Yamagatofellowship.org

Yamagatofellowship.org
First mentioned:	May 7, 2007
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yamagatofellowship.org is the real-life website for Yamagato Industries which is headed by Kaito Nakamura.

About

The site contains an English translation of a speech given by Kaito Nakamura (the original speech in Japanese is also available in video form), stating how history has always told the stories of heroes. It also has links to a repository and a videos and events page (which is currently unavailable).

The repository page of the website features images and stories of a select few mythological and real-life heroes including:

• Takezo Kensei
• Beowulf
• Jason
• Crazy Horse
• Gawain
• Thor

Sword Saint

On August 27, 2007, yamagatofellowship.org began airing a five-part documentary about Takezo Kensei, narrated by John Rhys-Davies. Interviews are conducted with experts, including Professor Donna Dorn (from the University of Chicago, Japanese Studies), Curator Tatsuya Atsumi (of the Museum of Cultural History in Tokyo, Japan), and Professor Karen Chamberlin (from the University of Cambridge's Literature Department).

Chapter 1: The Battle of 12 Swords

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Despite Japan's isolationist stance, Whitebeard ravaged the country from within. Culminating in an attack on Otsu, a village near Kyoto, the overconfident Whitebeard marched into the town with only a handful of men. He was met by Kensei, who singlehandedly defeated the entire company. The battle was to become known as The Battle of 12 Swords. Determined to defeat the rest of Whitebeard's army, Kensei set out on a journey to find Whitebeard's Hidden Fortress. These adventures became known as The Trials of Takezo Kensei.

Chapter 2: The Trial of the Fire Scroll

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After defeating Whitebeard, Kensei set out to find Whitebeard's Fire Scroll, which was said to contain many secrets, including the location of the Hidden Fortress. Whitebeard, who is said to have conspired with oni, or devils, to set the scroll in a circle of fire, would burn the families and villages of those who attempted to seek to the scroll. As legend has it, Whitebeard chose 90 of his most savage ronin to protect the scroll, even possibly resorting to cannibalism if necessary. Kensei defeated these men, acquired the scroll, and set off on his next two trials: climbing the frozen waterfall and finding the single crimson peony.

Chapter 3: The Trial of the Hidden Fortress

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After completing the last two challenges, Kensei defeats the Black Bear, from whom he gains a map to Whitebeard's fortress. Before arriving, however, he is ambushed by the Snake Women, two female assassins said to be half-snake. They escape with their lives, and Kensei reaches the Hidden Fortress. There, he defeats every one of Whitebeard's men in a battle lasting 11 days. Finally, he duels Whitebeard himself, and after an epic battle, Kensei emerges as the victor, saving all of Japan from tyrannical rule.

Chapter 4, Part 1: Kensei and the Dragon

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Before his trials, Kensei fell in love with a beautiful princess who made him swear to defend Japan from Whitebeard. To prepare, Kensei sought the Dragon of Kiso Mountain, who taught exceptional sword skills to those who truly needed to be taught. The Dragon taught Kensei and made him a "sword saint", but demanded that Kensei give what he loved most. After Kensei's trials, he and the princess decided to marry, but the celebrations were short-lived--the enormous Dragon interrupted their marriage ceremony and demanded the princess. To protect his love, Kensei plunged his sword into his heart, then offered his heart to the Dragon.

Galleries

The Site

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  The Home page contains links and the English translation of a speech by Kaito Nakamura.
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  The repository page contains images and stories of mythological and real-life heroes.
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  The videos and events section states that it is "Coming soon".

Sword Saint

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  Sword Saint chronicles the trials of Takezo Kensei.
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  Kensei learned his sword skills from the Dragon of Kiso Mountain.
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  Kensei was able to defeat Whitebeard in the Battle of Twelve Swords.
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  Whitebeard's Hidden Fortress was protected by many men.
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  Whitebeard's secrets were fiercely guarded in the Fire Scroll.
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  The 90 cannibalistic ronin were no match for the Sword Saint.
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  Kensei obtained the location of the Hidden Fortress from the Black Bear.
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  Though the Snake Women were not killed by Kensei, they were unable to stop his quest.
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  In a battle lasting several days, Kensei was able to defeat Whitebeard's army...
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  ...and eventually Whitebeard himself.
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  Kensei then married his love...
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  ...but killed himself on his wedding day in order to protect his beloved.

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