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◆ The difference between [Takeaki Kotego] and [Takeaki Kote]



How to measure your hand size: Place your hand on a piece of paper as shown in the diagram below and trace around it. For reference, measure the length from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist and the circumference around the base of your fingers. You will also need handprints for both hands. The standard for an average adult male is a length from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist of 18-20cm, and a circumference around the base of your fingers of 20-22cm. Please also indicate the thickness of your hand (normal, thick, etc.).



An interview with Hakataya Budogu, a "treasure of the kendo world" committed to domestic production

In 1998, Hakataya Budoguten was recognized as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Minister of Labor, the first company in the kendo armor manufacturing industry to receive such an award. They are truly a treasure in the kendo world. While many manufacturers are shifting production overseas in search of cost benefits, this interview made me realize once again that the flame of domestic production must not be extinguished.

Left: Tesshin-ryu armor maker, Hakataya Toshiaki (titles omitted below)
In 1958, he joined Harima Takeyoshi Shoten, a martial arts equipment manufacturer and wholesaler, and became a disciple of Nishioka Tomezo (Tesshin-ryu) and began his career as a kendo armor craftsman.
After nine years of training, one will acquire the skills to make all the masks, do, kote and tare.

In 1992, he was awarded the Governor's Award by the Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture as an outstanding craftsman.
In 1998, he was awarded the Minister of Labor's Commendation for being an outstanding craftsman (Contemporary Master Craftsman), the first recipient in the kendo armor manufacturing industry (the first recipient among domestic kendo armor manufacturers). In 2011, he was awarded the Yellow Ribbon Medal in the Autumn Honors Awards in recognition of his many years of diligence and outstanding achievements (the first recipient among domestic kendo armor manufacturers).

In the photo: Mr. Masaomi of Hakataya (titles omitted below)
Born in Nagasaki on November 9th, 1973, he became an apprentice to his father, Hakataya Toshiaki, in 1997.

Current Master Craftsmen

Masaomi : "Our specialty is custom-made kendo armor, which is individually handmade by our craftsmen.
Our store is a small shop run by one craftsman, but we have been doing business with kendo equipment manufacturers and retailers across the country for many years.
We are also grateful that our service has been featured in many kendo magazines, and is used by kendo enthusiasts all over the country."

-We have received many inquiries in the past asking, "Do you sell Hakataya Budogu products?"
Toshiaki : "I am very grateful. In 1998, I was recognized as a 'Contemporary Master Craftsman' and received the Minister of Labor's Award, the first time in the kendo armor manufacturing industry that I have received such an award.
In addition, in recognition of his many years of hard work and outstanding achievements, he was awarded the Yellow Ribbon Medal in the autumn 2011 Honours and Decorations.
This is also the first time a kendo equipment manufacturer in Japan has received this award."

-I think your company is a treasure that Japan can be proud of on a global scale. While other martial arts equipment manufacturers are moving towards overseas production and the use of overseas materials, what is the reason that you are so committed to domestic production?
Toshiaki : "Customers have different physiques and styles of swordsmanship, but I want to provide something that truly suits each individual.
We create products that meet the opinions and requests of our users and have them try them out. In order to create such products with the utmost care, we needed to insist on domestic production."

-The materials you use are also sourced domestically, right?
Toshiaki: "I personally visit the manufacturing site and personally select the materials used in Takeaki's kendo armor."






Click here for a detailed interview with Hakataya Budoguten! >Click here for details