On another forum a complaint about this cultivar is raised, namely that it is not hardy and suffers from rather bad die-back at least for my zone. Where are the pics? I couldn't find the gallery.

Masher, I looked at the two pics you posted. I don't have a Beni Kawa (just ordered one, it's on it's way), but I have Sango Kaku, which is similar. Your tree looks fine, only a few leaves that have brown tips, which could have many reason. I don't think you need to be concerend about it. The Beni Kawa leaves look very similar to what the Sango Kaku leaves look like in the summer, so that seems to be normal.
Good luck, btw, very nicely shaped tree.

I did find the gallery, and like marcindy I don't see serious damage. I'm not that experienced but I have read in many posts here and elsewhere that some die back during the first year or two are typical before the tree gets established.

Thanks for your replies!