Culture
Oku-izumo’s Annual Sword Steelmaking Begins
The raw material used to make Japanese swords is called tamahagane. On January 24, production of the annual batch [&h
Culture
Traveling the San’in: Orochi and the Mythical Origins of the Sword
I recently took a trip to Shimane Prefecture, also known as the San’in region, to research some of the […]
Culture
As Sign of Goodwill, President Putin Returns Swords to Japan
The sword presented by Russian President Putin to Prime Minister Abe was displayed at the Dai Token Ichi on November [&h
Culture
Sword Fittings of the Mitsumura Collection on Exhibit November 3 to December 17
Matching pair of sword guards Design by Kongosai (Matsuo) Gassan (1815-1875). 19th C. Nezu Museum, formerly Mitsumura Co
Culture
Japanese Swords Fittings Showcase the Beauty of Impermanence
The Japanese are acutely aware of transient nature of all things. The degree to which they actively acknowledge imperm
Culture
The Changes in the Shape of the Japanese Sword
A visitor watches the Japanese sword at the Osaka Museum of History. The museum is holding a special exhibition titled [
Culture
How to Read Date Inscriptions on Japanese Swords
Before the implementation of the Gregorian calendar the Japanese used the lunisolar calendar. It wasn’t until the Januar
Culture
The Sword and Its Importance in Japanese Culture
Photo: The Ama-no-Saka-hoko standing at the peak of Mount Takachiho in Miyazaki prefecture, Kyushu These are an excerpts
Culture
Seikado Bunko Art Museum Exhibition: Perfect Guide to the Japanese Sword
The Seikado Bunko Art Museum is holding a special exhibition aimed at introducing Japanese swords to beginners by utiliz
Culture
Introducing the New Column: The Secrets of the Japanese Sword
Pictured: This blade is an utsushi-mono by the master swordsmith Ono Yoshimitsu of an 800-year-old blade called Yamatori