* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Postwar Sword Confiscation Era
戦後刀狩り期
Following the end of the Pacific War, the GHQ (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers) sought to confiscate all Japanese swords within the nation. Amid the threat of destruction facing millions of blades, the Honami family, sword researchers, and dedicated individuals launched a protection movement to preserve them as 'art swords' (bijutsu-touken), establishing the cultural property status of Japanese swords and rescuing them from mass disposal—a pivotal historical turning point.
Description
Surrender and Sword Confiscation Orders
Following Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945 (Showa 20), the GHQ (General Headquarters of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers) issued orders to confiscate Japanese swords as part of Japan's disarmament policy. The directive—"All swords must be surrendered to the Allied forces"—targeted all blades without distinction, from military swords to family heirlooms. Nationwide confiscation campaigns were conducted, with swords pouring into police stations and collection points across the country. The number is estimated to have reached several million blades, and vast quantities were lost through repatriation to Allied nations, disposal, and melting. Among them were swords identified as national treasures and important cultural property status, a loss of irreplaceable cultural heritage to humanity.
Emergency Action by the Honami Family and Sword Researchers
Faced with the looming destruction of cultural property, sword appraisers and researchers including Honami Kouson responded urgently. They persistently argued to Allied authorities that "Japanese swords are artworks and cultural properties, not weapons," working to establish the concept of 'art swords' (bijutsu-touken). Honami Kouson organized sword researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts, advancing negotiations with GHQ authorities. Their efforts bore fruit when, in 1948 (Showa 23), a policy was adopted exempting 'art swords' from confiscation on grounds of cultural property protection. This decision held historic significance in securing international recognition of the cultural status of Japanese swords.
Establishment of the Japanese Art Sword Preservation Society (NBTHK)
As a direct outcome of the sword rescue movement, the Japanese Art Sword Preservation Society (NBTHK) was founded in 1948 (Showa 23). This organization, dedicated to sword appraisal, preservation, research, and education, became the central institution of Japanese sword culture to this day. The NBTHK grading system—Hozon, Tokubetsu-Hozon, Juyo-Touken, and Tokubetsu-Juyo-Touken—is now recognized worldwide as the most important evaluation standard for sword trading. From its inception, the society operated under a clear mandate to "rescue surviving swords," with many researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts contributing nearly unpaid labor.
Sword Collecting by GHQ Officers
Among GHQ officers, many were captivated by Japanese swords. Some blades taken as spoils of war passed into the hands of American and European collectors, later forming the foundation for Japanese sword research and collecting overseas. Some conscientious officers personally protected exceptional swords from destruction, and decades later these blades were sometimes repatriated to Japan—examples of this era's significant impact. The overseas dispersal of Japanese swords from this period continues to influence the Japanese sword market today, as pieces appearing at international auctions return home in a cycle of cultural exchange.
Life of Sword Smiths
The 1945–1954 period (Showa 20–29) was extraordinarily harsh for sword smiths. GHQ directives banned new sword manufacture, leaving swordsmiths without livelihood. Many smiths closed their forges or converted to making agricultural tools and implements. Restrictions were partially eased in 1953 (Showa 28), and with the implementation of the Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law in 1958 (Showa 33), the possession of swords registered as art swords was formally permitted. This legal framework established the foundation for the full-scale revival of modern blade (gendai-touken) production and the legal basis of contemporary sword culture.
Rebirth of Sword Culture
From 1955 to 1964 (Showa 30s), Japanese sword culture achieved a miraculous rebirth. Parallel to legal protections, the standards of sword research and appraisal advanced rapidly. Master smiths who survived the postwar chaos resumed forging, and with the establishment of the Living National Treasure system (1954, Showa 29), swordsmithing became recognized as an intangible cultural property. Takahashi Teiji was the first swordsmith honored as a Living National Treasure, followed by designations for Miyairi Yukihira and Sumitani Masamine, positioning the transmission of traditional tamahagane forging as a state endeavor. This cultural rebirth exemplified Japanese society's resilience in overcoming the 'Postwar Sword Confiscation Era' crisis and remains one of the most dramatic recoveries in sword history.
Establishment of the Sword Registration System
Under the Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law (1958), Japanese swords came under management through the 'Education Committee Registration System.' Each prefecture's Board of Education issues registration certificates, with only registered swords permitted for legal possession and trade. This system continues today as the legal foundation of Japanese sword culture. The registration system represents groundbreaking policy design that positioned swords legally as cultural properties and artworks rather than weapons—a legal institutionalization of the 'art sword' concept and the ultimate achievement of the postwar sword rescue movement.
Characteristics of This Era
- Mass Loss from GHQ Confiscation and Disposal: Millions of swords, including national treasures, were lost. The 'rarity' of surviving prewar masterworks reflects the losses of this era.
- Establishment of the 'Art Sword' Concept: A legal and social paradigm shift positioning swords as cultural properties and artworks rather than weapons. The fundamental framework of modern sword culture was established here.
- Founding of the NBTHK: Birth of the central institution for sword appraisal, grading, and preservation today. The origin of the grading and ranking systems.
- Official Recognition of Swordsmiths through the Living National Treasure System: Under the intangible cultural property system, the transmission of traditional forging techniques became a state undertaking, establishing the social status of modern swordsmiths.
- Establishment of Registration System under the Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law (1958): The education committee registration system forms the legal foundation for sword possession and trading in Japan. This system continues today.