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Insights into Japanese sword knowledge and culture
The Kannō Disturbance, the civil conflict between Ashikaga Takauji and his brother Tadayoshi, added another layer to the Nanbokucho era's complexity. This article examines how sword demand shifted during this turbulent period and which regional smiths thrived.
A detailed explanation of the design principles of kasane (thickness), motohaba (base width), and sakihaba (tip width) that determine the cross-sectional shape of Japanese swords. Covers period-specific and use-specific dimensional design, the physical effects of taper on cutting performance, balance, and strength, and how craftsmen achieve design values through forging.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's second invasion of Korea (Keicho Campaign) sent vast numbers of Japanese swords overseas. This article examines wartime sword demand, battlefield losses, and the 'wato' (Japanese swords) that remain in Korea and China to this day.
How are nihonto selected as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties? This article examines the Agency for Cultural Affairs review process, designation criteria, tax benefits for owners, and post-designation restrictions.
The Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, which erupted just one year after the sword-ban edict, was Japan's last major conflict fought with swords. This article examines sword usage by Satsuma samurai, supply shortages in government forces, and the post-war transformation of sword demand.
An exploration of the real Senjyo Muramasa, feared as the demon sword during the Edo period. Covers the fateful connection with the Tokugawa clan, the technical characteristics of high-quality swords mass-produced during the Muromachi and Sengoku periods, and how political taboos created the demon blade legend.
A shikomizue is a sword concealed within a walking staff, used for self-defense and assassination. Born from Edo-period hidden weapon culture and favored by Bakumatsu swordsmen, this article covers its structural features, historical uses, famous users, and modern legal status under Japan's Firearms and Swords Control Law.
A comprehensive guide to major Japanese sword industry organizations including the All-Japan Sword Dealers Cooperative, covering their roles, activities, membership requirements, and business benefits.
The tachi is not a single form but encompasses many varieties including thread-wrapped, black-lacquer, ornamental, and hyogo-gusari types. This guide explains the structural features, historical contexts, ceremonial versus combat uses, and surviving examples of each.
A detailed explanation of forge welding, the technique that creates the two-layer structure of Japanese swords. Covers the process of pressure bonding kawagane (outer steel) and shingane (core steel) at high temperatures, management of furnace temperature and carbon content, effects of welding defects on the blade, and the metallurgical significance of forge welding from a modern scientific perspective.
Tenchudashi were the special wakizashi worn when attending Edo Castle. Governed by strict rules on length, form, and mounting, they served as symbols of samurai court etiquette. This article covers their definition, formal characteristics, role in warrior protocol, and surviving examples.
A detailed explanation of yakimodoshi (tempering), the heat treatment process following quenching in Japanese sword making. Covers the temperature control that moderates the brittleness of martensite steel, the intersection of traditional methods and modern science, and the effects on blade pattern and toughness.
