A gallery of Nakamura Sensei through the years.


Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei Was NOT a "Living National Treasure" For years there has been a myth that Nakamura sensei received the designation of "Living National Treasure" from the Japanese Government. You'll find this misinformation on Wikipedia and martial arts sites that are well-meaning, but inaccurate. I have confirmation from Tomoko Nakamura (2nd soke) that her father, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei, never received this prestigious designation. The photograph above from Nakamura sensei's 80th Birthday Celebration pamphlet [15 November 1992] and the end notes in his books, shows and describes the orders and medals Nakamura sensei has received.
Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei Was NOT a "Living National Treasure" For years there has been a myth that Nakamura sensei received the designation of "Living National Treasure" from the Japanese Government. You'll find this misinformation on Wikipedia and martial arts sites that are well-meaning, but inaccurate. I have confirmation from Tomoko Nakamura (2nd soke) that her father, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei, never received this prestigious designation. The photograph above from Nakamura sensei's 80th Birthday Celebration pamphlet [15 November 1992] and the end notes in his books, shows and describes the orders and medals Nakamura sensei has received.
Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu.
Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu.
Nakamura Sensei at 72 years of age. All Japan High-ranked Seniors Budo Competition: Alternate Grand Champion.
Nakamura Sensei at 72 years of age. All Japan High-ranked Seniors Budo Competition: Alternate Grand Champion.
Nakamura Sensei teaching.
Nakamura Sensei teaching.
Nakamura Sensei performing tameshigiri at Meiji Shrine during the Japan Ancient Martial Arts Preservation Society's annual event on Culture Day. (Photo courtesy D. Skoss, copyright 1996,Koryu Books.)
Nakamura Sensei performing tameshigiri at Meiji Shrine during the Japan Ancient Martial Arts Preservation Society's annual event on Culture Day. (Photo courtesy D. Skoss, copyright 1996,Koryu Books.)
1994. Nakamura Sensei shows a gift from Power Sensei. The calligraphy-brush holder is engraved by an artisan with Araki Sadao Sensei's calligraphy "Shin Ken Hyaku Ja Futsu".
1994. Nakamura Sensei shows a gift from Power Sensei. The calligraphy-brush holder is engraved by an artisan with Araki Sadao Sensei's calligraphy "Shin Ken Hyaku Ja Futsu".
Nakamura sensei during a visit to Los Angeles, Ca. (1993). (Photo courtesy Dragon Associates.)
Nakamura sensei during a visit to Los Angeles, Ca. (1993). (Photo courtesy Dragon Associates.)
Sensei cutting makiwara at the Noma Dojo, also known as the Kodansha Dojo. This dojo is run by the Kodansha book publishing company and only the top martial artists give lessons or demonstrations. This photo is from Sensei's book, "Nihon-to Tameshigiri no Shinzui" The Essence of Japanese Sword Testcutting (Tokyo: Kodansha, 1980). (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
Sensei cutting makiwara at the Noma Dojo, also known as the Kodansha Dojo. This dojo is run by the Kodansha book publishing company and only the top martial artists give lessons or demonstrations. This photo is from Sensei's book, "Nihon-to Tameshigiri no Shinzui" The Essence of Japanese Sword Testcutting (Tokyo: Kodansha, 1980). (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
1932. Nakamura sensei as a kendo 3rd degree black belt, age 20.
1932. Nakamura sensei as a kendo 3rd degree black belt, age 20.
Nakamura sensei, 25 years old. Kyudo 4th dan.
Nakamura sensei, 25 years old. Kyudo 4th dan.
Manchuria, 1934. Guarding Battalion Headquarters.
Manchuria, 1934. Guarding Battalion Headquarters.
January 1934, on Nakamura sensei's 21st birthday (1 Jan).
January 1934, on Nakamura sensei's 21st birthday (1 Jan).
Nakamura sensei(center) at 28 years of age. Regimental Sumo Grand Champion, 32nd Yamagata Infantry Regiment (in Manchuria).
Nakamura sensei(center) at 28 years of age. Regimental Sumo Grand Champion, 32nd Yamagata Infantry Regiment (in Manchuria).
Sgt. Nakamura tameshigiri.
Sgt. Nakamura tameshigiri.
Sgt. Major Nakamura.
Sgt. Major Nakamura.
Showa jukyu-nendo Shidan Kenjutsu Taikai Yusho Kinen - Showa 19 Year's [or: 1944's] Divisional Kenjutsu Competition Grand Champions Commemoration. Bottom row far right (squatting), Nakamura sensei. North China 1944. Regimental "special fencing instructor" (tokubetsu kenjutsu kyokan). Under sensei's guidance the Yamagata Regiment won the Division Kenjutsu Championship three times.
