I put that decision off for a while now, but in order to focus on my work with the Met, which is going into its third year now, and first of all, in order to finish so long overdue legacy projects like the Tosogu Classroom, Gendaito Project, and unfinished private translation projects, I will discontinue all translation/research service as per September of 2020. This adds “another September” to my personal timeline, i.e., I started to study Japanese in September of 1998, I started my business in September of 2008, and I joined the Met in September of 2018…
Now I will only close this chapter, for now, and surely not the entire book, so I will be around of course, and the halted service will not affect any ongoing ventures, e.g., work for societies like the American and European branches of the NBTHK and the Japanese Armor Society and work for collectors/dealers I am in touch with for so many years.
Well, the decision has not been an easy one, but as those who have tried to reach me in the past couple of years will be able to tell you, service has not been up to the standard that it used to be, at least not from the point of view of reply/turnaround time.
I want to keep this PSA very brief, no tears involved, and end with a positive side effect of this inevitable decision: The halted service will allow me to restart the articles engine here on my blog, and there is already some interesting stuff in the pipeline.
In this sense, I sincerely want to thank all of you who supported my work over all these years! Without you, guys and girls, my humble work in such a small niche as merely translating/researching/writing on the topic of Japanese arms and armor without dealing any would not have been possible!
Thick Arnold accent on: “I’ll be back!”
Markus Sesko 
I have missed you this past year or so and I’m sure you can not say the same, you have had a little peace I’m sure.
Onwards and upwards Markus , all the very best.
Peter.
Ps.
Keep us updated on any future book sales.
Thank you very much Peter! Regarding your Tomonao inquiry, can you please send it to markus.sesko@gmail.com
Thanks Markus
Markus,
I can understand how difficult it must of been sometimes – given your responsibilities to the Met.
I would like to thank you for all your past help and assistance in meeting our demands over the last few years, especially with translation of books and articles.
Looking forward to the completion of Tosogu Classroom and other articles in the future.
All the very best.
regards,
Paul.
Thank you very much Paul!
I own a lot of your books, It is sad that the world wide interest in Japanese sword is waning.
That even the members of the NBTHK seem to be distracted.
The younger generation does not share your interest.
You have been a light in the darkness of western understanding in Japanese weapons.
You will be missed.
Joe Robbins
Hi Markus I wonder by chance would you have any information on a tosugo shi using the name,
Suiryuken (art name) Bokuo Tomonaga (Kao)
There is a slight mention of him apparently, He is listed in Hayness index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists p.1983 But this is all I was able to obtain, no work period or ratings.
Much appreciated Peter, [Image]
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https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Organization/tokensocietyireland/about/
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Markus, whatever you do I know it will be up to your exemplary standards.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Tom
Thank you very much Tom!
Hallo Markus,
das ist ein großer Verlust für uns Samurai-Enthusiasten. Aber man muß wohl irgendwann seine Schwerpunkte (neu) setzen. Deshalb Dir weiterhin viel Erfolg an der Met und danke für Deinen Übersetzungsservice, den ich stets sehr
geschätzt und genossen habe. Deinen blog hier werde ich nicht aus den Augen verlieren.
Beste Grüße aus Germany
Dieter
Vielen lieben Dank Dieter!
Hey Markus,
So after missing you at the Bonn meetings, we now get to miss your translation services as well? This will not stand, dear Sir! Just kidding – obviously you’re overwhelmed with work and you need to make some hard choices. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours, be it here in public or somewhere else and I look forward to all coming publications and articles.
Kindest Regards,
Dirk
Thank you very much Dirk!
Hi Markus I would like to thank you for translation of some of my swords in the past & a big thanks for all the books that you have written over the years which I’m sure has helped so many people who purchased them over the years! Stay safe & all the best for the future my friend. Kind regards Gary
Thank you very much, Gary! Hope to see you around here as new articles are in the making. Cheers and stay safe, Markus