Hotel Info/ Reservations Shinsa Info/ Reservations Event Schedule Vendor Table Info/ Reservations Contact Info and Questions

"Arts and Arms of the Samurai"
-A Major Japanese Cultural Event-
June 15, 16, 17 2007
Minneapolis, MN

General Information

We are pleased to announce a major international Japanese cultural event scheduled to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 15, 16, and 17, 2007 at the recently renovated Holiday Inn Select conveniently located near the Minneapolis international airport and the Mall of America.

The event, sponsored by the Midwest Token Kenkyu Kai in cooperation with the non-profit Nihon Token Hozon Kai (Japan's oldest sword appraisal association), will promote the arts and arms of the samurai, featuring displays of traditional, antique Japanese samurai swords, traditional Japanese pottery, calligraphy, kimono, and other related items. In addition to the displays there will be several informative lectures and seminars by recognized experts on a variety of topics, as well as demonstrations of various traditional arts and crafts by master craftsman brought from Japan. For further information on the content and scheduling of the demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, and seminars, please see the on-line schedule here.

Special Event - Shinsa (sword appraisal)

A special feature of the event will be the shinsa, or appraisal, of Japanese swords and sword fittings by experts brought from Japan from the non-profit Nihon Token Hozon Kai (NTHK-NPO), Japan's oldest Japanese sword appraisal association. The shinsa will require advanced reservations and deposit. Contact the parties below for further information or find detailed information here at Shinsa Information.

Location and Times

The event will occupy the entire 2nd floor of the Holiday Inn Select, including the Grand Ballroom, all break-out rooms, and hallway/foyer areas. Event hours are scheduled as follows:

Friday, June 15 from 12:00PM noon until 10:00PM (Vendor set-up 8:00AM to 12:00PM)

Saturday from 9:00AM to 10:00PM (Vendor set-up 8:00AM to 9:00AM)

Sunday from 9:00AM until 3:00PM

Admission

Admission will be as follows:

Daily admission to the Showroom: $5.00 (+ $5.00 for event attendance)
Three day Showroom with event pass: $25.00
Special admission for vendors reserving tables will also be available

Table Reservations for Vendors

There will be a large showroom where dealers will provide swords, Japanese antiques, zen calligraphy, and like items for sale to the general public. Table rental reservation information is available at Table Reservations.

Media Attention

This event will be advertised in Japan where a special tour will be offered to Japanese participants. It will also be heavily promoted in the Japanese communities in major US cities and in the regional newsletters and press of clubs and societies sharing common interests. The event will heavily advertised in all major local media outlets where it is hoped that it will generate considerable interest.

For further information on the shinsa, vendor table rental, or other general questions, please contact the Midwest Token Kenkyu Kai through either of the following individuals:

Larry Klahn
123 S. 6th St.
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-784-9900
lklahn@aol.com

Chris Bowen
PO Box 99
Mt. Hope, WI 53816
608-994-2538
swords@ejapaneseswords.com