A Ray of Hope for the Vanishing Culture of Katana Smithing | A Katana Workshop that You Can Visit

[@LetsaskShogo]

●Nihon Genshosha's Website gensho.jpn.com/ Nihon Genshosha is a katana workshop located in Kyotango, the northernmost city of Kyoto. It is located in the center of a beautiful land surrounded by nature and I was very much refreshed. This is the company where the swordsmith who made the massive katana that was on display at Tozando is located. I wanted to come here because of that sword I came across. It is rare to see three swordsmiths working together to make katana at one workshop, and all three men are very young. *The content is based on personal studies and experience There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects ▼My New Channel: Let’s ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu▼ www.youtube.com/@letsasksekisensei Are you a Japanese budo martial art lover watching this video? I am now running the best channel for you to learn more about samurai, katana, and budo martial arts from a Kobudo master who is running a 400-year-old Ryuha. Our goal is to achieve 100,000 subscribers by 2023, so please check it out! ▼Interested in learning Iai/Kenjutsu skills online?▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. (Learn more about the online lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO7op2Ol8eepK8) ▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo The management (filming, editing, etc.) of the new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely my voluntary work. If I am not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, I will try my best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo. ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape! ▼The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana▼ minikatana.com/SHOGO *Get 15% OFF off all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link ▼Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Experience with Modern-day Musashi▼ A 90-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts! Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en A video of me visiting this experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6KldHR5aZetd68 ▼Let's ask Shogo Merchandise Shop▼ Where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, etc. of cute Ukiyoe animal characters and logos of Let’s ask Shogo: suzuri.jp/lets_ask_shogo ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ kzbin.infokZbyd0OfdC4 ▼MY DREAM▼ kzbin.infoWFF3AhN0LXE “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in” ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin The ticket to the front row seats to Shogo's rapid adventure to make his dream come true! Through the limited videos and live streams, your ideas and opinions will be adopted for Shogo to make the right decisions for his challenges! ▼Sub-channel: “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[@madeleineg2049]

Thank you for the video. I really hope things will become better. It's just too important to lose.

[@mymoldydonut6]

Thank you for educating us about this company Shogo! Do they offer tours in English? I would love to visit the next time we come to Japan

[@Tykami1]

I am at work at the moment So I could have missed it but isn't it a problem because they only make swords for Japanese people only (if I'm not mistaken)? I only say this because I literally know people who respect katanas enough to care for the sword their whole life. I know if I can order one I will wait at least 5 years for that kind of sword (probably longer). Things like these are human relics and should remind us what We humans can make by hand while also telling the history of the people of that time in history. Love your video btw

[@HieiUA]

This video made me reconsider my katana, which I make purely for decoration. It is not forged, it is cut from sheet metal and is quite simple... Out of respect for Japanese blacksmiths, I will try to at least bring the shape closer to a real katana. I'm just learning how to work with metal, and I chose a rather complex product, even without forging.. Thanks for the video!

[@chuckporter9526]

With the uniqueness of Sengoku-era Japanese cultural artifacts, you would think UNESCO would step in and protect things like this. Katana smithing sounds like what they would label as an Intangible, like certain dances and styles of music.

[@badrequest5596]

unfortunately this phasing out of traditional sword smithing isn't only in japan. in toledo, spain (europe's sword capital) for example there are only a few sword smiths left who still use traditional techniques. a lot of swords are still sold and manufactured, but the majority of them are made using more modern techniques and machinery, which speeds up the process and lowers the cost of production and sale. it's a shame that traditional techniques are being slowly lost over time. sword smithing won't completely disappear in europe because of modernization, but a lot of the old techniques might be lost. japan does have a different problem though because of legislation on how katana have to be made and eventually may actually phase out completely. katana may also be gradually falling in popularity in japan, but interest abroad is very much high. the problem is importing a true katana from japan is complicated, a legal nightmare (depending on the country) and VERY expensive

[@naruomi9477]

Agreed the main reasons is because of modern society and when I mean modern society I’m talking about tiktok. And most swordsmiths are quite old so they don’t know how to export their works

[@adam-k]

​@@naruomi9477the main reason is that people don't use swords any more. And those few who do practice with them won't pay high bucks for something that essentially worse quality than one made with modern tools and steel. The swords these people make are not weapons but home decor. Not because they are bad but because they are too expensive to use them for their purpose.

