Schools and Apprenticeships of Japanese Sword Polishers: How Nagoya Polishing, Hadori, and Whetstone Origins Define the Craft

The Togishi Profession — The Person Who Decides a Sword's Beauty Last

A Japanese sword does not become a true "blade" just from forging. The sword body forged by a swordsmith reveals its true beauty only through the hands of a togishi (sword polisher). The grain patterns of the jigane, the nie and nioi of the hamon, the utsuri (reflections)—all these visual elements are brought out through the togishi's mastery of whetstones. The high evaluation of any given sword is surely due in part to the togishi's skill.

Polishing is broadly divided into "rough polishing" (shitajiyogi, which shapes the blade) and "finish polishing" (shiageyogi, which brings out the aesthetic beauty), with the types of whetstones used varying depending on each stage. This entire technical system is inherited through oral transmission and hands-on teaching from master to apprentice, possessing a uniqueness worthy of being called a "school" or "tradition." The condition of blade preservation and the quality of polishing are factors that influence evaluation in appraisals and sales, making an understanding of polishing indispensable when handling Japanese swords.

Lineages of Schools Continuing from the Edo Period

While the schools of togishi have not been recorded as clearly as those of swordsmiths, two major lineages have existed from the Edo period to the present: the Shoami line and the Honami line. The Honami family became renowned as official polishers to the Tokugawa shogunate, and their techniques spread throughout the country through their disciples.

After the Meiji period, the family-based lineages of the Honami and Shoami faded, but technical transmission through the vertical lineage of master and apprentice continued. Contemporary togishi are connected through master-apprentice relationships, such as "disciple of Master ○○" or "studied under Master ○○," and this functions as a de facto "school." The disciples of renowned polishers are found throughout the country, and the philosophy of polishing and preferences in whetstones are passed from master to apprentice. Among contemporary togishi, some study different techniques under multiple masters and establish their own unique styles. The lineages are not always connected in a single line; sometimes the techniques of multiple schools intersect and are inherited together, a fact that speaks to the profound depth of this artisan world.

What is Nagoya-Style Polishing?

"Nagoya-style polishing" is one of the technical styles often discussed among togishi. The name is said to derive from polishing techniques developed by groups of polishers based in Aichi Prefecture (formerly Owari and Mikawa). Its characteristics lie in the use of "hatsuyagi" (a small finishing whetstone) and in the distribution of polishing pressure to more actively bring out the reflections of the jigane.

Hatsuyagi is a small whetstone held between the fingers in the final stage of polishing to finish the hamon (tempered edge) area. After polishing with a regular whetstone, careful "stroking" with the hatsuyagi brings out the particle texture of the nie and nioi. In Nagoya-style polishing, the hatsuyagi is applied at a distinctive angle and pressure, said to maximize the brilliance of the hamon. Using the hatsuyagi skillfully requires many years of experience, and it is said that even a slight error in angle or pressure can result in a hamon pattern that is overly uniform and dull. For this reason, among polishers who specialize in Nagoya-style polishing, not a few are those who have spent long years perfecting only the handling of the hatsuyagi.

However, "Nagoya-style polishing" is not an official school name but rather an industry colloquialism. Interpretations vary among polishers, and the term "Nagoya-style polishing" can be used as both a compliment and in a critical context. While some criticize it for over-emphasizing the hamon and compromising the natural beauty of the jigane, others highly praise the refined expression of the hamon.

Origins of Whetstones and Polishers' Preferences

One of the greatest factors influencing a togishi's skill is the whetstone. Whetstones used for Japanese sword polishing vary in effectiveness depending on their origin, grain size, and hardness, and polishers use different regional whetstones for each stage of polishing.

The "Nakayama whetstone" from Kameo, Kyoto is considered the finest natural whetstone for finish polishing. Its particles are uniform and its hardness optimal, making it well-suited for bringing out the jigane grain beautifully. Because extraction is limited, it is highly rare, and quality Nakayama whetstones are traded for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen per stone.

The "Iwami whetstone" from Okuizumo, Shimane is frequently used in the latter stages of rough polishing. Its particles are slightly coarser and it excels at defining the contours of the hamon, and is said to be well-suited for bringing out the jigane of old swords from the Kamakura to Muromachi periods.

The "Okazaki whetstone" from Okazaki, Aichi is a relatively coarse whetstone used in the initial stages of rough polishing and serves to create the foundation for polishing. It is generally easy to obtain and is frequently used in apprentice training.

When choosing whetstones, polishers take into account the period and nature of the blade's jigane. Old swords from the Kamakura period have complex and delicate jigane, so polishers work slowly with softer whetstones. New and newer swords from the Edo period have relatively uniform jigane, so it is generally accepted that somewhat firmer whetstones can be used. Additionally, even natural whetstones from the same origin and layer differ in character from stone to stone, so polishers test many whetstones and determine which to use based on compatibility with each blade. It is also said that in recent years, the extraction of quality natural whetstones has become increasingly difficult, and more polishers are devising ways to alternate between natural and synthetic whetstones.

Criteria for Deciding When to Re-Polish

As swords are used, age, or undergo previous polishing, the jigane gradually becomes thinner. Re-polishing serves as a means to maintain a sword's beauty, but it is also an act of slightly removing the blade itself. Re-polishing is considered when rust or blade chips have occurred, or when a blade has become cloudy from age since the last polishing. However, carelessly re-polishing a blade in good condition can result in loss of jigane and damage to the sword's value. For this reason, many polishers and enthusiasts believe that "minimal necessary polishing" should be the principle. When requesting re-polishing, it is advisable to consult with a trustworthy polisher and defer judgment based on the sword's period and jigane condition.

Years of Training and Contemporary Polisher Development

The training period for a togishi is generally 5 to 10 years. During the first 2 to 3 years after becoming an apprentice, one is thoroughly taught the handling of whetstones, use of the polishing stone, and fundamentals of rough polishing. Finish polishing (hatsuyagi use and cosmetic polishing) is learned progressively through practical demonstration in the presence of the master.

In contemporary times, systems for objectively evaluating the technical skill of polishers are gradually being established through workshops on polishing techniques sponsored by the "Japan Art Sword Preservation Association (NBTHK)" and applications for certification under the Cultural Agency's "Traditional Craftsperson" system. However, the importance of "learning by watching"—directly observing the master craftsman's technique—remains unchanged, and transmission of sensory skills that are difficult to put into text or video will likely continue to depend on master-apprentice relationships. In recent years, there is said to be a declining trend among young people pursuing polishing as a career, making the securing of successors an issue for the entire industry.

Points to Check Regarding Polishing Condition at Time of Purchase

When purchasing a sword, the condition of its polish is an important factor influencing the sword's appearance and value. When purchasing through mail order where you cannot physically handle the sword, it is particularly helpful to pay attention to the following points.

• Are photographs provided that clearly show the hamon and jigane?
• Is there an explanation regarding wear from polishing, rust, and blade chips?
• Is a certificate of appraisal from NBTHK or similar included?
• If the blade has been re-polished in the past, is information provided about the circumstances?

Products where such information is carefully provided serve as a benchmark indicating that the seller properly understands and honestly discloses the condition of the blade. Since polishing significantly affects how a sword appears, if you have any questions, it is recommended to inquire and confirm them before making a purchase.

The togishi is the final "storyteller" of the Japanese sword. The skill of the polisher—drawing out the history and beauty of the blade forged by the swordsmith with a single whetstone—is the final finish of sword culture, and this craftsman's philosophy eternally supports the value of the Japanese sword.