The Tosogu Classroom is a project initiated by the JSS/US in cooperation with the American and the European Branch of the NBTHK. It is a translation of an article series of the same name authored by Fukushi Shigeo, which appeared in the Tōken-Bijutsu magazine over a period of 18 years. In over 200 installments and by calling on his private and vast archive, Fukushi introduces all the major and minor schools of sword fittings makers, creating so one of the most comprehensive references on tsuba and kodōgu.

The translation is published in five volumes, with the fifth volume also containing illustrations in color of relevant pieces for each school. So far, Volumes 1–4 have been completed and their table of contents are posted below, plus a few sample pages from so that you get an idea about the books are structured. The volumes are hardbound with dust jacket and are b/w and in US Letter format, and the page count for each volume is 564 (Vol. 1), 686 (Vol. 2), 654 (Vol. 3), and 662 (Vol. 4). Information for Volume 5 will be added here upon completion.

Members of said organizations are able to purchase the books for a discount, so please get in touch with me about that at markus.sesko@gmail.com. Otherwise, the fee is $66 for Vols. 1–4, and $126 for Vol. 5 (because of the more expensive color print), which includes shipping. FYI: Books are produced by wordwide local print partners of Lulu.com, meaning, they do not have to be shipped out of the US and there are no importat tax issues, etc.