Time flies, as posted on my IG @swordtranslator last night:
I am not certain about the exact month, but it was in fall of 1995 that I bought a Japanese sword (a fake), which I mark as my official starting point into the field of Nihonto. Remember reading about Japanese swords in a book on edged weapons from around the world as a teenager that I think already hooked me up as it had a b/w drawing of a Masamune blade, but too vague to pin down. So, 30 years it is, and what a journey. Hope I am in for another 30 years as it only feels like a first step, but let’s see what my aging body has to say about that, lol 😇 Maybe after the next 30 years I feel comfortable enough for balloons and confetti…
正確な月は定かではありませんが、1995年の秋に日本刀（偽銘でしたが）を購入したのを、日本刀 の世界に正式に足を踏み入れた出発点としています。10代の頃に世界の刃物についての本を読んでいて、日本刀の章に載っていた正宗の刀の白黒図を見たのが、すでに心を掴まれたきっかけだったと思います。ただ、その記憶は曖昧すぎて特定できません。ともあれ、あれから30年。本当に長い旅路でした。まだ最初の一歩にすぎないように感じるので、あと30年はいけるといいのですが、まあ老いゆく身体がどう言うかは分かりませんね 😇 もしかしたら、さらに30年経った頃には、風船や紙吹雪でお祝いする心の余裕もできているかもしれません…
Markus Sesko 
Congratulations on reaching such an incredible milestone—30 years in the hobby is no small feat. I’ve been immersed in it since 2001, so while my path hasn’t been quite as long, it’s still been a rewarding 24-year journey. I trace my beginnings back to two formative books: The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon Kapp, and Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice by Gordon Warner and Donn F. Draeger. Those texts lit the spark that’s never gone out.
Here’s to another 26 years of study, appreciation, and shared passion. And thank you sincerely for all the translation work you’ve done—your efforts continue to deepen our understanding and connection to this art.
Thank you very much, David!
Hi MarkusAny bews on the Yamashiro english version?Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Congratulations! You have been a huge blessing to the sword community! Thanks, Mike
Thanks a lot Mike!
hallo Markus. I don’t know if you remember me. I am Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini and you helped me a lot with material and suggestions for my book “on the origins of nihonto”. Without you it would be impossible. I wish you other 30 years of studies and wish all the best to your beautiful wife as well. The world needs more people like you. Your faithfully
Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini
Oh Carlo, of course I remember you! Long time no see. Thank you very much for the comment and I hope all is well over there!
Marcus, Congratulations on your milestone of 30 years of study in the field of nihonto!! The nihonto community has benefitted greatly with all of the books and resources you have published!! Again, Congratulations!! Douglas Louie
Thank you very much, Douglas!
hallo Markus. I don’t know if you remember me. I am Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini and you helped me with material and suggestions for my book “on the origins of nihonto”. It would be impossible without your contribution. I wish you 30 plus years of study and appreciations of japanese blades and armors. Sadly life throw me away from nihonto but your name remains a legend. Yours faithfull
Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini
We’re all thankful that you chose this passion 30 years ago. Since then you’ve been the mentor for an entire community of Nihonto enthusiasts trying to find their way to a better understanding of the art.
Cheers!!!
Thank you, much appreciated, Stephen!
Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Markus 🥂
Vielen lieben Dank, Uwe!
Congratulations my friend. You got me thinking and it is about 50yrs for me give or take a year or so. I was more fortunate with my first katana. It is signed nobuhide, just two kanji . I won’t take up any more of your time, just have to say I have most of your books and find them indispensable. With great admiration and regards. Peter Smith.
Thank you very much, Peter!
Dear Markus
Congratulations on your 30 years of dedicated research in Nihonto Studies!
Throughout the last 12 years, I have been fascinated and grateful for your publications and research; your dedication to the study of the Japanese sword has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Your willingness to share what you’ve learned and work has enriched my understanding and deepened my own appreciation for Nihonto.
Thank you for being such a wonderful source of inspiration and knowledge. 乾杯 !!! kanpai !!! to many more years of success, discoveries, and fascinating study!
Luis Garcia
黒内
I very much appreciate your feedback, Luis!