INTERVIEW | Japanese Swords Face Challenges, Says Expert

Japanese swords are unique. They are not merely weapons but sublime steel works of art forged in fire by supremely skilled artisans. The perfected Japanese sword emerged during the Heian period (794-1185).

Even today, Japanese swords are made in the same way as they were over a thousand years ago. Swordsmiths forge them from tamahagane, a type of traditional Japanese bloom steel, in a charcoal fire. Many master swordsmiths have left their mark on history. Their superior skills have been passed down from generation to generation, resulting in the Japanese sword as we know it today. 

Following World War II, society distanced itself from swords. However, in recent years there has been a marked increase in interest, particularly among women and younger generations. Japanese swords are also now highly valued worldwide. 

However, despite this increase in popularity, the Japanese sword is in a state of decline. This is an alarming situation. In an interview, The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward asked Japanese sword expert Paul Martin to explain.

Excerpts follow:

First in a 3-part series

State of the Japanese Sword World

As a sword specialist, how do you view the current state of the Japanese sword world?

Japanese swords are seeing a rise in popularity. On the other hand, many people are unaware that a very critical situation is also arising.

Is that concerning swordsmiths?

Yes. About 15 years ago, there were 300 swordsmiths, but recently, that number has decreased to about 200.

However, it is not only swordsmiths. There has also been a troubling decline in the number of other craftsmen involved in producing Japanese swords. In particular, there is a severe lack of scabbard makers and habaki makers.

The habaki is a small metal collar fitting, made usually from copper or silver. It is fitted at the base of the sword between the blade and the sword guard (tsuba). The habaki acts as a stopper to prevent the blade from falling out of the scabbard. Additionally, it keeps the blade centered in the scabbard, preventing it from touching the inner walls.

When you think about Japanese sword craftsmen, it usually conjures up the image of a swordsmith. However, creating a complete Japanese sword requires several craftsmen, each with their own unique traditional skills. These include sword polishers, scabbard and habaki makers, handle wrappers, lacquerers, and kinko craftsmen who make various metal fittings. 

I believe the collaboration among craftsmen in Japanese sword making is the origin of Japan's teamwork ethic. They have worked in unison, honing their skills to create the perfect sword blade and mountings.

Importance of All Parts

Wouldn't it be problematic to have a sword without a scabbard?

Yes. Additionally, without a habaki collar, the sword cannot be properly sheathed.

There are two types of scabbards made to protect the blade. One is a mounting made of plain magnolia wood known as a shirasaya. The other is made for use when worn on the hip and lacquered using Japanese natural urushi lacquer.

A plain wooden scabbard may appear simple, but crafting it requires advanced technical skills. Ensuring the sword blade doesn't touch the scabbard's inner walls involves the same techniques used in making a lacquered scabbard.

There is a phrase commonly used in Japan, sori ga awanai, meaning "The curvatures do not match." As Japanese swords are all individually custom-made, they are slightly different in shape. Therefore, the scabbard also has to be custom-made. If the sword's curvature doesn't match the scabbard's, it won't fit. At the very least, the sword will chafe against the inside of the scabbard, scratching the blade's surface.

There's another saying, 'Let's sheath our swords.'

Yes, many Japanese expressions originate from Japanese swords. Others include seppa-tsumaru ("caught in the middle"), shinogi wo kezeru ("tough fight"), origami-tsuki ("authentic"), and jigane ga deru (to be found out).  

How many craftsmen are involved in making a single sword?

Japanese swords require eight different types of craftsmen, including those who produce the raw materials (tamahagane steel from iron sand). Should even one of these skills be lost, making a complete Japanese sword would become impossible. If these skills, passed down through generations, were to disappear, they would be incredibly difficult to replace.

Challenges to Becoming a Swordsmith

You mentioned there are around 200 active swordsmiths today. How many can make a living solely from sword making, without side jobs like making kitchen knives?

Maybe around 40.

Of these, is it correct to assume about 15 swordsmiths have apprentices?

I think that is probably correct. Some master swordsmiths are refusing to accept young people who want to become swordsmiths, making it very difficult for them to become apprentices.

To become a swordsmith, one must complete five years of training under a licensed swordsmith. Afterward, they are eligible to take the test held annually by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Their sword making skills are judged at the exam. 

Why are some swordsmiths refusing to accept apprentices?

Because they feel that they cannot guarantee the apprentices' future. It is not easy for young swordsmiths to make a living. To begin with, the required raw materials needed to make swords, tamahagane and charcoal, are expensive. 

In addition, they have to pay the other craftsmen (polisher, habaki maker, scabbard maker) for their services out of their own pockets. Therefore, with all these expenses, even up-and-coming swordsmiths' swords are not cheap. Additionally, it is very difficult to find customers for newly graduated swordsmiths.

If things continue like this, could Japanese sword crafts die out in the future?

It would be a tragedy if these wonderful traditional techniques were not passed on to the next generation. I think it is a very sad situation.

Not only is the number of Japanese sword craftsmen decreasing, but another problem is also occurring. Cheap imitations of Japanese swords made in China and South Korea and sold online are flooding the market. Compared to real Japanese swords, these imitations are merely sharpened steel bars. Western buyers with a limited cultural and historical understanding of Japanese swords often choose these imitations.

This will discourage potential customers from buying authentic Japanese swords that have been diligently forged by young Japanese swordsmiths who are preserving traditional methods and tenets. I'm sure some overseas swords have been folded and forged, but they lack the unique spirituality found in Japanese swords. They also do not reflect the historical sword making traditions, such as the Bizen or Soshu styles.

It's important to remember that Japanese swords, with their refined shapes (hamon) and blade patterns (hada), have the power to move people deeply. Without these qualities, even a sword that cuts well doesn't qualify as a true Japanese sword.

Continues in Part 2: INTERVIEW | Empowering Swordsmiths of a New Generation
And after that, in Part 3: INTERVIEW | Empowering Sword-making in a New Generation

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Read the article in Japanese. 

Interview by: Shohei Nagatsuji, Sankei Shimbun