So bad?

[Bronco]

Truly disturbing. What must the Japanese think of Seki City these days?

 

[storyville]

Chicahiro's situation is pretty lousy, to be sure; but if you believe that his father's view is universally representative of "Japanese society," then you need to crawl out of your cave and realize that the world (or any one of its communities, societies, certainly nations) is more complex than any one man's opinion.

I have quite a bit of family, and a couple of friends, who live in Japan. One of my cousins is a *criminal defense lawyer* in Tokyo and is pretty liberal politically, yet he has a penchant for traditional mother-of-pearl folders. One of my best friends lives and works in Tokyo, and he very interested in starting to collect some traditional-style Japanese blades. We have been exchanging e-mails of late, and have started studying their history together. He is not Japanese but has been conversing with his Japanese friends and co-workers about his newfound interest; only a few know anything (a co-worker's father owns a few), but he hasn't mentioned anyone being particularly freaked out about knives. Like adults most anywhere, no doubt they are capable of thinking on their own.

My family here in the US is Japanese-American; my Issei (immigrant) parents are pretty traditional. My father enjoys guns but (in a milder version of Chicahiro's father, perhaps) has a strong aversion to knives and thinks they are dangerous. (His logic: most people train before they own a gun; but because knives are "simpler," people are far less responsible with them.) His sister -- my auntie -- loves good kitchen knives (ask Gary Graley about the BIGA$$ cleaver I bought her for her last birthday!), and she always carries a traditional folder, I believe an old Henckels. A former librarian, she used to sharpen kids' pencils for them "the old-fashioned way."

Anyhow, sorry to be so long-winded. Suffice to say that generalizations often say more about their believers than the reality they're supposed to describe.

My two cents (or yen) --

Glen

PS [edit]: Re-reading Chicahiro's original post, it should be obvious that his father's opinion is not everyone's. Besides his son, obviously there are others, otherwise how could there be a "Japan Knife Guild outdoor party, on 7/21-22"?!?

 

[not2sharp]

More often then not it pay better to respect and obey your elders. They have a vast amount of experience and information which younger generations lack. Your father has a clear position on this. Accept him, and respect his point of view.

Try to discuss this with him in a non-confrontational way. Talk to other elder members of the family and seek their views and opinions on the subject. Perhaps there are valid reasons for avoiding knives and supporting your father, or, perhaps you will find a way to collect knives without disrespecting your family.

There is no right or wrong in anything that we do. Perhaps there is some concealed reason why your father acts the way he does, and if you approach this correctly and calmly you may be enriched by the experience.

I once had a co-worker who absolutely refused to join the rest of us for an after hours drink. Nothing exotic just the usual occassional office happy hour thing. Some were turned off, and though it was a personal thing - the guy just couildn't stand to be with us. I and others accepted the guy as he was and made him feel comfortable about staying away from these things. It was many years later that he admitted he had been a recovering alcoholic.

N2S

 

[Ken Cook]

Ishida San,

I understand your problem and I am very sorry for you. I know that you must have respect for your Father's wishes and I know how this must hurt your heart, when you know that he is mistaken but no one else in your culture can understand your love for knives.

Maybe someday you might consider moving to America where it would be possible to follow your heart without disobeying your Father.

In the meantime, do what you must do to be happy and to obey your Father as much as you can. But even in Japan, sometimes what Father does not know can not hurt him.

 

[Razoredj]

PS [edit]: Re-reading Chicahiro's original post, it should be obvious that his father's opinion is not everyone's. Besides his son, obviously there are others, otherwise how could there be a "Japan Knife Guild outdoor party, on 7/21-22"?!?

I could swear I said this back on the first page when I posted:

Let's also keep in mind that whatever the laws are in Japan regarding knife ownership, they most certainly are not as strict as the one's Chic's father has apparently imposed.

