Approximately 300 Agency for Cultural Affairs-certified tōshō are active across Japan. The world of gendaitō, where tradition is upheld while new forms of expression are pursued.

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Schmieden & Polieren2025-10-30

Can a Broken Nihontō Be Repaired? — The Restorability of Edge Chips, Rust, and Sai-ba, with an Approximate Guide to Costs

Can a broken blade, edge chips, and rust be repaired? This article explains how to approach a damaged nihontō — covering the scope and limits of what togi can restore, whether sai-ba and reforging are possible, approximate restoration costs, how to request work from a togishi, and notes on the registration certificate.

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Schmiede & Schulen2025-10-25

Regional Swords — The Hidden Appeal of Provincial Smiths

Japanese swords aren't just the Gokaden. Introducing excellent provincial smiths from Satsuma, Tosa, Echizen, Kaga and more.

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Kauf & Pflege2025-10-20

Displaying Japanese Swords — Beautiful and Safe Exhibition Methods

Sword stands, cases, lighting — a practical guide to displaying swords beautifully and safely at home.

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Geschichte & Epochen2025-10-15

Swords of the Sengoku Period — Battles and the Evolution of the Tōkō

The Sengoku period, an era that demanded swords in vast quantities for actual combat. The difference between kazuuchimono and masterwork swords, and how swords were used on the battlefield.

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Kultur & Geist2025-10-10

Etiquette Surrounding the Sword: Manners to Know for Nihontō

Etiquette for viewing another person's sword, the steps for drawing a sword, and manners at appreciation gatherings.

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Schmiede & Schulen2025-10-05

The Twin Peaks of Osaka New Swords — The World of Sukehiro and Shinkai

The world of new swords that flourished in Osaka during the early Edo period. A comparative analysis of two master swordsmiths: Sukehiro and Shinkai.

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Kultur & Geist2025-09-30

Movies and Japanese Swords — Truth and Fiction on Screen

From Kurosawa films to Star Wars. The boundary between truth and creative expression in how Japanese swords are depicted in cinema.

How Did Forging Techniques Change Between kotō and shintō — The Shift from Individual Swordsmith Craft to a Standardized Production System and Its Economic Background

2026-10-12

A Guide to Installment Payments and Loans for Purchasing Nihontō — How to Plan Finances for an Expensive Sword

2026-10-12

The Parkes Assassination Attempt (1868) and Swords — The Attack on the British Minister and the Swords of His Guards

2026-10-11

The Kobe Incident (1868) and Nihontō — the Clash Between Bizen Domain Troops and Foreigners, the First Diplomatic Crisis of the New Meiji Government

2026-10-11

The Sakai Incident (1868) and Japanese Swords — The Seppuku Ordered of Tosa Domain Samurai and the Diplomatic Crisis

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