Just heard some very sad news this morning.
To most of the militaria collectors out there you have heard the name Nakata before or have seen his books ( which used to be the only books available on the subject of Japanese militaria).
I was told today that Mr Nakata has passed away. He was the last of the original collectors in Japan and one of the nicest people I met I japan.
On one of my early trips to Japan I had made it a very important to stop and get to met him. So we went to Nakata Shoten in Ueno and while a friend was going upstairs to see if he was available I looked around the shop. Well over to one side was an elderly Japanese man, wearing slacks and a wife beater type undershirt, sweeping up and picking up trash. I kept getting in his way and trying to apologize, but he kept working and smiling. Finally Mr Nakata's son Tetsuji came down and we talked a bit because I had already known Tetsuji ( but didn't realize what his last name was). He asked what he could do to help and I said it would really great to meet meet his father as his name was so important in the business. Well Tetsuji laughed a little and said something to the little old man that was sweeping up and he came over to us. At that point I was introduced the legend himself Nakata sr. I start stumbling over my words and sr. just smiled and gave me the most respectful bow and had ever received in Japan, and proceeded to tell me how much he had heard about Bob Chatt and it was his pleasure to meet me. Talk about a mind blowing experience.It was also incredible to know that the "boss" still cleaned the shop when he had time while all his employees were helping customers. From then on whenever I had time and he had time when, when I came to Ueno he would show me various parts of his Japanese collection and his incredible US collection.
My condolences go out to his family and employees, and I am glad to say I considered him a bit of a teacher to me on my many trips to Japan.
Rest in Peace Mr Nakata........
To most of the militaria collectors out there you have heard the name Nakata before or have seen his books ( which used to be the only books available on the subject of Japanese militaria).
I was told today that Mr Nakata has passed away. He was the last of the original collectors in Japan and one of the nicest people I met I japan.
On one of my early trips to Japan I had made it a very important to stop and get to met him. So we went to Nakata Shoten in Ueno and while a friend was going upstairs to see if he was available I looked around the shop. Well over to one side was an elderly Japanese man, wearing slacks and a wife beater type undershirt, sweeping up and picking up trash. I kept getting in his way and trying to apologize, but he kept working and smiling. Finally Mr Nakata's son Tetsuji came down and we talked a bit because I had already known Tetsuji ( but didn't realize what his last name was). He asked what he could do to help and I said it would really great to meet meet his father as his name was so important in the business. Well Tetsuji laughed a little and said something to the little old man that was sweeping up and he came over to us. At that point I was introduced the legend himself Nakata sr. I start stumbling over my words and sr. just smiled and gave me the most respectful bow and had ever received in Japan, and proceeded to tell me how much he had heard about Bob Chatt and it was his pleasure to meet me. Talk about a mind blowing experience.It was also incredible to know that the "boss" still cleaned the shop when he had time while all his employees were helping customers. From then on whenever I had time and he had time when, when I came to Ueno he would show me various parts of his Japanese collection and his incredible US collection.
My condolences go out to his family and employees, and I am glad to say I considered him a bit of a teacher to me on my many trips to Japan.
Rest in Peace Mr Nakata........
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