of fabric and paper that's linked to a jiku, the central wooden pole.

There are various types (and sub-styles) of Kakejiku, each having its own layout and proportions, but we'll focus on the three most common in this article.

The fabric used to make a kakejiku is referred to as "kireji" (裂地). Kireji's function, similar to that of a frame in Western painting, is to highlight the calligraphy or artwork; therefore picking the proper one is crucial to creating a beautiful composition.

It may seem strange to those unfamiliar with calligraphy, but ink is traditionally sold as solid sticks rather than liquid, and each calligrapher must grind down his ink sticks with water on a specific stone called suzuri, before he can start brushing.

Discover everything you need to know about Ink Sticks in this article written by calligraphy artist Fuh-Mi

Murayama Token is one of the oldest Iaito workshops and certainly the most prolific nowadays. It is one of the workshops at the origin of the Iaito, a small family business, the kind of business we always wanted to support. At least, until recently. Here comes the story of our collaboration with Murayama Token, from beginning to end.

2019年秋、木刀や杖などの国産木製武器製造の今後について、ブログ記事を掲載しました。当時、国産木製武器の約４割程の生産量を占めていた工房・堀之内登製作所が閉鎖し、それ以降、宮崎県都城の国産木製武器の生産力は急落しました。残された３つの木刀工房では、それまで堀之内工房で製作されていた木製武器の製造も担うようになりました。現在の木刀製造現場の状況はどのように変化していったのでしょうか？

What’s a Fukuroshinai? How is it made? Where did it comes from? In this detailed article, you'll find all the informations you need.

Nowadays, the term "made in japan" has lost its meaning. How can you be sure what you are buying? Analysis of the situation.

In September 2019, the Horinouchi workshop who held about 40% of the production of all made in Japan wooden weapons, closed its doors forever. This article comes back to the reasons of that event, the state of the industry and how the prices of the products will evolve in 2020.

If choosing one’s Bokken is an easy task for a beginner, it is a much harder endeavor for veterans in need of a tool able to support the focus of their work. The weight, length, species of wood but also the curvature and thickness of the Bokken play a determining role in the weapon’s behavior during practice. Let’s review all those components.

If Japanese Bokken have become so appreciated over time, it is mainly thanks to the quality of the wood they are made of. Kirishima Sankei, a sylvan region situated on the island of Kyushu, produces exceptional wood and has thus attracted many generations of the most skilled cabinetmakers and wood workers of the country. Resistance, resilience, sturdiness, flexibility, weight, density, colour… Each wood species possesses unique characteristics, each carefully chosen for a specific purpose. This article will delve into the origin, the different qualities, and reasons behind the use of each species.