London Meeting 11th July 2026

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming meeting in London, where we will be exploringBirds in samurai symbolism and heraldic crests.

In Japanese cultures, the crane is a mystical creature believed to live for a thousand years (tsuru wa sen nen), and represents good fortune and longevity. Herons — majestic, graceful, and elegant — are often depicted in Japanese art, woodblock prints, and on samurai sword guards and fittings. One example is the tsuba showing a crane alongside the motif of the Mori samurai clan, who were vassals of Oda Nobunaga, the great warlord and unifier of Japan. The wild geese design is the famous kamon of the Karigane samurai family. Japan hosts both wild and domesticated geese of many species.

Event details:

Topic:Birds in samurai symbolism and heraldic crests

Presenter: John Miles

Time: 2–4 pm

Address: Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Charles Clore House, 17 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5DR

Room: Conference room

Fee: £5

After the meeting, we invite you to a social stop at a nearby pub to continue our discussions. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share thoughts on the presentation.

Scotland Meeting 5th July 2026

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming meeting in Scotland where we will enjoy two presentations followed by a group Kantei session.

Event details:

Topics: An introduction to a Yamato Naginata-Naoshi. Followed by an introduction to the Mishina Kinmichi School

Presenter: Paul Bowman and Martin Hughes

Time: 1030-1600

Address: Gullane village hall

Hall crescent,

Gullane

EH31 3HA

Fee: £5 (includes a light lunch tea/coffee)

There will be a number of swords and fittings on display from members collections and there will also be sales tables.