[@naruomi9477]

@@adam-k we’ll I’m Japan that’s the only way they can’t import other swords from other countries as those are deemed as illegal

[@adam-k]

@@naruomi9477 ok but what can you do with these swords? Apart from looking pretty? If you cannot bash them against other swords, because it's illegal or because they are too expensive then what's the point? And i get that people want them. Put them on the wall and like to look at them. It is just not their purpose.

[@naruomi9477]

@@adam-k we’ll hypothetically you could bash them together if you know how to properly parry with the back side of the blade but since there isn’t many people who do that. Most people that own such swords are probably martial artists and collectors and while it’s beautiful it’s still sharp enough to do tameshigiri again using you logic there could be a debate wether swords are practical anymore. I’m not trying to argue with you but we all can admit there isn’t any purpose to sword now a days except for training in martial arts if you want a home defense weapon just get a gun license and learn that it would be more effective. The reason why people train in swords is quite simple it’s to train the mind and body even though you will probably never use your sword for actual combat you can still use it as a training tool.

[@SpawnedInTheHades]

There is definitely a lot of love for katana from overseas, especially among foreign anime fans. Perhaps taking online orders, or even custom commissions would help their business. As heavily regulated as they are though, that would probably be quite the undertaking, even more so with the language barrier. There seems to be more demand for katana outside Japan than in though, so it could be worth the extra effort. I'm currently planning my first trip to Japan when I finish my apprenticeship in 2026. Hopefully these guys will still be around and I can add their workshop to my itinerary. I would love to have an authentic Japanese tanto and probably a wakizashi. I'm really short, so I'm not sure how well I'd wield a full length katana.

[@EloyBushida]

Have to lower the price for this to be any real usefulness, have to compete with high end blades from outside Japan, which are already priced more favorably while offering similar quality.

[@monicab204]

That was absolutely wonderful to watch! The story of them coming together to keep the beautiful Katana in our present and future. Thank Shogo for bringing their story and the making of Katana to us.❤

[@rolandgdean]

PLACES LIKE THIS are the kind of places I'D want to see if I can ever make it there. The "maker" traditions in Japan are ALL so amazing...from swords to houses and from tea ceremony items to candy makers...all these disciplines are so utterly fascinating. I AGREE WITH YOU 100% buddy! The Japanese tourism industry would do well to focus on the things like this that are a bit out of the way but well worth the trip to see.

[@dirtcop11]

I really hope that this kind of metalworking never dies out. Part of my ancestry is Scottish. The Scots had a longsword called a Claymore. It was about 120 to 140 cm long or 47 to 55 inches long. There are a few swordsmiths that do make them, but I am not sure of the quality of the steel.

[@mailais3403]

If they are using modern steel then chances are most of the time the quality​ will be better than that of the original​

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@mailais3403 Using techniques such as folding metal will decrease the quality of most modern steels. The reason metal is folded in the production of nihonto is to evenly spread the carbon content of the tamahagane throughout the metal, and in modern steels there are little to no imperfections and thus no carbon to break up - all you'd be doing is shearing the metal and creating gaps for further imperfections to form. A similar problem can be applied to differential hardening (what creates the hamon) and lamination. At that point you'd be left with just a curved slab of metal, which is not worthy of appraisal.

[@mailais3403]

@@phoenixcraft9940 I was talking about the Scottish claymore but ok, with modern steel ofc you won’t need to fold it like the original i already knew that but you could make way tougher and stronger sword with modern technique like Howard Clark L6 bainite blade

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@mailais3403 Oh, I apologize. With modern steel you can certainly make tougher swords that will last far longer but a cavate to this is getting the sword as sharp as nihonto are is difficult due to the way monosteel blades with monohardening behave when the crystalline structure of the blade is sheered - softer metals result in a sharper edge (if sharpened well) because of this. At the same time a softer metal wears faster. It is a complicated balancing act.