 

[Seth Thomas]

Originally posted by storyville
Chicahiro's situation is pretty lousy, to be sure; but if you believe that his father's view is universally representative of "Japanese society," then you need to crawl out of your cave and realize that the world (or any one of its communities, societies, certainly nations) is more complex than any one man's opinion.

Glen-

Your comment about generalizations are well taken. I imagine that the world's population harbors generalizations about American gun and knife cultures.

Heck, even within our 'sub-culture' of knives, we can't all fall into a single general defintion.

However, In Japan, in regards in general attitudes regarding weapons, a stark comparision can be drawn between pre-war and post-war.

In the 1930's Japan, my mother trained in Naginata as part of her junior high school requirements. I don't believe those requirements are still in effect.

-Seth

 

[jayharley]

Chic: I spent a lot of time in Japan and it is difficult for many Japanese to understand the western way. It is also very difficult for westerners to understand the Japanese way.

Most likely you will make the situation worse by fighting with your parents. When you no longer live with them, you can do what you like. Until then it is most likely best to live by their rules if you live in their house.

 

[storyville]

Originally posted by Razoredj

I could swear I said this back on the first page when I posted:

Let's also keep in mind that whatever the laws are in Japan regarding knife ownership, they most certainly are not as strict as the one's Chic's father has apparently imposed.

Sorry, I didn't intend to overgeneralize about all of the replies

Seth, your point re: the difference between pre- and post-WW II Japan is well-taken. But that's pretty much true of every industrialized nation, no? Even in the US, I don't believe there was a significant anti-gun movement before the 1960s/70s.

Etc., etc. Good discussion; I gotta get back to work --

gmm

 

[A. G. Russell]

Gents: Many of you miss the point. To his father, collecting knives is equal to being a collector of child porn in this country. Leaving home will not help him. Japan has a much stronger family than we do.

5 years ago I was told that every school child in Japan carried a knife, all of the same pattern. They wanted to use our "Thumb - Bolt sheath but did not want to pay a royalty.

I do not think that any of us can understand the father, hopefuly the son can do so. Good Luck, A. G.

 

[littleknife]

Chicahiro, I will also suggest you DO NOT CONFRONT your father.
Razoredj's advice: "Be man or be a slave." is not acceptable because it reflects only the modern and highly individualistic western cultural values.
Your dilemma is that today's Japan is a society both westernized to some extent and still traditional in many respects which generates a lot of tensions.
I am sure you love your father much more than knives. People can be convinced but it is a slow process. Show respect to your father and try convincing him only step by step. Chose a right moment and give him a small pearl handled pocketknife or a nice Swiss Army knife as a gift and be sure you give him something else he values at the same time. The small gentleman's knives are sure not menacing. He will probably disapprove your gift first but you do not react angryly. Wait, you will see he will change. When he sees that you do not challenge openly his authority and you give him the respect he expects he will be more generous.
The whole thing is not about the knives, this is about your relationship with your father. He probably dislikes some western/modern things you like or you have challenged his authorithy in some other way in the past.
Be wise, sometimes the childish pride is a bad adviser. This is not a Western film where you show you are the toughest guy in the town.
You still continue to like knives, read about them, learn more about their place and role in history and culture.
If you consider to immigrate in the U.S. you will find quite a different society. Here people are friendly and many will help you but you may encounter racial discrimination. You will definitely face difficulties. Freedom is challenged even here every day, you have to be ready to fight for it (and now this means not gunfighting but politics and legal battles.) People here are more individualistic and less family oriented. This has both advantages and disadvantages.
Once you live on your own you may do as you wish. I think your father will slowly accept your hobby when he sees that your western "obsession" doesn't mean challenging his status and disobieding his position as the head of the family. When you show him you can bring into coexsistence ("harmony"?) both the traditional and "modern" individualistic values without creating conflicts, that, if anything, may convince him.
Remember, open conflict will not solve your problem, just create new ones! Be smart and be patient, be responsible. Love your parents and show this to them! In the same time set your goals and act accordingly. Sure, it is a conflict! But it can be solved. This is what manhood is about.
Razoredj usually gives good advices but this is not a good one. This is not HIS problem, this is not HIS family, this is not even HIS culture and he failed to realize the complexity of the situation.
Read Japanese (and world) history and think about it. Your (as well as our) ancestors faced similar problems. To preserve the traditions (which were created once too) and to change according to the necessities.

