1947 - Born in Hokkaido, Japan.

1966 - As a college student in Tokyo, started to study Japanese sword under Eitaro Akimoto, who is a partner of Honnami Koson. Learned sword restoration under well known sword makers Akitomo Akimoto and Yashuhiro Kobayashi.

1968 - Fundamental Japanese Sword Handbook published at Kokushikan University under instruction of Kanzan Sato.



Mr. Konno as a student at Kokshikan University in Tokyo.   In this  photo, he is going through the traditional "Sword Inspecting" routine. This photo is from the Fundamental Japanese Sword Handbook.

1972 - Moved from native Japan to Seattle, Washington area.

1975 - Japanese sword store opened inside Uwajimaya Japanese department store in downtown Seattle.

1981 - Facilitated exhibit at Museum of Arts at Washington State University: "Sword of the Samurai - Japanese arms and armor from Northwest Collections".

1984 and 1985 - Exhibits at Bellevue Art Museum (Bellevue Square), Watcom Museum of History (Bellingham), and Sheehan Gallery (Whitman College).

1985 to Present - Exhibit and demonstration at the Cherry Blossom Festival held annually at  the Seattle Center. Introduced  Japanese culture and art to the public through participation in this event.



Mr. Konno at work. Polishing and finishing a sword is done
on a raised platform. A traditional Japanese wooden tub is used
to hold water. The main lubricant used in the process, water is an
important element in working the blade. The foot controls a wooden
device used to stabilize and hold the whetstones employed in polishing.

Mr. Konno is available for consultation, restoring, polishing, buying and selling of swords as well as appraisal services.  Please contact .Token Konno.