9 Things We Learned from Ozzy and Jack - Episode 5

Meet your new history teachers: Ozzy and Jack Osbourne. In episode 5, they head over to Japan to discover the history behind the Samurai sword and receive tattoos from a legendary Japanese tattoo artist. Here's what we learned:

HISTORY UK
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On Mar 29, 2017
1

Shibuya Crossing is the busiest intersection in the world

While Ozzy is back at the hotel suffering with jet lag, Jack walks across Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing. The busiest intersection in the world, an average of 2,500 people cross it during rush hour.

2

Master swordsman Isao Machii, holds 5 Guinness World Records

Ozzy and Jack meet Isao Machii, master swordsman and holder of five Guiness World Records, including "most martial arts katana cuts to one mat." He personally owns over 900 swords.

3

The katana sword dates back to the 13th century

One of the finest cutting swords created in military history, the katana sword dates back to the 13th century in Japan. It was the weapon of choice for Samurais who were soldiers and "guardians of Japan." Ozzy offers to buy one, until he discovers it's worth $1 million.

4

Geisha tea houses date back to the 17th century

Next up is tea at an exclusive and traditional Japanese geisha tea house. Here they learn that the tradition of being entertained by geishas dates back to the 17th century. Geishas traditionally serve tea and food to mainly male guests, and entertain them with songs and dances.

5

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for 1,000 years

From 794-1868 Kyoto was the capital of Japan, until Tokyo became the new official capital.

6

Several scenes of The Last Samurai were filmed at Chion-In Temple

Several scenes were filmed at the Chion-In Temple Sanmon Gate in Tom Cruise's mega 2003 hit The Last Samurai. Built in 1619, the gate is the largest Japanese architectural structure of its kind.

7

It takes about a week to make a Samurai sword

Ozzy and Jack then visit legendary Samurai sword makers in their workshop. Here Jack has a go at welding a sword, and is told that to make a complete Samurai sword it takes at least a week of 8 hour workdays. Once completed they can sell for thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

8

Tattoos date back to 5,000 BC

At the Horiyoshi III Tattoo Museum they learn that tattoos date back to 5,000 BC and mummified cave men have even been found with tattoos on their hands.

9

Tattoos were illegal in Japan

Tattoos were illegal in Japan until 1948, and are still associated in mainstream Japanese culture with gangs, outlaws and criminals. The right to be a samurai (or shizoku) was outlawed after Japan lost WWII, and many former samurais had tattoos to symoblise that they were still samurais at heart.

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