 

[Razoredj]

Chicahiro, I will also suggest you DO NOT CONFRONT your father. Razoredj's advice: "Be man or be a slave." is not acceptable because it reflects only the modern and highly individualistic western cultural values.

MY ORIGINAL RESPONSE:

Do as your parents say, since they basically own you until you're free to move out on your own. Once you can support yourself, you're free to pursue any hobbies you wish.

Who am I, Dr. Laura? He posted his complaints on a forum occupied by highly individualistic Westerners. Are you suggesting I alter what I believe based on the culture from which the questions originate? Sorry, but I believe what I believe because it's consistent with my principles, and I am unyielding in my devotion to those.

The fact is that if you, as a human being, are going to lead your life according to what your father says after he is dead, you're not a man -- you're slave to a ghost. YOU WILL NOTE that I told him to DO AS HIS FATHER SAYS, not "confront him." I suggested he follow his own hobbies after he was living on his own. It was only after he revealed that he was 26 years old that I began questioning the idea of an adult obeying his father's irrational, unreasoning fears after the man's death.

Razoredj usually gives good advices but this is not a good one. This is not HIS problem, this is not HIS family, this is not even HIS culture and he failed to realize the complexity of the situation.

Excuse me for responding to a public post in a public forum. Frankly, I don't give a flying squirrel what your evaluation of my "advice" might or might not be. The ideas I have offered are no less valid for being foreign to the culture in which he lives. If someone is going to post this business here, one assumes he is seeking responses. In so responding, I am not going to censor myself. No, I'm no expert on the complexities of Japanese family loyalties. But neither is this forum based in Japan or written in Japanese.

 

[Steelhed]

Sorry, littleknife, but I couldn't disagree with your advice more. Some values transcend cultures, and misguided thinking is misguided thinking in any language and in any culture. Embuing an inanimate object (a knife) with "evil" traits is anthropomorphizing at its worst. Chic's father has fallen into the same trap that has ensnared so many anti-gunners in this country. Instead of placing responsibility for how an implement is used on the person using it, they place it on an object. Objects are easier to villify than people for that kind of mindset. But the real drawback to this type of thinking is that it diminshes human capacity, it says we human's are incapable of exercising free will in a responsible manner, that someone or something else must intervene on our behalf. A culture that believes this is capable of being manipulated in some very undesirable ways, e.g., Hitler's Germany, Hirohito's Japan, or America's own slavery period. Misguided thinking must be challenged at every opportunity or Razor is 100% correct, we become slaves to other people's ideas. Yes, there are effective and ineffective ways to challenge this kind of thinking, and there are always consequences, but this is not a Western/Eastern dichotomy, it is an essentially human issue that every culture is struggling with right now. Chic's father just happens to represent a microcosm of the greater issue, so he is a lightning rod for all of us to strike. He may be a very good man, but his son must decide if he should live according to his beliefs or someone else's. This is never easy.

 

[Seth Thomas]

Originally posted by storyville


Seth, your point re: the difference between pre- and post-WW II Japan is well-taken. But that's pretty much true of every industrialized nation, no? Even in the US, I don't believe there was a significant anti-gun movement before the 1960s/70s.

While I don't want to spin this thread into a whole different realm; I had to highlight the effect of generational perceptions, as it relates to history.

In Storyville's (Glen) prespective, the anti-personal owned weapon movement was not signifigant before the sixties. It may depend on the defintion of "signifigant anti-gun movement"; but I would argue that the US anti-gun movement had it's roots well before WWII. World history is also replete with public weapons bans, trancending both age and nation.