Showa jukyu-nendo Shidan Kenjutsu Taikai Yusho Kinen - Showa 19 Year's [or: 1944's] Divisional Kenjutsu Competition Grand Champions Commemoration. Bottom row far right (squatting), Nakamura sensei. North China 1944. Regimental "special fencing instructor" (tokubetsu kenjutsu kyokan). Under sensei's guidance the Yamagata Regiment won the Division Kenjutsu Championship three times.
At Camp Jinmu on the North China-Soviet border 1944. Conducting a special performance of sword versus bayonet forms during a military festival. Bayonet, Sergeant Major Yoshii; Sword, Sergeant Nakamura Taizaburo. (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
At Camp Jinmu on the North China-Soviet border 1944. Conducting a special performance of sword versus bayonet forms during a military festival. Bayonet, Sergeant Major Yoshii; Sword, Sergeant Nakamura Taizaburo. (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
Nakamura sensei teaching in Manchuria ca 1944. (Photos courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo.)
Nakamura sensei teaching in Manchuria ca 1944. (Photos courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo.)
akamura sensei teaching at the Youth School that was aligned with the Rikugun Toyama Gakko.
akamura sensei teaching at the Youth School that was aligned with the Rikugun Toyama Gakko.
Nakamura sensei at 48.
Nakamura sensei at 48.
In April 1954 Nakamura sensei devised a series of Sword v. Spear techniques based on his experience with bayonet training. At that time Nakamura sensei was the All Japan Champion in bayonet fencing. His daughter Kyoko was sensei's training partner and was skilled with the spear. The Japanese equivalent of "Life" magazine did a cover story on the father-daughter martial arts team.
In April 1954 Nakamura sensei devised a series of Sword v. Spear techniques based on his experience with bayonet training. At that time Nakamura sensei was the All Japan Champion in bayonet fencing. His daughter Kyoko was sensei's training partner and was skilled with the spear. The Japanese equivalent of "Life" magazine did a cover story on the father-daughter martial arts team.
NHK television program "That's Me." With daughter Kyoko (jukendo 4th dan) using the spear. Later she was promoted to 5th dan by the All Japan Jukendo Federation.
NHK television program "That's Me." With daughter Kyoko (jukendo 4th dan) using the spear. Later she was promoted to 5th dan by the All Japan Jukendo Federation.
The writing on the tent states "Yoshida Middle School, 1958." Ms. Kyoko Nakamura died in the 1960s at which time Nakamura sensei stopped performing and teaching these techniques.
The writing on the tent states "Yoshida Middle School, 1958." Ms. Kyoko Nakamura died in the 1960s at which time Nakamura sensei stopped performing and teaching these techniques.
This memorial stone was erected by senior political leaders and students. The front provides a brief curriculm vitae, and the back is inscribed with the names of contributors who include Prime Ministers Tanaka and Nakasone, some members of the Japanese Diet, and senior students Sato Shimeo and Suzuki Kunio sensei-gata.
This memorial stone was erected by senior political leaders and students. The front provides a brief curriculm vitae, and the back is inscribed with the names of contributors who include Prime Ministers Tanaka and Nakasone, some members of the Japanese Diet, and senior students Sato Shimeo and Suzuki Kunio sensei-gata.
1979. Prince Higashi recognizing Nakamura Sensei's high-level budo achievement. The certificate has the Imperial Chrysanthemum embossed. That same year Nakamura sensei received 9th dan from the International Budo Federation, who made him their "Batto Section Shihan." About 1985 he was recognized as Battodo 10th dan. Prince Higashi, brother of the late Emperor Showa (Hirohito), was the president of the International Budo Federation, called Kokusai Budoin in Japanese. Prince Higashi was elected as first Prime Minister of Japan as he was the only person willing to meet with General MacArthur at the close of the war.
1979. Prince Higashi recognizing Nakamura Sensei's high-level budo achievement. The certificate has the Imperial Chrysanthemum embossed. That same year Nakamura sensei received 9th dan from the International Budo Federation, who made him their "Batto Section Shihan." About 1985 he was recognized as Battodo 10th dan. Prince Higashi, brother of the late Emperor Showa (Hirohito), was the president of the International Budo Federation, called Kokusai Budoin in Japanese. Prince Higashi was elected as first Prime Minister of Japan as he was the only person willing to meet with General MacArthur at the close of the war.
