Videos tagged with Swords of the Emperor

This video is a book review of "Swords of the Emperor: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873 – 1945" by John Plimpton, published by Headstamp Publishing. The book covers a less-studied period of Japanese swordmaking, detailing the evolution of military, police, diplomatic, and court swords. It features over 2,000 photographs and archival material, illustrating both traditional and modern sword types, including specific examples like the 1873 Japanese Marine sword and the Gensuitō gifted to King George V. The review highlights the book's value for collectors, curators, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in Japanese military history and sword identification.

This YouTube video announces the pre-order of a new book from Headstamp Publishing titled "Tobacco of the Emperor." The book, authored by Patrick Phillips and photographed by James Rupley, focuses on Japanese cigarettes and related materials from the turn of the 20th century to the end of World War Two. It covers the general history of tobacco in Japan, its use in the military, details on Japanese cigarette brands and packaging, associated accessories like pipes and lighters, and foreign cigarettes consumed in Japan. The book is available for pre-order through a Kickstarter campaign for another project, "Clockwork Basilisk," and can be purchased as a standalone item or an add-on. A special "Japanese bundle" combining this book with "Swords of the Emperor" and exclusive extras is also offered.

The Type 95 Shin Gunto was a mass-produced NCO sword for the Imperial Japanese Army, adopted in 1935. It mimicked traditional katana styles but used machine-made components like cast aluminum handles and steel blades without a hamon. Variations exist in arsenal markings (Tokyo, Nagoya, Kokura) and construction details, with late-war examples simplifying materials due to resource shortages.