The short US list:
1791
The Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment -- "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." gains final ratification.

1837
Georgia passes a law banning handguns. The law is ruled unconstitutional and thrown out.

1865
In a reaction to emancipation, several southern states adopt "black codes" which, among other things, forbid black persons from possessing firearms.

1871
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is organized around its primary goal of improving American civilians' marksmanship in preparation for war.

1927
Congress passes a law banning the mailing of concealable weapons.

1934
The National Firearms Act of 1934 regulating only fully automatic firearms like sub-machine guns is approved by Congress.

1938
The Federal Firearms Act of 1938 places the first limitations on selling ordinary firearms. Persons selling guns are required to obtain a Federal Firearms License, at an annual cost of $1, and to maintain records of the name and address of persons to whom firearms are sold. Gun sales to persons convicted of violent felonies were prohibited.

While I do not have specifics, history tells of certain Japanese weapons being create and used by those folks forbidden from owning the conventional arms of the day.

Then again, maybe it's just me being an old dude...

-Seth

 

[littleknife]

Originally posted by Razoredj


MY ORIGINAL RESPONSE:

Do as your parents say, since they basically own you until you're free to move out on your own. Once you can support yourself, you're free to pursue any hobbies you wish.

Sorry, Razoredj, but your "Be man, or be a slave" type of response just nullified your previous response. If this is not contradicting your previous advice, I shall apologize to you for being so stupid to see a contradiction there where wasn't any.

Originally posted by Razoredj

Who am I, Dr. Laura?


Well, who am I to tell what are you thinking you are?

Originally posted by Razoredj

He posted his complaints on a forum occupied by highly individualistic Westerners.


Sorry to contradict but being myself a highly individualistic Westerner too I think this is a GENERAL Bladeforum. Nowhere is written that it is restricted to any nations, cultures, to only Americans or Westerners.

Originally posted by Razoredj

Are you suggesting I alter what I believe based on the culture from which the questions originate? Sorry, but I believe what I believe because it's consistent with my principles, and I am unyielding in my devotion to those.

No, I am suggesting that you try to put yourself for a moment in the position of somebody else. You see, Chicahiro is not living here in the U.S.
He asked for advice. Your second advice will definitely not help him too much.
I also do not share his father's values but I think your childish "advice" is useful.
What you are "proudly" unyielding is not some general or superior moral principle but a pride. Your own prejudices prevent you to deal with people as equals. You give them the choice to accept your terms and that's it! Have you considered them equals you would IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT YOURSELF IN THEIR SITUATION. No miraculous escape is permitted from this situation, you should deal with the circumstances as they are THERE and not as they are HERE.
I myself think that individualism is better than tribalism. However in this case what we had is not individualism versus tribalism but a son's love and individual desire versus the too protective/oppressive but not necessarily less loving paternalism. (His father was concerned about the neighbourgh's OFFICIAL reaction. Any disapproval from the "community" will affect not only the father's reputation and business but the other family members' ones too, including Chicahiro himself!)
You can set this story anywhere in the world, I will give the same advice: Try first with love and respect. Should I quote some passages from the New Testament? Will it be Western enough for you? Or will it be some ancient "crap" only?

Originally posted by Razoredj

The fact is that if you, as a human being, are going to lead your life according to what your father says after he is dead, you're not a man -- you're slave to a ghost.


You see, you even did not consider the possibility of peaceful solution. You just shoot immediately and even do not bother to think about OTHERS.
To change the frame of thinking or point of view just for the sake of analysing the problem DOES NOT MEAN you automatically reject your own principles or that you subscribe to the politically correct type of trash "thinking".


