The Career and Income of a Sword Polisher: The Reality of Training, Independence, and Running a Business

The Profession of Togishi—Experts Who Restore Japanese Swords

The allure of Japanese swords lies in the brilliance of the blade and the beauty of the hamon. It is the togishi, a specialized craftsperson, who brings out this beauty. If the tosho forges the steel and creates the form, the togishi polishes the blade created by the tosho and plays the role of revealing its true nature to the world. In the world of craftsmen, the saying "the tosho makes the sword, and the togishi finishes it" still lives on.

The work of a togishi is not merely polishing the blade to make it shine. It requires the skill to bring out the jihada of the ji-steel, express the utsuri, and refine the blade with precision without damaging the nie and nioi of the hamon. It is an extremely delicate technical profession that demands the gradual use of whetstones (coarse → medium → finishing → polishing) and the discerning eye to read the condition of the blade.

The Reality of Training—Minimum of 10 Years

Those who aspire to become a togishi now typically choose between apprenticing under a master (senior togishi) or utilizing the togishi training program operated by the Japan Art Sword Preservation Society (NBTHK).

Apprenticeship under a master is the most traditional form, but in modern times the number of apprentices a master can take is limited, making it difficult without connections or introductions. The training period is generally said to be "3 years just to learn how to use whetstones, 5-7 years until you can polish a sword alone, and over 10 years to acquire true skill." In the early stages of training, wages are nearly zero, typically limited to room and board at the master's house or a daily stipend and small allowance.

The NBTHK's togishi training program has a relatively systematic curriculum in place, and in modern times the barrier to entry is considered lower than traditional master apprenticeship. However, even after receiving certification, one cannot immediately become independent; additional years of experience are needed to build a track record.

Business After Independence—A Demand-Dependent Business Model

After becoming independent, a togishi's income model is fundamentally piecework—commission rate per sword × number of swords. The cost of polishing varies greatly depending on the condition and type of sword. For modern swords (works of contemporary tosho) with shallow rust and well-preserved form, the typical rate is around 150,000-300,000 yen. For antique swords or heavily damaged blades requiring what is called "major restoration polishing," rates exceeding 500,000 yen are not uncommon.

On the other hand, polishing a single sword takes anywhere from several days to several weeks depending on its condition. Even for skilled togishi, a realistic production rate is 2-4 swords per month, which translates to annual income of roughly 3-5 million yen shortly after becoming independent, 6-8 million yen for experienced togishi with stable clients, and over 10 million yen for renowned togishi. However, these are only rough guidelines with significant individual variation, and earnings fluctuate substantially based on the quality and volume of clients and regional factors.

Fluctuations in Work—Around Sword Fair and Exhibition Seasons

The workload of a togishi is not constant throughout the year. In the sword world, events such as "sword fairs," "special exhibitions," and "new master-sword exhibitions" occur several times a year, and collectors and enthusiasts tend to increase their polishing requests to coincide with these events. The period before the NBTHK's new master-sword exhibition (held each autumn) and sword fairs across the country becomes a busy season with concentrated requests for togishi services.

Conversely, during summer (particularly from early summer to midsummer heat), the deterioration of working conditions due to humidity and the difficulty of maintaining the condition of whetstones and blades cause some togishi to limit their orders. Additionally, polishing requests resulting from inheritance and estate liquidation occur irregularly throughout the year, functioning as a stable source of work for many togishi.

The Reality of a Shortage of Successors

The number of togishi, like swordsmiths, continues on a declining trend. The high barrier to acquiring skills, low income during training, and business instability after independence are the main factors preventing younger people from entering the profession. The number of NBTHK-certified togishi fluctuates slightly from year to year, and a sense of crisis that "training is not keeping pace" permeates the industry.

Furthermore, as sword owners age and "collection reorganization and sales" increase, while polishing demand rises in the short term, the long-term effect is a vicious cycle in which a new customer base (young collectors) fails to develop.

The continuation of the togishi profession requires not just the transmission of skills, but also social efforts to elevate Japanese sword culture as a whole. Collaboration with museums and art galleries, enrichment of sword experience programs, and the development of young viewers and collectors form the foundation supporting the future of the togishi profession. For the image of a craftsperson sitting before a whetstone to be passed on to the next generation is to safeguard the lifeblood of Japanese sword culture.