An Interview with Mitsuhiro Tokusanai, Bogu artisan

ENGLISH & FRENCH SUBTITLES: Click on the subtitles button (c) to display
SUBSCRIBE: / @seidobudostudies
-- PRESENTATION --
Exclusive interview with Mitsuhiro Tokusanai, one of the very last Bogu artisans (Kendo's armors) in Japan.
In this fascinating interview, we came back on what the work of a Bogu artisan is, how Master Tokusanai sees the future of his craftsmanship, what are the materials he uses, his advice, and much more.
--- SUMMARY --
0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - Please Introduce Yourself
1:42 - Should bogu craftsmen be proficient in Kendo as well?
2:44 - Can bogu artisans make a good living?
3:23 - How many Bogu craftsmen are there left in Japan?
5:32 - Is there any Bogu left made entirely in Japan?
8:23 - How do you see the future?
10:02 - How long does it take to make an armour?
10:55 - What do you think about the recent trend of light Bogu used for competition?
13:00 - Can you tell us more about the different materials?
20:40 - Do the different types of stitching have a significant impact?
23:42 - How much would the most basic Bogu (made in Japan) cost?
25:34 - Do you ever refuse orders?
30:06 - Do you have anything to add?
-- SPECIAL THANKS --
Baptiste Tavernier for his help on the editing and for giving us access to his personal archives.
-- CREDITS --
Director: Jordy Delage
Camera: Nicolas Nothum
Editing: Baptiste Tavernier & Nicolas Nothum
Subtitles: Baptiste Tavernier, Jason Faivre
Music: "Miyabi" by Fumikomidori
-- SOCIAL NETWORKS --
Facebook: / seidoshop.international
Instagram: / seido_budostudies
Twitter: / seidoshopint
#Bogu #Kendo #JapaneseCraft

[@catrionanicthamhais]

Such a wonderful interview, with much beauty and, of course, a sweet palpable layer of sadness. Thank you so much for this.

[@tregnierphilippe5679]

Bonjour , je vous remercie pour cet entretien il est vraiment très intéressant, bonne journée

[@tedcat117]

Is there a website or address for the shop?

[@gluebox1]

English subs seems to be missing?

[@seidobudostudies]

Thanks! We just corrected that, everything should be fine now!

[@kipkleimenhagen8434]

Does this mean you guys will start selling bogu? ;)

[@seidobudostudies]

Nope. As a 'made in Japan only' shop, the reason should be obvious. And it makes the point even stronger. That's the state if the industry, and there's nothing to gain for us but the satisfaction to put some more honesty in this industry (because real craftsmen deserve it).

[@kipkleimenhagen8434]

@@seidobudostudies Fair enough. Sadly I know exactly what he's talking about when he mentions budogu that deceitfully advertise being fully made in Japan. It is very unfortunate that there is no next generation of these craftsmen. Thank you for this content.

[@Peekingduck]

@@seidobudostudies I LOVE that about Seido shop ! Please never change that policy. Another generation of craftsmen are disappearing in Japan and elsewhere, only for the Chinese to get a bigger part of the market. It sucks...

[@seidobudostudies]

Indeed, very sad. And it's happening to the whole Budo equipment industry. In a few years, there will be only a handful of workshops in Japan, all semi industrialized... Money first world!

[@seidobudostudies]

Never. It's already enacted, Seido isn't meant to survive its partner craftsmen. They are the only reason we exist and enjoy doing what we're doing. Once they're gone, we'll be gone as well, and we'll do something else.