You are so damn SURE that everything you say is right that you say:

Originally posted by Razoredj

Frankly, I don't give a flying squirrel what your evaluation of my "advice" might or might not be. The ideas I have offered are no less valid for being foreign to the culture in which he lives. If someone is going to post this business here, one assumes he is seeking responses. In so responding, I am not going to censor myself. No, I'm no expert on the complexities of Japanese family loyalties. But neither is this forum based in Japan or written in Japanese.

What this says to me about your state of mind right now is
1.) Sure you give more than a flying squirrel what my evaluation of your "advice" is. You are angry, man. Calm down, please. No hurt intented. I am sorry if you felt hurt, but you know, being sarcastic is a double edged weapon. I also don't like to be caught in contradiction.
2.) The ideas you offered seem to me not being valid even for the culture, place and time you live in. Confrontation WITHOUT even trying peaceful solutions sure is bad in family matters.
Especially if you father is not a bastard.
3.) Yor last words could be easily interpreted as a kind of cultural supremacy: 'I, Razoredj know better than all of you. Dont even think about challenging my morally superior and dipped in superb sarcastic style superhuman values." I think (or hope), this is not your real intention. But this is how it SOUNDS.

 

[Raptor]

The disturbing part, for myself at least, is that I'm wondering if this kind of anti-knife attitude will one day exist here in the US.

I already see, and hear, some very non-approving tones from many people in regards to even carrying a knife these days. Forget about collecting!! Many people look at you as if you've got two heads or something when you tell them that you collect knives.

It would appear that many Americans are already being herded down this same path and it really makes me very uneasy.

Guns = Bad!!!

Knives = Bad too!!!

I just don't want to be sitting around with my grandchildren one day telling them stories about the good old days and trying to describe to them what owning and carrying a knife was like. I want to give them one to carry & own for themselves and to teach them respect and caring for this knife. I don't want to be embarrassed for having an interest in owning & collecting knives.

I mean, how can one of the most useful & well respected tools, that we as a people have used throughout history, be now turned into a simply evil weapon with no other use??

It is truly sad!!!

--The Raptor--

 

[littleknife]

Sorry about the poor using of the quote option in my previous reply.

Steelhed, I agree that you should not transfer moral values to inanimate objects. I agree that this way of thinking is not a Western/Eastern dichotomy type problem. But this thinking used by Chicahiro's father to produce an "argument" to "justify" his paternal decision seems to me only a VERBAL ARGUMENT for the time being. I think there is a hope his argument can be challenged. What I say, the challenge does not necessarily has to be VERBAL. Verbal arguing rarely solves the problem. We all have feeling and pride too, the FACT of logical challenge is PERCIEVED as an ACT of ATTACK.
I could point out the immediate emotional response given by Razoredj. You can see the "human drama" unfolding. And we are merely two strangers, even not drunk in the bar.
I was also too proud because I have also felt the urge to responde to Razordje's response.
Now put this situation in a family frame and spice it up with a tightly controlling traditional social enviroment.
What you be your advice. "Freedom or death?"
You are right that you have to constantly fight for your rights. But should Chicahiro really FIGHT in his own family? Sorrily politics is rarely an "attack and win" type of activity . It is a constant and very tiresome, truly Byzantine thing. Smartness counts more in the long run than loud confrontations. People DO WILL change just give them time and DO NOT HURT their self esteem.
True, this is a manipulation. But just think what would be the alternative.
So my advice is: behave as a positive role model, spread the message that "knives are cool, knife is a tool (or object of art)" and vote for the people you think will listen to your message. Anyway they will promise you anything, you just elect them.

 

[Razoredj]

Well, who am I to tell what are you thinking you are?

No one. Which was precisely my point; you've no grounds on which to tell me my "advice" is "no good" based purely on the culture from which it comes, according to you.

Sorry to contradict but being myself a highly individualistic Westerner too I think this is a GENERAL Bladeforum. Nowhere is written that it is restricted to any nations, cultures, to only Americans or Westerners.