20 July 1997. Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei presenting a sword to Prime Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro. PM Hashimoto is a kendo 5th dan. The sword was forged by a former Yasukuni Shrine smith. The sword is a copy of Yamaoka Tesshu's favorite sword, called "Sa-Moji".
20 July 1997. Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei presenting a sword to Prime Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro. PM Hashimoto is a kendo 5th dan. The sword was forged by a former Yasukuni Shrine smith. The sword is a copy of Yamaoka Tesshu's favorite sword, called "Sa-Moji".
Nakamura sensei with Morinaga Kiyoshi sensei (in black hakama) at the Yagyu Shogisaka Dojo, March 1978. (from Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido, Morinaga Kiyoshi, 1982) Morinaga Kiyoshi (Colonel, retired) formed the Kyoto-based Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido Shinkokai in 1977 (this "Greater Japan Toyama Ryu Preservation Society" should not be confused with Nakamura sensei's All Japan Toyama Ryu Federation). Morinaga sensei participated in writing the two Toyama Military Academy's Kenjutsu Manual of the 1930s, and the Army Sword Methods and Testcutting manuals in 1940 and 1944. Nakayama Hakudo created the Toyama Ryu iai forms in 1925.
Nakamura sensei with Morinaga Kiyoshi sensei (in black hakama) at the Yagyu Shogisaka Dojo, March 1978. (from Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido, Morinaga Kiyoshi, 1982) Morinaga Kiyoshi (Colonel, retired) formed the Kyoto-based Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido Shinkokai in 1977 (this "Greater Japan Toyama Ryu Preservation Society" should not be confused with Nakamura sensei's All Japan Toyama Ryu Federation). Morinaga sensei participated in writing the two Toyama Military Academy's Kenjutsu Manual of the 1930s, and the Army Sword Methods and Testcutting manuals in 1940 and 1944. Nakayama Hakudo created the Toyama Ryu iai forms in 1925.
Nakamura Sensei visiting General Sadao Araki on Araki's 88th birthday. General Araki presented Nakamura sensei with some wonderful calligraphy.
Nakamura Sensei visiting General Sadao Araki on Araki's 88th birthday. General Araki presented Nakamura sensei with some wonderful calligraphy.
Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei Was NOT a "Living National Treasure" For years there has been a myth that Nakamura sensei received the designation of "Living National Treasure" from the Japanese Government. You'll find this misinformation on Wikipedia and martial arts sites that are well-meaning, but inaccurate. I have confirmation from Tomoko Nakamura (2nd soke) that her father, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei, never received this prestigious designation. The photograph above from Nakamura sensei's 80th Birthday Celebration pamphlet [15 November 1992] and the end notes in his books, shows and describes the orders and medals Nakamura sensei has received.
Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei Was NOT a "Living National Treasure" For years there has been a myth that Nakamura sensei received the designation of "Living National Treasure" from the Japanese Government. You'll find this misinformation on Wikipedia and martial arts sites that are well-meaning, but inaccurate. I have confirmation from Tomoko Nakamura (2nd soke) that her father, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei, never received this prestigious designation. The photograph above from Nakamura sensei's 80th Birthday Celebration pamphlet [15 November 1992] and the end notes in his books, shows and describes the orders and medals Nakamura sensei has received.
Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu.
Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu.
Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu.
Nakamura Sensei at 72 years of age. All Japan High-ranked Seniors Budo Competition: Alternate Grand Champion.
Nakamura Sensei teaching.
Nakamura Sensei performing tameshigiri at Meiji Shrine during the Japan Ancient Martial Arts Preservation Society's annual event on Culture Day. (Photo courtesy D. Skoss, copyright 1996,Koryu Books.)
1994. Nakamura Sensei shows a gift from Power Sensei. The calligraphy-brush holder is engraved by an artisan with Araki Sadao Sensei's calligraphy "Shin Ken Hyaku Ja Futsu".
Nakamura sensei during a visit to Los Angeles, Ca. (1993). (Photo courtesy Dragon Associates.)
Sensei cutting makiwara at the Noma Dojo, also known as the Kodansha Dojo. This dojo is run by the Kodansha book publishing company and only the top martial artists give lessons or demonstrations. This photo is from Sensei's book, "Nihon-to Tameshigiri no Shinzui" The Essence of Japanese Sword Testcutting (Tokyo: Kodansha, 1980). (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
Young Nakamura performing Omori Ryu Iai.
