Spalte

Sword Culture in Mid-Kyoho Era (1720-1735) — Samurai Sword-Wearing Consciousness After the Yoshimune Reforms and Late Shinto Swordsmiths

享保の改革（1720年代）が武家帯刀文化に与えた影響と、後期新刀期の刀工の活動を解説。享保名物帳の編纂や剣術流派の興隆とともに、刀身本位の鑑賞眼が醸成された時代を考察する。

Nakago Tang Finishing Craft — Post-Quench Tang Shaping, Mekugi-ana Drilling, and Yasuri-me Filing Techniques

焼き入れ後に刀匠が行う茎（なかご）の整形・目釘穴加工・鑢目切りの技術を詳解。形状分類・穴の位置精度・鑢目の流派別様式と実用機能まで、茎仕上げの実践を解説する。

Nie-deki and Nioi-deki: How Martensite Particle Aggregation and Sword-smith School Traditions Define Blade Edge Character

This article provides a scientific explanation of blade patterns, detailing how two contrasting particle states—nie (coarse-grained) and nioi (fine-grained)—influence the appearance of the hamon, and how different sword-smith schools have historically used them distinctly.

Inheriting Japanese Swords and End-of-Life Planning — Legal Procedures, Appraisals, and Practical Guidance for Succession through Estate Settlement

A practical guide to the process of verifying registration certificates, filing ownership transfer documents, obtaining appraisals, and selling swords when inherited as estate assets, centered on coordination between law, taxation, and sword dealers.

Japan Intangible Cultural Heritage System for Nihonto — How the State Certifies Swordsmith, Polisher, and Scabbard Maker Crafts

文化財保護法に基づく無形文化財制度と選定保存技術制度が、刀工・研師・鞘師ら刀剣関連職人の技術継承をいかに支えているかを解説。人間国宝制度の実態と課題も紹介する。

Lacquering Techniques of Shayashi: Processes and Material Selection for Roiro Urushi, Ishime Coating, and Togidashi Maki-e on Japanese Sword Scabbards

A detailed explanation of the various lacquering techniques applied by shayashi to sword scabbards—roiro urushi, ishime coating, and togidashi maki-e—including their processes, material selection criteria, and the current state of their transmission in modern times.

Uchiko (Assistant Hammerman) — Role of the Striking Assistant in Traditional Swordsmithing and the Reality of Master-Apprentice Training

伝統的な刀鍛冶場において刀匠の鍛造を支える補助職「打ち子」の技術的役割・師弟修業の実態・機械化による変化を解説。大槌を振る「間」の技術と現代における継承の課題も考察する。

Ashikaga Takauji's Kenmu Shikimoku and Sword Policy: The Origins of Early Muromachi Period Sword Order

The Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185) and Japanese Swords — The Turning Point of the Genpei War

The 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura, the final clash of the Genpei War, was a pivotal moment in Japanese sword culture history.

Dojigiri Yasutsuna — The Oldest of the Tenka Goken and Its History

Dojigiri Yasutsuna, one of the Tenka Goken, is the oldest surviving Japanese sword of supreme quality.

Bellows, Forge, and Temperature Control: The Science of Steel Composition Control Through Charcoal Fire and Airflow in Japanese Sword Forging

A scientific examination of the bellows (fuigo) and furnace temperature control at the heart of Japanese sword forging, exploring how charcoal type, airflow, and heating duration affect tamahagane carbon content and blade quality.

Forge Charcoal Types and Quality Control: How Swordsmiths Select White Charcoal, Black Charcoal, and Binchotan for Blade Forging