Precisely my point. For you to complain that my response is somehow inappropriate to his culture is absurd, since by definition he'll be exposed to more than Japanese culture here. And despite the "general" nature of the forums, this site is dominated by individualistic Westerners, just as a great deal of the Web is dominated by Americans. Such are the side affects of being a very affluent nation.

No, I am suggesting that you try to put yourself for a moment in the position of somebody else. You see, Chicahiro is not living here in the U.S.

I am shocked, shocked, I tell you. I think I had a vague clue that he might not live down the block.

He asked for advice. Your second advice will definitely not help him too much.

Living one's life contrary to one's own desires because a dead parent demanded it probably won't help either, but that's every man's and every woman's choice to make. That, too, was my point.

What you are "proudly" unyielding is not some general or superior moral principle but a pride.

You obviously do not understand the concept of living by principles. One adopts the principles one believes to be morally correct. If one allows oneself to sway from those principles, one is, by definition, forsaking what is right for what is pragmatic, convenient, popular... excuses abound. It is not pride to remain steadfast in one's devotion to what one believes to be right. Situational ethics serve no one well.

Your own prejudices prevent you to deal with people as equals.

You are my equal as long as you are strong enough to assert yourself. If you feel you are being dealt with as inferior, that is your weakness, not mine. I am not prejudiced against anyone; I simply espouse my beliefs as I see them. You may accept them, or you may reject them -- but don't expect me not to correct you if you misinterpret me.

You give them the choice to accept your terms and that's it!

No one need choose among my terms. The choice to stand up for one's self is a choice demanded by life. I don't dictate the terms of reality. If I truly did not care, I suppose I could have ignored his original post, and the follow-ups. I speak out because I care.

Have you considered them equals you would IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT YOURSELF IN THEIR SITUATION.

Look, Skippy, that's precisely what I'm doing. In his situation, at 26 freaking years old, I can't see myself letting my father run my adult life for me, and run it according to absurd, hysterical misconceptions. He may be in a situation that cannot ever be resolved. If so, why even ask these questions? Why participate in a knife forum that obviously would enrage his father if his father knew of it?

No miraculous escape is permitted from this situation, you should deal with the circumstances as they are THERE and not as they are HERE.

I'm not suggesting some great escape. But since you're an expert on contemporary Japanese culture, just how old does one have to be before one gets a job and an apartment and starts living one's own life? Thirty-five? Forty? Fifty? One hundred?

However in this case what we had is not individualism versus tribalism but a son's love and individual desire versus the too protective/oppressive but not necessarily less loving paternalism.

A man who smothers you with love is nonetheless smothering you. I understand a son would not want to alienate his father. That doesn't change the fact that you can't let your father rule your adult life, no matter how much you love him. It isn't natural, it isn't healthy, and it certainly isn't going to help you get on with the business of living.

(His father was concerned about the neighbourgh's OFFICIAL reaction. Any disapproval from the "community" will affect not only the father's reputation and business but the other family members' ones too, including Chicahiro himself!)

Those who cower in the face of the majority will spend their lives doing just that. It's certainly a pragmatic choice.

You can set this story anywhere in the world, I will give the same advice: Try first with love and respect.

I don't believe anyone here has told him he should be disrespectful. There is respect, and there is living one's life. They need not be mutually exclusive.

Should I quote some passages from the New Testament?

If it gets you off. I couldn't care less what the Bible has to say about anything.

Will it be Western enough for you? Or will it be some ancient "crap" only?

I don't know who you're quoting, but I certainly didn't say anything about "ancient crap." In fact, as has already been pointed out, I started my thread with a paraphrase of a concept from Bushido. You're the one who brought up this whole Western versus Eastern business.

You see, you even did not consider the possibility of peaceful solution. You just shoot immediately and even do not bother to think about OTHERS.

And you're quick to see some sort of bizarre metaphorical violence where none is advocated. Calm yourself.