1932. Nakamura sensei as a kendo 3rd degree black belt, age 20.
Nakamura sensei, 25 years old. Kyudo 4th dan.
Manchuria, 1934. Guarding Battalion Headquarters.
January 1934, on Nakamura sensei's 21st birthday (1 Jan).
Nakamura sensei(center) at 28 years of age. Regimental Sumo Grand Champion, 32nd Yamagata Infantry Regiment (in Manchuria).
Sgt. Nakamura tameshigiri.
Sgt. Major Nakamura.
Showa jukyu-nendo Shidan Kenjutsu Taikai Yusho Kinen - Showa 19 Year's [or: 1944's] Divisional Kenjutsu Competition Grand Champions Commemoration. Bottom row far right (squatting), Nakamura sensei. North China 1944. Regimental "special fencing instructor" (tokubetsu kenjutsu kyokan). Under sensei's guidance the Yamagata Regiment won the Division Kenjutsu Championship three times.
At Camp Jinmu on the North China-Soviet border 1944. Conducting a special performance of sword versus bayonet forms during a military festival. Bayonet, Sergeant Major Yoshii; Sword, Sergeant Nakamura Taizaburo. (Photo courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo)
Nakamura sensei teaching in Manchuria ca 1944. (Photos courtesy Nakamura Taizaburo.)
akamura sensei teaching at the Youth School that was aligned with the Rikugun Toyama Gakko.
Nakamura sensei at 48.
In April 1954 Nakamura sensei devised a series of Sword v. Spear techniques based on his experience with bayonet training. At that time Nakamura sensei was the All Japan Champion in bayonet fencing. His daughter Kyoko was sensei's training partner and was skilled with the spear. The Japanese equivalent of "Life" magazine did a cover story on the father-daughter martial arts team.
NHK television program "That's Me." With daughter Kyoko (jukendo 4th dan) using the spear. Later she was promoted to 5th dan by the All Japan Jukendo Federation.
The writing on the tent states "Yoshida Middle School, 1958." Ms. Kyoko Nakamura died in the 1960s at which time Nakamura sensei stopped performing and teaching these techniques.
This memorial stone was erected by senior political leaders and students. The front provides a brief curriculm vitae, and the back is inscribed with the names of contributors who include Prime Ministers Tanaka and Nakasone, some members of the Japanese Diet, and senior students Sato Shimeo and Suzuki Kunio sensei-gata.
1979. Prince Higashi recognizing Nakamura Sensei's high-level budo achievement. The certificate has the Imperial Chrysanthemum embossed. That same year Nakamura sensei received 9th dan from the International Budo Federation, who made him their "Batto Section Shihan." About 1985 he was recognized as Battodo 10th dan. Prince Higashi, brother of the late Emperor Showa (Hirohito), was the president of the International Budo Federation, called Kokusai Budoin in Japanese. Prince Higashi was elected as first Prime Minister of Japan as he was the only person willing to meet with General MacArthur at the close of the war.
20 July 1997. Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei presenting a sword to Prime Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro. PM Hashimoto is a kendo 5th dan. The sword was forged by a former Yasukuni Shrine smith. The sword is a copy of Yamaoka Tesshu's favorite sword, called "Sa-Moji".
Nakamura sensei with Morinaga Kiyoshi sensei (in black hakama) at the Yagyu Shogisaka Dojo, March 1978. (from Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido, Morinaga Kiyoshi, 1982) Morinaga Kiyoshi (Colonel, retired) formed the Kyoto-based Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido Shinkokai in 1977 (this "Greater Japan Toyama Ryu Preservation Society" should not be confused with Nakamura sensei's All Japan Toyama Ryu Federation). Morinaga sensei participated in writing the two Toyama Military Academy's Kenjutsu Manual of the 1930s, and the Army Sword Methods and Testcutting manuals in 1940 and 1944. Nakayama Hakudo created the Toyama Ryu iai forms in 1925.
Nakamura Sensei visiting General Sadao Araki on Araki's 88th birthday. General Araki presented Nakamura sensei with some wonderful calligraphy.
Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei Was NOT a "Living National Treasure" For years there has been a myth that Nakamura sensei received the designation of "Living National Treasure" from the Japanese Government. You'll find this misinformation on Wikipedia and martial arts sites that are well-meaning, but inaccurate. I have confirmation from Tomoko Nakamura (2nd soke) that her father, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei, never received this prestigious designation. The photograph above from Nakamura sensei's 80th Birthday Celebration pamphlet [15 November 1992] and the end notes in his books, shows and describes the orders and medals Nakamura sensei has received.
0