Events
NCJSC EVENTS
NCJSC promotes education about and the preservation of ancient and modern Japanese samurai blades and related objects. To encourage the appreciation of the cultural, artistic and historical values as well as aesthetic and expert craftsmanship of Japanese swords, NCJSC engages members and the general public in multiple ways including monthly club meetings (open to the public), monthly Zoom Kantei appraisals (members only), local cherry blossom festivals, and the renown San Francisco Token Taikai, NCJSC's annual sword show.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
We hold general meetings in San Francisco on the third Sunday of each month, except April and August. These meetings include presentations on monthly themes, sharing of items from private collections, kantei (sword appraisal) and occasional guest speakers. This is your opportunity to study many nice pieces in person, including sword blades, sword guards, fittings, armor, and related works of art.
ZOOM KANTEI
(MEMBERS ONLY)
Each month a picture and description of a blade are emailed to members a week or two prior to the club meeting. Bids (appraisal guesses) and feedback are sent through email, culminating in a discussion held through Zoom on the Monday after the general meeting where the subject blade is discussed in depth. This is a chance for remote members to participate in this educational exercise. Participants from as far away as Japan have participated in the past.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALS
NCJSC members provide displays of Japanese swords and related items at two local cherry blossom festivals in April. Members attending these festivals have an opportunity to show pieces from their collections and encourage appreciation by festival visitors.
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Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
The 2024 San Francisco festival spans two weekends in April: April 13-14 and April 20-21. This year, the NCJSC will provided a sword display for the first weekend of the festival. If you are interested in participating in next year's event, talk to Tom Helm or Fred Weissberg at a general meeting or contact us online.
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival, usually held on the last weekend in April, promotes cultural awareness and includes exhibits (swords, ikebana, bonsai), demonstrations (tea ceremony, origami, calligraphy), food and entertainment (taiko drums, dance, martial arts, music). If you are interested in participating in this event, talk to Sean Sweeny at a general meeting or contact us online.
ANNUAL SWORD SHOW
San Francisco Token Taikai, NCJSC's annual sword show, brings together dealers and collectors of Japanese swords, fittings and related items. Recognized as one of the finest "Japanese Sword Shows" in the United States, San Francisco Token Taikai draws attendees from all over the world.
In addition to the displays and items for sale, the show will include a sword etiquette lecture and a special presentation by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kai - American Branch (NBTHK-AB).