To change the frame of thinking or point of view just for the sake of analysing the problem DOES NOT MEAN you automatically reject your own principles or that you subscribe to the politically correct type of trash "thinking".

But to suggest, because of Japanese culture, that this person allow someone else to live his life for him would be in violation of everything I believe, and I'm not about to suggest it just to keep your knickers untwisted.

You are so damn SURE that everything you say is right that you say...

Yes, I am sure what I say is right, or I wouldn't say it. If you disagree, fine; don't expect me to stop believing as I do simply because you wish it. If you're threatened by the passion with which I advocate my beliefs, that's your problem.

Sure you give more than a flying squirrel what my evaluation of your "advice" is.

No; I simply won't stand by while you attempt to mischaracterize what I've said, or when you become hysterical over some perceived insensitivity on my part. There is a distinct difference.

You are angry, man. Calm down, please.

It takes a great deal of self-delusion for you to post as you have and then accuse others of being angry.

No hurt intented. I am sorry if you felt hurt, but you know, being sarcastic is a double edged weapon. I also don't like to be caught in contradiction.

Trust me, Skippy, it's going to take a lot more than what you've displayed thus far before I start trembling at the piercing bite of your rapier wit.

The ideas you offered seem to me not being valid even for the culture, place and time you live in. Confrontation WITHOUT even trying peaceful solutions sure is bad in family matters.
Especially if you father is not a bastard.

That you equate standing up for one's self, as an adult, with some sort of violent confrontation speaks to your general lack of understanding of the real issues at play here. As a result, you'll have to forgive me if I don't put a lot of stock in your assessment of my culture, place, time, zip code, or brand of automobile insurance.

Yor last words could be easily interpreted as a kind of cultural supremacy: 'I, Razoredj know better than all of you. Dont even think about challenging my morally superior and dipped in superb sarcastic style superhuman values."

The biggest problem you'll encounter in attempting to put words in my mouth is that I would never construct such an awkward sentence.

 

[Razoredj]

I could point out the immediate emotional response given by Razoredj.

You misinterpret as emotion something far simpler. I will not be mischaracterized. You attempted to do that, most likely unintentionally. I corrected you. That is all that has taken place. I make no excuses for the intensity of my statements.

I was also too proud because I have also felt the urge to responde to Razordje's response.

That's how these conversations work. You want to respond, respond all night if you like. I'll do the same. We'll see who gets bored first.

 

[Safety Guy]

Chicahiro, for what it's worth, I thought Littleknife had good advice on some day giving your father a small knife. Perhaps that is the way to deal with your unfortunate situation. My advice, to exaggerate your father's hatred of knives, was made too soon.

On the other hand, I admit I do not like your father's ideas. I do not agree. I think he is too authoritarian, with limited thought. But what I think will not help you.

Good luck, and I hope you will read and consider everything here. Maybe even Razor can give you a good idea! He means well. We all do. Watch us argue and learn!

Karl

P.S. Chico, tell us more when you can.

 

[Chicahiro Ishida]

thank you, thank you all!

bteel,

I bought Leatherman micra and victorinox classic. They confiscate there.
I had wanted to go to U.S.A., but I gave it up. Now I am larning to be editor, it is job that hard to go immigrant U.S.
Yes, Japan had great blade history. But we make defference between Japanese knife, kitchen knife, and knife.
Japanese sword is traditional art. kitchen knife is tool. but Knife is weapon to kill. Outdoor use is not understood.

Bods Oddkin,

Yes, I have dreamd it.

Seth Thomas,

It is fan that you understand Japanese culture and revisionist problem.

PhilL,

In Japan, it is different between kitchen knife nad outdoor knife.
There is kitchen knife in my home. But my mother hate I use it. I am forbidden to cooking, and not allowed to use outdoor knife for cooking.
Sorry to lead missunderstand.

BalisongBoy,

I had leraned Kendo. And now, I study knifefighting by myself seacretly.
He allow to have Japanese sowrd. It is different from knives.
It maybe good choise, Thanks!

