We have written a number of entries about how the katana appears in many Japanese idioms, these received a wonderful response from everyone. Therefore, we decided to take things a little broader, focusing not only on the sword but on the “samurai” as we explore more idiomatic expressions. Some of Read More
Many roads passed through the ancient capital of Kyoto, for example the Tokaido, Sanyodo and Hokurikudo roads. The most important 7 main roads on which you could enter and leave Kyoto, in other words check points, were called Kyo no Nanakuchi(the seven entrances of Kyoto). Even to this day there Read More
The Jutsuka Tokubetsu Kunren (術科特別訓練; Special Technique Training Department) or for short, the “Tokuren”, is a special Japanese police squad whose purpose is to promote and reinforce technical training within subjects such as Judo, Kendo, Taihojutsu, marksmanship, etc. to raise the overall level of physical and mental health among police officers. Read More
From shinken to iaito and decorative wall-hangers, there are numerous types of Japanese swords available for purchase today, however today we will have a look at the only part that you touch on a katana: the tsuka. We will also go over some simple ways to distinguish a good tsuka Read More
MUKOKU, based on Shuhei Fujisawa’s novel, will be going up in theaters all over Japan on the 3rd of June! The movie is about Kengo Yatabe (Ayano Go) a 5-dan Kendoka who stops practicing after causing an accident, now he spends his days drinking and working as a security guard. Read More
Tozando would like to announce a great change coming soon to our international website tozandoshop.com. As of now, while it is possible to display prices in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, etc…), all transactions are eventually priced in Japanese Yen. But by popular demand, and to make our prices easier for international Read More
Check out this upcoming Japanese Kendo-themed movie “武曲 MUKOKU” starring popular actor 綾野 剛 (Ayano Gō). It will premiere in Japanese theaters in June 2017 and it looks like it will be a great movie for people doing Kendo! International release is still not announced, but hopefully it will be Read More
Written by Damon Schearer (Australia), winner of the 8th Edition of Tozando’s “Win a Trip to Japan” Experience. I would like to thank Tozando and of course Tozando President Takahiko Kimura for this wonderful opportunity. I have been to Japan several times but mostly for Budo training and have seen Read More
Written by Christian Domittner, DC (Austria), winner of the 8th Edition of Tozando’s “Win a Trip to Japan” Experience. First of all, thank you, Tozando! You were all great hosts and everyone made me feel very special. I was so very lucky to have been the chosen winner. It was Read More
At Tozando we love Kendo. Learning the way of the sword helps shaping your character by going through rigorous training. Even though practice can at times be strict, it is fun, and at the end of a hard practice you can feel the worth of the work you have laid Read More
