* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Nihonto: The World of Japanese Swords (Documentary Film)
映画 日本刀 〜刀剣の世界〜
A 2016 documentary on Japanese swords (dir. Ouchi Tatsuo, approx. 60 min.) released on May 21, 2016. It features 25 celebrated blades, including National Treasures such as Akashi Kuniyuki, Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Mikazuki Munechika, alongside the warriors who owned them and the craft of swordsmiths. Narrated by Toriumi Kosuke, voice of Mikazuki Munechika in Touken Ranbu.
Description
Overview
Nihonto: The World of Japanese Swords (Eiga Nihonto: Token no Sekai) is a theatrical documentary about the Japanese sword. Directed by Ouchi Tatsuo and running about 60 minutes, it was released on May 21, 2016.
Background
At the time of release, the hit game Touken Ranbu, which personifies famous swords, had sparked wide interest in real Japanese swords among younger audiences. The film arrived amid this surge of attention, and its narration is provided by Toriumi Kosuke, the voice of Mikazuki Munechika in the game.
Featured Swords
The film covers 25 celebrated blades, including National Treasures such as Akashi Kuniyuki, Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Mikazuki Munechika, tracing the remarkable fates of the warriors who owned them.
Smithing and Polishing
The documentary also presents the traditional process of making a Japanese sword, with interviews featuring swordsmith Gassan Sadatoshi, holder of a Nara Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property designation, and polisher Hon'ami Koshu, a Living National Treasure.
Real Swords Featured
Akashi Kuniyuki
National Treasure; one of the 25 celebrated blades covered in the film.
Dojigiri Yasutsuna
National Treasure and one of the Tenka Goken (Five Great Swords under Heaven).
Mikazuki Munechika
National Treasure and one of the Tenka Goken; the narrator voices this sword in Touken Ranbu.
See authentic Japanese swords
See authentic Japanese swordsThis page is intended to introduce Japanese sword culture and is not affiliated with any of the works mentioned.