The Naginata and How It Became Japan’s Women’s Weapon

A blade historian and specialist collector based in Portland, Oregon. Kei has spent over two decades documenting Japanese sword-making traditions — from the foundational texts of the Meiji era to the living smiths of today's Tokyo ateliers.

His research focuses on the intersection of craft philosophy and pre-industrial metallurgy. He consults for major museum collections and continues his training in traditional Iaijutsu.