Japanese Armor Society Forum

Giuseppe Piva wrote: ↑Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:41 pm Peter, actually I think it is quite well known that momonari kabuto derive directly from Portoguese helmets. Together with firearms, Europeans exported in fact also the best armor design to contrast bullets, which is to have them bounced and deviated rather than stopped with a plane surface.

Giuseppe Piva wrote: ↑Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:48 pm Of course, Eric. I was answering to Peter, asking if this is known in Japan and if it is a recent idea or if it was already known in the old times.

Eric Tulin wrote: ↑Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:21 pm

Giuseppe Piva wrote: ↑Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:48 pm Of course, Eric. I was answering to Peter, asking if this is known in Japan and if it is a recent idea or if it was already known in the old times.

You bring up something I have thought about a lot actually, which is what do the Japanese actually know as compared to what we know, what are they interested in, what answers are they trying to find, what questions are they asking and what do they know that we do not. Since I do not speak or read Japanese I have no clue actually other than what little bit of info I can glean from the very small amount that leaks out from Japan to our side.

The Japanese seem to have absolutely no interest in communicating their thoughts through forums, they seem to not want to openly share photos. Over the years I have participated in many forums, on a variety of subjects, and I have somehow managed to converse with people from all over the world despite language differences, but I know of only a couple of Japanese nationals who use Western forums and not one instance of a Japanese national posting on a Western forum about Japanese armor....it just does not happen.

Since I do not read Japanese and most of the Japanese armor books that they use have not been translated into other languages I have no idea what they are learning from the various Japanese authorities who have written books on the subject. I keep hearing "its a cultural thing"....but I personally have seen absolutely no progress in the matter. Yes its true that some non Japanese now have a presence in the Japanese armor society....but has anything really changed? If it is a "cultural thing" and the Japanese continue to have absolutely no interest in openly sharing thoughts and research in the manner which we are accustomed to then how exactly do you go about changing anything?

John Wee Tom wrote: ↑Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:49 pm Eric,

As we have been preaching, this is one of the main focuses of the JAS to foster that cultural exchange. I know that Jo has been coaxing and lobbying some of the Japanese members to engage with the West and we hope to have their presence at the symposium in Leiden. With regards to their participation on forums, apparently there are some members in Japan that are interested in our forum and will hopefully participate eventually.

We can only just keep trying to make it an environment where they can't help but want to join in by continuing to engage in inspiring discussions.

Uwe Sacklowski wrote: ↑Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:20 am Eric,
I wouldn't be so pessimistic. Have a look of the development during the last years. "We" have a gaijin as board member in Japan, at least two books were published in a co production (thanks to Luc and Jo), we get translated meeting reports (ok partly translated) including pictures about the subjects, "we" established a western branch of the NKBKHK and we looking forward to welcome Japanese board members to our upcoming "Japanese Legacy III" symposium. The smell of success, or at least we are on track.....