[@althesmith]

Most Scottish swords had German blades, with only the hilts being made in Scottish centres such as Glasgow or Stirling.

[@npuzio1]

This is amazing!! New Swordsmiths, In a new age, for new swordsmen. I think the new spiritual, and Martial arts practitioners would love this. "Swords of a new generation, made for a new generation". Link Saved for when I push the button one day.

[@kevinlee6662]

shogo your elders most love you very much. I hope you become one of the greatest in the field of swordsmanship through your dedication.

[@liquidchaos66]

I hope we can continue to keep this tradition alive somehow. The time, skill and effort that goes into creating a katana is immense! On its own it is truly an art form that needs more attention and protection to keep alive.

[@rekasun]

That's is so amazing to see this amazing professionals do a really beautiful peace of art! Best of luck to them!

[@LupitaMartinez63018]

Making a katana is hard work, but the outcome is so beautiful. 😊❤

[@loganwelch1]

Very cool interview! It's scary to think that long held traditions like the Katana are in danger of disappearing. Thank you for the insight and the glance into your lovely country. Best wishes Shogo!

[@piotrmalewski8178]

There are smiths all over the world who import tamahagane steel straight from Japan and do their best to make katanas the traditional way, although from the point of sword functionality it's counterproductive. It's hardly a vanishing art if enthusiasts from all over the world import specific inferior steel to the other side of the world, and then use obsolete techniques for the fun of it. Yeah, you can cut me for that; saying the truth; a sword made with obsolete techniques from material inferior to what was available in other parts of the world even at the time when this was an actual daily weapon.

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@piotrmalewski8178 Tamahagane is not exported anywhere (in fact it's illegal to export Tamahagane) and is only used in the production of nihonto, knifes, and sometimes tools. Tamahagane is absolutely useless in the production of anything else because it has a high carbon content - you can get higher quality steel from the mainland for cheaper. The fact nihonto are made of tamahagane is part of what makes them unique - the consistently high carbon content steel with many imperfections led to the processes we observe in this video, such as folding the metal. It doesn't matter what's 'inferior' - culture is never about what's most efficient, it's preserving the methods in which we perform actions. The action itself is irrelevant. Yes, nihonto were made of inferior metal. But the fact they were and methods needed to be invented to get around the fact they were is what makes them unique. In nihonto communities, we do not refer to swords made with different techniques in different countries as 'nihonto' as nihonto means "Japanese Sword" - they can't even be called Katana as they again are not Japanese. They are simply swords created to imitate the look and feel of a Katana, and do not hold any of the unique elements that allow us to inspect them as we do. Not to mention swords that are high enough quality to be worthy of appraisal are incredibly incredibly rare for anyone outside of nihonto smiths to produce. This is an act that is strict to the production of nihonto. There is no "functionality" to swords anymore. You are not using your European sword to kill people, and you are not using your Japanese sword to kill people. So why does it matter what the effectiveness of the weapon is? They are made as works of art.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

@@phoenixcraft9940 1. In HEMA actual swords are used for high level sparrings and tournaments. Durability of the sword is quite critical in this sport. In Europe some people also practice Japanese swordsmanchip this way, actual swords, only not sharpened. 2. Where I live sharp swords can be carried, and if necessary can be used as self-defence weapons. This, I belive, is the reason why we have one of the lowest rates of knife and dangerous tool attacks in Europe and subsequently in the world. Any bad person will think twice before attacking someone, if they know the victim can pull up a knife, axe or even sword.

[@stevemolina8801]

Simply Outstanding, these three young men are striving to keep an art alive! Great presentation!

[@KateJohn2013England]

This was brilliant. These guys are heroes for trying to keep the art of this craftsmanship going. The government should sponsor scholarships for all the arts. Do they not relise how important they are, not just for Japan but for the inspiration, pure joy and spirituality they bring to the whole world. Thank you for this. Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate

[@Czechbound]

That was fantastic. I wish these young guys big success !

[@DeptalJexus]

German sword smiths also forge with 2-3 people making the sound of clock-like hammers

[@PedroLauridsenRibeiro]

If I ever get to visit Kyoto (or Japan, for that matter), I'll definitely make an effort to visit this workshop. Really nice!

