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Secondhand Dealer License: Miyagi Prefectural Public Safety Commission No. 221010002654 (M-Assets Co., Ltd.)

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Japanese Sword Columns | History, Smiths, Fittings — 633+ Articles (82/81) | TOUKENZA

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Insights into Japanese sword knowledge and culture

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Latest Articles

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Appreciation & Appraisal

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Latest Articles

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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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2026-10-21

Measuring and Evaluating Blade Dimensions: Judging Quality from Length, Curvature and Weight

2026-10-21

Shinto-Period Swordsmith Lineages and Regional Distribution: Schools and Workshop Locations Reorganized under the Edo System

2026-10-20

Can War Tales Serve as Sword Historical Sources? — The Gap Between Tachi Depictions in the Heike Monogatari and Taiheiki and Actual Swords

2026-10-20

Two-Character Mei and Long Mei — How to Read Mei as It Changes with Format, Position, and Suriage

2026-10-20

How to Read Yaki-haba and Yakidashi — An Entry Point for Decoding Hamon Design

Appreciation & Appraisal

Culture & Spirit

Buying & Care

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