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Kirihazukuri Tanto: Morphology and Historical Transitions — Purpose and Appraisal Guide

切刃造りという特異な断面構造を持つ短刀の歴史的位置づけ、形態的特徴、平造りとの比較、そして鑑定における判別ポイントを徹底解説する。

Kissaki Types and Period Authentication—Morphological Comparison and Authentication Practice of Inokubi, Ko-kissaki, Chu-kissaki, and O-kissaki

The kissaki (blade tip) of Japanese swords changes dramatically according to period and school. This article explains the morphological characteristics of inokubi, o-kissaki, chu-kissaki, and ko-kissaki, and the historical context behind their emergence.

The Mekugishi: Specialized Craftsmen Who Secure the Sword's Core — Techniques and Lineage

日本刀の柄（つか）と刀身を固定する目釘（めくぎ）を製作する専門職・目釘師の技術体系、歴史的背景、素材と加工法を詳説する。

Minamoto Yoshitsune and Hizamaru (Usumidori) — The Legendary Sword of the Genpei War Hero

The sword Hizamaru (Usumidori), associated with Minamoto Yoshitsune, is one of the most legendary blades of the Genpei War period.

Naginata-Shaped Wakizashi: Form, Appraisal, and How to Distinguish Them from Naginata-Naoshi

Naginata Hamon and Jihada: Polishing Techniques for Long Blades and the Steel Characteristics of Ancient Naginata

薙刀の刃文・地鉄の特性を短刀・太刀と比較しながら解説し、研師が直面する長刃物特有の研磨上の課題と古薙刀の素材的魅力を論じる。

The Dispersal of Swordsmiths in the Nanbokucho Period: How the North-South Court Conflict Scattered the Bizen, Yamashiro, and Soshu Smith Communities

Tracing the historical dispersal, migration, and reorganization of smithing communities in the major sword-producing areas of Bizen, Yamashiro, and Soshu during the tumult of the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392).

Shared Forges and Equipment Sharing in the Sword Industry: New Trends in Regional Swordsmith Collaboration

Regional Promotion Agreements in the Japanese Sword Industry: The Frontline of Production-Area Branding and Local Government Partnerships

Exploring the regional promotion agreements between sword-producing areas like Bizen, Seki, and Satsuma with local governments and tourism associations, and the commercial and cultural value of production-area branding.

History of Nihonto Specialty Magazines: The Role and Transformation of Industry Information Infrastructure

日本刀業界の知識普及と市場形成を支えた専門誌の歴史を辿り、「刀剣美術」「刀剣春秋」が果たした役割と、デジタル時代への変容を論じる。

Ōkaneihira (大包平)—The Masterpiece of Bizen Ancient Blades, a National Treasure Sword Embodying the Technical Peak of the Late Heian Period

Ōkaneihira is a tachi sword from the late Heian period attributed to Kanehira of Bizen, and this great tachi with a blade length of 89.2 centimeters is a national treasure among national treasures, also evaluated as "the finest sword under heaven." This article details its provenance passed down through the Ikeda clan (Okayama domain), the technical significance embedded in its remarkably large blade, and its preservation status at the Tokyo National Museum.

The Swordsmith 'Mei Name Succession' System: Rules for Inheriting Workshop Names and Modern Lineage Traditions