Exhibition of old Japanese swords and samurai helmets · Regelski Collection

31 October 2026 – 28 February 2027 | KODAS, Valgjärve, South Estonia

A Samurai Winter at KODAS

Last spring the Regelski Collection brought hanami to KODAS — blossoms, theatre and Japanese art. This winter the Helsinki-based private collection returns with a new story: the swords and helmets of the samurai. While the apple orchards sleep, step inside, where old blades and lacquered helmets tell of warriors who also loved poetry and art.

What are katana and jingasa?

The katana (日本刀) is the samurai’s long sword, its blade about 60 cm. With the shorter wakizashi it formed the pair called daishō — the two swords by which a samurai is recognised in old paintings. The jingasa (陣笠) was the foot soldier’s helmet: those who could not afford an expensive kabuto wore a jingasa of thin iron, leather or even paper, lacquered for durability. The clan crest, the mon, is usually clearly visible on its front.

What you’ll see

• Katana, wakizashi and tantō — genuine samurai-period swords and newer copies suited for decoration or for training in kendo, iaido and kenjutsu
• A kabuto and a large group of jingasa, mostly from the Edo period — among them a lacquered helmet shaped like Mount Fuji and one covered in bear fur
• The kabutowari, “helmet breaker”, and the jitte — the Edo-period police tool made to block and disarm a sword
• Samurai-themed art — sumi-e ink paintings, an old woodblock print of a samurai Kabuki play, illustrations by Katsushika Hokusai from the Hokusai manga, an aquarelle and a kakejiku scroll
• Two samurai dolls — one in full armour, one in everyday dress, with a miniature daishō
• The story of steel — tamahagane, T10, 1095 and 1060: what carbon does to a blade

Some items can be bought from the collection.

Practical information

• Location: KODAS visitor centre, Valgjärve village, Kanepi parish, Põlva County — about 35 minutes from Tartu
• Dates: 31 October 2026 – 28 February 2027
• Open: Wednesday to Friday 13:00–18:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00
• Free parking
• Restaurant: Fri 17-22, Sat 12-22, Sun 10-15
• Tickets: 6 €; Children under 12 free.

Special Events Coming Soon

🎉 Throughout the exhibition, a series of special events will be held — including an opening ceremony.
📅 More information will be announced shortly, so stay tuned!

Discover More

Learn about the full Regelski Collection at:
 www.miyabiantiques.fi

Step into a samurai winter

See the old blades. Discover the samurai’s story. Let winter and history inspire you.