Safety Guy,

Yes, I don't think it right that my father thik common sence like God.
My family feel differ from knives and kitchen knives. But they hate eavn I touch, use, buy, and shapen kitchen knives.
I have tried to change his mind, but it all failed. It is like faith that Greatest is common sence, he know common sence, as he is right and I am bad!


Razoredj,

Yes, My ploblem is I am dependent child!
It is not so special in Japan, but it is wrong!
I'll be a man! It is not only Japan and my father's world for me.
For so, now I fight to get job!

And you said "Slave of the Ghost" it is JUST Japanse. Why Japanse did the crazy war, the answer it that Japanese elites was only slave of the ghost. In Japan, it was right to be slave of the ghost...Of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first general of Edo, and Aritomo Yamagata founded army.

R.W.Clark,

Now, Japanese diny BUSIDO. It is freiend of militarism.
In Japan, yes Swordsmith is respected. But my father and mother don't respect other blacksmith, She said " blacksmith exsept blade is discriminates. You must not be."
In Japan, Knife and sword is different...knives is only clime weapon, as TV drama or comic. Most Japanese do'nt know hunting.

Steelhed,

Many Japanese don't know how large amount knives Seki Japan produce and appreciated by world.
And you don't know how large Japanese anti-knife canpaign? Japanese greatest homeran butter in poster everywhere, "Don't have! Don't independent! BE STRONG!".
After the society-party's assasination long ago, and a cases of student batterfly knife clime some years ago, Knife have been social unrest in Japan.

Gollnick,

My words maybe short. In Japan, kitchen knife and knife is different.
Kitchen knives called" Hou-chou". Knife is no good Japanese word, called just knife.

My home is llucky not so, but now many Japanese home is No knives include kitchen knife.
Now so many convenient foods. To sharpen pencil, there is pencil sharpner. Shavers had been electric.
Japanese homes maywillbe bladeless.....

glockman99,

I don't have sisters, sorry!
Now, Kendo is not use Sword. It is Sinai which is banboo safe stuff! As it survived after the WWII.
In Japanese tradition, no Bowie knife, Hunting knife, and tactical knife I do love.


Dark Nemesis,

It is Japan.

Safety Guy,

Now Japanese situation more and more bladeless. All package have cut to possible to blake only finger.
We can live without eather SAK, now. No knife life has succeded.
He think I am polluted like Drug or Cult. He think to do disblainwash. For me, it is just blainwash.

storyville,

How I wish My father's common sence is not Japanese All!
But realy it is great anti-knife campaign. Many Japanese family hate knives.

not2sharp,

Now, it is so hard to discuss. He said "Whatever your logic do, THE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMON SENCE never accept. The "G.P.C.S" is greater than right to live" and stop my word.
I want to accept elders, but I cant accep't this 2 point,
*The G.P.C.S. is greatest
*I can and must stop my LIKING

I feel G.P.C.S. bad. As I know history that G.P.C.S. lead Japan WWII, and Nazi Holocaust.
And can you stop loving? If it is possible to give up a girl, but can never stop Loving in mind. Only God maybe can. My mind fleedom is my dignity. He dinied it!

It is important to talk with other elders. I'll try it.

Ken Cook,

Yes, That is most hurt that, I am what I am make sad my family.
It is best that I go to U.S., I understood!

jayharley,

It is right.

A. G. Russell,

Yes, As you say. My father said knife is like child porn or drug.
And he told, After he die and I left home, If I arrested, my brother's life and factory break.
When I went to U.S. for 5days trip, they forbided Gun( but I did). To Go To the U.S., he wil say me not to touch Gun& Knife.

littleknife,

Yes, I love parents.

I have gifted them Nice SAK, but my mother cried. To enter such shop is bad. He cannnot understand Gentlman's knife.

I must wise, I know....
Thank for your great advice!