E de Miru Jidai Kosho Hyakka Volume Overview

The masterwork E de Miru Jidai Kōshō Hyakka: Torimonoga-dōgu Hen (絵でみる時代考証百科：捕者道具編) serves as an illustrated encyclopedia of historical research. This high-status Association Copy focuses specifically on capture tools and feudal law enforcement gear.

The text was created by Nawa Yumio (名和弓雄, 1912–2006) and published by Shinjinbutsu Ōraisha (新人物往来社). Released as an A5 Hardcover with an original slipcase, this 248-page first printing was published on March 25, 1981. It stands out in martial literature for its deep forensic art and technical accuracy.

The Rare Signature & Provenance

This specific volume represents an exceptional physical state, featuring a formal, hand-brushed dedication and the red personal seal (hanko) of the author. This rare presentation state is dedicated specifically to Katō Katsuyuki-sensei.

• Who was Katō Katsuyuki? Katō (1920–1999) was a true titan of the Japanese martial arts world. He was a world-renowned historian of samurai swords, traditional armor, and a high-ranking member of the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords).
• The Peer-to-Peer Link: In the specialized world of Bujutsu (martial arts) scholarship, this is the “holy grail” of signatures. It represents a professional gift between the two most prominent historical weapon experts of their generation. Nawa’s intentional use of the title “Sensei” in the dedication marks this as a peer-to-peer exchange of the highest respect.

Why This E de Miru Jidai Volume is Unique

Revealing the “Secret” Stances: For the first time in 1981, Nawa committed the Masaki-ryū “Five Forms” and “Eight Secret Methods” to paper. These had been guarded oral secrets (kuden) for centuries, published here specifically for peers like Katō Katsuyuki to ensure their ultimate survival.

Scientific De-mythologizing: Within the study of E de Miru Jidai traditions, Nawa was famous for his strict “scientific” approach. This book famously debunked popular myths like “water walking,” instead providing forensic proof of how specialized tools were actually used by undercover Edo-period police forces.

The Last Master-Scholar: Nawa Yumio was the 10th Grandmaster of Masaki-ryū. He didn’t just study history; he held the living lineage. This book was his direct attempt to save “real” ninjutsu and police history from being completely lost to 1980s cinematic fantasy.

248 Pages of Forensic Art: Every single diagram in the book was hand-drawn by Nawa himself. This was essential to capture “martially correct” details—such as the exact tension of a Manriki-gusari (weighted chain) or the precise angle a Jitte must hold to successfully snap a samurai’s blade—details a commercial artist could never replicate.

Edition Details & Structural Schematics

• Format Specifications: A5 Hardcover wrapped in its original protective publisher slipcase.
• Exact Dimensions: 14.8 cm x 21.0 cm (Approx. 5.8″ x 8.3″) maximizing display detail.
• Technical Art Portfolio: Thousands of technical, hand-drawn illustrations created directly by the author.
• Lineage Status Documentation: 14th Grandmaster of Masaki-ryū Document Selection notes are included.
• Association Inscription: Dedicated peer-to-peer gift to Katō Katsuyuki-sensei stamped with authentic hanko.

Summary of E de Miru Jidai Reference Value

This 1981 first edition remains an indispensable technical pillar for sword collectors, historical researchers, and serious practitioners of traditional Japanese weaponry. Because it compiles direct structural data regarding rare Edo-period restraint systems and authentic martial lineage transmissions, the technical diagrams drawn by Nawa Yumio provide an irreplaceable reference baseline. It is a vital asset for any modern library focused on genuine feudal tactical history.

This comprehensive volume is deeply regarded within specialized collector communities for bringing ancient martial arts lore into modern forensic reality. For historians tracking the specific evolution of law enforcement tools across Japan, the structural breakdowns provided by Nawa Yumio serve as an elite, permanent record that bridges generations of hidden battlefield strategy.