Matsuyama Factory Banners - Need Help Translating!

[Bruce Pennington]

Got a request for a full translation of the banners in this photo. We know it's a send-off for an employee, Mr Ogawa Hisaichi, but interested in what they are saying about the manufacture of swords.

Thanks for the help!

[ghp95134]

I don't see anything on the banners relating to the production of swords.


-- Guy

[Bruce Pennington]

Could he be referring to the ones on the fence? This came from Richard Fuller. He felt it said something about “ They seem to confirm the manufacture of gunto and diplomatic swords at the factory/workshop of Matsuyama with reference to tempering a sword (by) expert artisan(s”

[ghp95134]

Could he be referring to the ones on the fence? This came from Richard Fuller. He felt it said something about “ They seem to confirm the manufacture of gunto and diplomatic swords at the factory/workshop of Matsuyama with reference to tempering a sword (by) expert artisan(s”

All I see are banners to Ogawa ... even the small ones on the fence that I can barely see -- after magnifying.

The large sign at the bottom says "Automobile Entrance #3".

Nothing about swords at all in this photo.

-- Guy

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Guy, sorry for the trouble!

[Nick Komiya]

“ They seem to confirm the manufacture of gunto and diplomatic swords at the factory/workshop of Matsuyama with reference to tempering a sword (by) expert artisan(s”

Although they say a picture is worth a hundred words, the photo says not even one word of that. He must have done too many Rohrschach inkblot tests to squeeze so many wishful thoughts into that picture.

[Sporter90]

Is the person of some kind of importance? Because all of the banners and flags are made for him with his name on them. That's over 20 flags! If Mr. Okawa is the person on the soapbox, he's not a young man.

[Nick Komiya]

Having as many streamers presented to one soldier for his send-off was fairly standard fare. Various departments he had business with, his usual hang-out pub, etc would all want to wish him well, as it may be farewell for good, and they vied with each other in showing their appreciation by the size of their banners. So it went with the neighborhood barbershop, the grocer, the bookshop, etc. etc.

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Nick. Richard didn't say. He was simply prowling his resources looking up data on the Matsu stamp and came upon this photo of the Matsuyama owned company.

[Sporter90]

Bruce,

Matsuyama should be a location. Are you saying this is a sword company? What are you finding?