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Tuesday, 5th November 2013
In Japan Entertainment News,
Anime sparks interest in sword exhibition
A travelling exhibition of swords that has been visiting Japan's largest cities has received a great deal more attention than usual, thanks to a link with a rather surprising piece of popular culture.
Fans of the Evangelion anime have been making an effort to see the display thanks to the inclusion of a number of weapons based on those wielded by their favourite characters of the cartoon.
Although few characters in the anime wield what could be described as traditional Japanese weaponry, critics are hailing the exhibition for its efforts to introduce anime fans to the fascinating world of sword making.
The Evangelion exhibition has already amazed visitors Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Sapporo, and a number of smaller cities, including Seki in the Gifu prefecture, which is famous for the history of its sword making industry.
Now, the event has set up shop in the Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo, where it will remain until December 23rd for anime and sword fanatics keen to catch a unique glimpse into these two worlds.
Audio tours of the displays will be available, and while there is no mention of English translations, English-speaking fans are still encouraged to pick up an earpiece as Kotono Mitsuishi, voice actress for Misato in the anime, will be handling the narration.
Advance tickets are available now from the exhibition's website, priced at 800 yen, or 1,000 yen on the door. Guests who attend on weekends or national holidays also have the option of purchasing a commemorative plate engraved onsite by a professional swordsmith.
If you're not planning to be in Tokyo until next year, you will still be able to indulge in Japanese sword culture with a visit to Shinjuku's very own Japanese Sword Museum, which features a number of exceptional exhibits rich in both artistic value and history.
The venue itself is tucked away, however - take a detailed map if you are intent on finding it.
Written by Graham McPherson
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