I would just like announce that another book of mine is out, titled as seen in the headline of this post. Before quoting the preface, I want to get the “technicalities” out of the way: Paperback, 264 pages, b/w, A5 format (5.83 x 8.27 in / 148 x 210 mm), price: USD 19.90. Thank you very much for your attention!

Link to Lulu.com

“Among collectors and connoisseurs of the Japanese sword, it is widely known that throughout history, Japanese swordsmiths held honorary titles that neither had administrative obligations, nor authorative power. However, many aspects of this phenomenon remain unclear, and little on this subject has been translated into English or other languages. Accordingly, many misconceptions about honorary titles exist. Although being a niche topic among niches, it corresponds very much to the aim I am pursuing now for more than two decades, and that is to fill gaps and connect dots in this field. Due to the nature of said topic, this publication may be of a more “dry” character than many of my other books, but as indicated, a thorough analysis of honorary titles used by Japanese swordsmiths has long been overdue. In this sense, I would be delighted if this humble contribution provides useful insight and serves as a reference.”