Column

Japanese Swords Through the Eyes of a Modern Bladesmith: Shared Techniques and Unique Challenges

Comparing nihonto forging with kitchen knife and farm tool smithing — shared steel-working principles and the unique demands of tamahagane, clay-quenching, and aesthetic excellence.

奉納刀（ほうのうとう）の種類と形態——神社仏閣に捧げる刀剣の儀礼的構造と現存する重要作例

神社仏閣への奉納を目的として制作・奉納された刀剣「奉納刀」の種類・形態・儀礼的意義を解説。御神体刀・太刀型奉納刀・小太刀奉納まで、現存する重要作例と奉納慣行の歴史を詳述する。

Japanese Sword Export Routes in the Muromachi and Sengoku Periods: Trade to Ming China, Korea, and Southeast Asia

Examination of Japan's official sword export routes via tally trade with Ming China, Korea, and the Ryukyu-brokered Southeast Asia trade in the 15th–16th centuries.

Ubu (Unaltered): The Concept of Original-State Nihonto and Its Academic and Market Value

Explaining the crucial nihonto appraisal concept of 'ubu' — unaltered original state — covering the three elements of ubu-nakago, ubu-hachō, ubu-sugata and market premiums.

Choosing Quenching Liquid for Blade Hardness: Differences in Temper Effects Between Water, Oil, and Brine

Controlling Blade Curve in Heat Treatment: How Climate, Season, and Humidity Shape the Sori and Require Correction

Test Forging by Modern Swordsmiths: How Tamahagane Suitability Is Assessed Before Crafting a Blade

A step-by-step look at how contemporary nihonto smiths evaluate tamahagane steel through test forging, carbon estimation, and quench trials before committing to a full blade.

Insurance Claims for Japanese Sword Owners: From Theft and Fire to Settlement Negotiations

A practical guide to insurance claims for nihonto owners covering theft, fire, and flood damage — insurance types, assessors, negotiations.

試し者（ためしもの）という職業——江戸幕府が公認した試し斬り専門職人の実態と社会的地位

江戸幕府が公認した試し斬り専門職「試し者（ためしもの）」の実態を解説。山田浅右衛門家との関係、業物番付との連動、試し斬りが刀剣業界・刀工評価に与えた社会的影響を詳述する。

Bajo-zashi (Cavalry Short Sword) — Structure, Use, and Morphological Features of the Mounted Warrior Short Blade

騎馬武者が馬上での戦闘を想定して使用した「馬上差し」の形態的特徴・拵えの工夫・時代的変遷を解説。腰反りの設計思想と抜刀最適化の実際を掘り下げる。

Sword Culture in the Hoei-Shotoku Period (1704–1715): The Flourishing of New Swords and the Refinement of Sword-Fitting Craftsmanship from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's Final Years through the Reigns of Shoguns Ienobu and Ietsugu

Following the maturation of Genroku culture, this article examines the influences that the Hoei-Shotoku period—marked by the transition of shoguns and the strengthening of Confucian ritual propriety—exerted on sword morphology, sword-fitting craftsmanship, and sword-smith society.

Kikuichimonji—The Pinnacle of the Bizen Ichimonji School and Emperor Go-Toba's Artistry: A Magnificent Tachi with Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal from the Early Kamakura Period

A comprehensive explanation of the characteristics of Kikuichimonji, which stands at the pinnacle of the Ichimonji School known as Emperor Go-Toba's court-appointed swordsmiths, methods for authenticating it, and the beauty of its surviving masterpieces.