White based Showas and Utsuris ARE still a rarity. Black based will not be going away any time soon,... possibly never. On my farm I see 5 distinct "types" of sumi in my Showas (new and older style combined). One of these types is the old flat black Grandma's frying pan type sumi,... and it appears regularly, from my very modern Showa parent sets. It will be around forever. I keep a few around for nostalgia.
The Showa tosai on the left was born black - the Showa on the right was born white.
Best Wishes,
Brady Brandwood
