La Laguna to Host Samurai & Shinobi Exhibition

A new exhibition in La Laguna will explore the captivating world of Japanese warrior culture, from the legendary samurai to the mysterious shinobi. This upcoming event aims to take visitors deep into this historical era with a collection of important artifacts.

The Bujinkan Kokoro Dojo La Laguna is organizing this exhibition, which is part of the Japan World Festival. It opens on March 18th at Casa Anchieta and will be on display until March 22nd at different venues across the city. The goal is to help the public better understand these famous figures from Japanese tradition.

Visitors will see both accurate reproductions and original items from the Edo period (1603-1868). This was a key time when the samurai class ended, and Japan began to modernize. Highlights include two suits of armor: one based on designs from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and another worn by an ashigaru (an Edo-era foot soldier). This ashigaru armor includes real parts from its time, like a section of the breastplate and items used with gunpowder weapons.

The exhibition also features two important groups from Japanese history. One is the 47 ronin, famous for their story of loyalty and revenge, which remains a powerful example of honor and dedication. The other is the Shinsengumi, a samurai police force that supported the Tokugawa government during the late Edo period. Their image is widely seen in popular culture today, from manga to anime.

The display also includes a diverse collection of traditional weapons and artifacts, such as swords, spears, masks, shuriken, and shinobi gear. Informative panels will help visitors understand and learn more about the Japanese martial arts philosophy. A special feature is original calligraphy related to ninjutsu, created by Masaaki Hatsumi. He is the founding master of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, an organization that preserves and teaches nine martial traditions rooted in both ninjutsu and samurai practices.

Eduardo P. de la Torre, director of the Bujinkan Kokoro Dojo La Laguna, is coordinating this event. His dojo, which teaches these martial arts, is located at the Laoshan School of Martial Arts (Cabrera Pinto street, 51). The Japan World Festival is supported by the La Laguna City Council (Culture and Sports departments), the Cabildo de Tenerife, and the Government of the Canary Islands. Additional support comes from La Laguna Zona Comercial and the Japan Foundation.