From kotō to shintō at the Keichō era boundary, then on to shinshintō and gendaitō. An explanation of the characteristics and appreciation points of each period.

Smiths & Schools2025-08-30

Masamune's Ten Great Pupils — Ten Geniuses Taught by the Greatest Master

Sadamune, Samonji, Nagayoshi, Yoshihiro, Kanemitsu... ten master pupils who learned from Masamune.

Buying & Care2025-08-25

Sword Registration Certificate — The 'Passport' of Japanese Swords

Owning nihonto (日本刀) in Japan requires a registration certificate. An explanation of the registration system's structure and procedures.

Buying & Care2025-08-20

Where to See Japanese Swords: A Guide to Japan's Best Museums and Galleries

Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Japanese Sword Museum. An introduction to sword exhibition facilities throughout Japan.

Forging & Polishing2025-08-15

The Secret of Tamahagane — Understanding the Raw Material of Japanese Swords

Tamahagane born from tatara ironworking. An explanation of Japanese sword materials and their manufacturing methods.

Sword Types2025-08-10

Reading the Blade Construction—Shinogi-zukuri, Hira-zukuri, Kiriage-zukuri, and Katakiriae-zukuri: Types and Historical Context

Shinogi-zukuri, hira-zukuri, kiriage-zukuri, and katakiriae-zukuri. An explanation of the types and characteristics of blade construction methods.

Culture & Spirit2025-08-05

Women and the Japanese Sword — The Changing Bearers of Sword Culture

From Tomoe Gozen to tōken joshi. An exploration of women's relationship with swords in Japanese history.

Culture & Spirit2025-07-30

Japanese Sword Terminology Quiz — Test Your Knowledge

Three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. How much do you know about Japanese sword terminology?

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2026-10-12

How Did Forging Techniques Change Between kotō and shintō — The Shift from Individual Swordsmith Craft to a Standardized Production System and Its Economic Background

2026-10-12

A Guide to Installment Payments and Loans for Purchasing Nihontō — How to Plan Finances for an Expensive Sword

2026-10-12

The Parkes Assassination Attempt (1868) and Swords — The Attack on the British Minister and the Swords of His Guards

2026-10-11

The Kobe Incident (1868) and Nihontō — the Clash Between Bizen Domain Troops and Foreigners, the First Diplomatic Crisis of the New Meiji Government

2026-10-11

The Sakai Incident (1868) and Japanese Swords — The Seppuku Ordered of Tosa Domain Samurai and the Diplomatic Crisis

Appreciation & Appraisal

Culture & Spirit

Buying & Care

Industry & Market