Rinkya Keeps Alive the Spirit of the Japanese Samurai: The Forever Knights

Tempe,
AZ and Tokyo, Japan- April 10,2008. The warrior class in medieval society has
always been identified with the knight in armor. While the European knight was
constrained in a small niche of history, in Japan the armored knight, known as
a Samurai, transcended the medieval period. This has created a large and
wonderful class of collectibles in Samurai armor and weapons.

           
The rise of the Samurai, as a class within Japanese society began in the Heian
Period (794-1185), and continued through the effective end of feudalism in
Japan in the late nineteenth century. Armor and weapons of different periods
and motifs have been treasured by families and collected by avid collectors for
almost thirteen hundred years.

           
The evolution of Samurai armor and especially the Samurai swords is an
interesting study in and of itself. The legend is that the archetypal Samurai
sword was crafted by Amakuni and his son, Amakura, sword smiths in the Yamato
Province about 700. Almost a millennia of refinements are to be found in the
modern versions of the long sword called a katana, the short sword or sidearm
known as the wakizashi and the dagger named tantō. Developed over various
periods of history the finest refinements of the Japanese sword, or nihontō
have been characterized as the finest bladed weapons ever developed. Collectors
often build a series of these weapons, tracing their development. Even a modern
replica, forged by one of the few hundred Japanese sword smiths who specialize
in them can cost nearly a thousand dollars.

           
Samurai armor, like samurai swords saw a long and evolutionary development.
Samurai armor embodies over a thousand years of history and developed as an art
form as well as a practical protection in battle. Various motifs and artistic
touches give Samurai armor a range and character that make it a truly artistic
expression. According to Heather Russell, CEO of the largest Japanese shopping
service, Rinkya, authentic Samurai armor is a truly high end collectible.

           
“We have seen suits of Samurai armor, notably one in the sea cucumber motif,
sell for more than ten thousand dollars through Rinkya,” she says. “And pieces
of Samurai armor, especially helmets and face masks also bring premium prices
in the Japanese antique, collectible market.”

           
The spirit of the Samurai, the forever knight, is still a vital and important
part of the antique market worldwide. The weapons and armor of a Samurai are
often considered the ultimate refinement of both edged weaponry and personal
armor available. This has created many collectors throughout the world who
lovingly piece together the bits and pieces of the tradition where the code of
chivalry is known as bushido, and the tradition of the forever knight still
lives.

Rinkya Inc is a leading service provider for Japan auctions,
stores, and specialty websites. Rinkya is on the Inc. Magazine 5,000 list of the fastest-growing
private companies in the U.S.A. and has been featured in Dolls, Project Car
Magazine, and the Gannett Newspapers Syndicate.  The Japan branch has won several
business awards from the Japanese Postal System and has been showcased in
several Japanese business magazines.

For Further Information Visit : www.rinkya.com

USA Contact:

Elaine Gross,

 Rinkya Inc.,

elaine@rinkya.com

 (866) 970-4485;

fax (480)-970-4486

Tokyo Contact:

Heather Russell

Rinkya Inc

heather@rinkya.com

03-3430-0557