As the opening performance of Gackt's nemuri kyoshiro approaches, I thought I would offer another sword-related piece in honour of the production.
Although I have used Gackt's image in this presentation, the idea comes from the historical swordsman okita souji, who had mastered all the examinable sword techniques by the age of 18 and was destined to be the chief martial arts instructor of the shogunate "police", the shinsengumi. Sadly, TB struck him down within a few years and he was forced to retire before his death at the age of 25.
I have thought of Gackt and okita together because okita was the Chopin of the sword, truly a blade-poet who understood how to make an artistic statement in carrying out his security duties for the shogun. I can well imagine Gackt doing the same!
Please click on the image below to see without squinting.