[@RyderKunAnimations]

I've been dreaming and wanna learn Kabudo/Iaido in the future, I live in the Philippines and planning on visiting the Katana Shop (Tozando) and I cannot wait to see and purchase one. Plus Shogo's Content is super easy to understand and explaining how Samurai's do in the different Era. I Fell in love with this Channel, It felt like You're actually being tough on History Class but easy to comprehend. And most importantly. I've been watch you shogo for about 1 Year, And I hope you make more related to Japanese Culture and Tradition that most of us yet don't know about! and my opinion to this video I hope the making of katana needs to be saved and needs to be alive in generations to generations and its very popular Tradition among the Japanese people!

[@arnaudkm5898]

As a Frenchman, and having been lucky enough to be surrounded by wonderful craftsmen since my childhood with parents who were architects and specialised in the renovation of old buildings, I have always been sensitive to crafts in general. In France, too, a lot of traditional craft skills are disappearing because of a lack of generational succession to perpetuate this cultural and economic heritage. A sort of vocational crisis. I must admit that I did not think that Japan, which is more concerned with its traditions, could also be exposed to such a crisis. I had read about the extremely harsh conditions in which apprentices work. It is understandable that this dissuades many young people. Thanks to you, you have illustrated this crisis, but also the hope in this young dynamic team that respects tradition and has the will to innovate. Thank you for sharing it with us so well. I hope that their adventure will be full of beautiful promises realised. It is certain that, having the desire to have a katana made, I will greatly consider going to meet them one day.

[@fira_crescent5632]

This is so cool! I bet our Kendo instructor will blow his mind when he sees this. He's a blade(specially katana) enthusiast and often forge knifes as hobby. He hope to someday forge his very own sword

[@buscandoaelisa]

I really enjoyed this episode! Very entertaining and most of all, inspiring! Regarding the "popularity" of the katana, I was even surprised how many people I spoke with during my trip knew of kendo, but barely any of those knew of the existance of iai (and its different forms), which is kind of sad. Let's hope with the re-release of Rurouni Kenshin we have more people becoming interested in the subject.

[@christopherfreitas-leonard7099]

Thank you for this video and I didnt know that katana culture has been decreasing. Hopefully these young men can inspired and teach new generations to keep the culture alive, and so does the other cultures of Japan. Stay strong Japan.

[@gonzalocarbonell4242]

Muy bueno Shogo!!!!. Me encanto tu video. Es muy importante mantener la cultura, forma parte de nuestra identidad, nuestras raíces como ciudadanos de una nación. Un abrazo. 👍👍👍

[@HeyyyJude]

Traditional Japanese swords are seen as art and historical relevance to Japanese society. Why doesn’t the Japanese government (or whoever) fund programs that provide food, shelter and allowance in some kind of apprenticeship program for those who want to carry on the tradition? There has to be some kind of way to keep this alive without it being so unforgiving

[@piperbird7193]

It might be part of a problem from one of his other videos - less than 60% of their population are of working age, and it's getting worse. They aren't bringing in the taxes to fund things like that.

[@youngimperialistmkii]

Whenever I see swordsmiths in action. It's easy to understand why since early antiquity. Metal working has been imbued with a sense of magic. Thank you for allowing us to witness this.

[@HIDDENSOVIET]

They trained under yoshindo yoshihara. They clearly know a lot. He is one of the best modern katana kaji today(or so it's said). So I think they will go far in the swordsmithing world.

[@matthewhall6087]

Once again in the USA there is a strong blacksmithing community although it's still kind of underground... Knife and sword making is now a new art. I've made knives and swords myself. Thing is simple steel can be found easy here. So most everything is simple steel or woots if we want to try to do that Damascus...(layered pattern we will use two different like 10:45 mixed with 1084) my shop is closed cuz I was in a bad car wreck. I hope to one day get my shop open again

[@Otaku155]

I wish I could show you the Katana my friend and I forged a few years ago; we used a different formulation of the tamahagane that allowed for the blade to be much thinner yet still have the same strength.

[@bitfreakazoid]

I think the government should really do a lot for not just katana making, but all traditional Japanese craft and tradition. For instance with katanas it was mentioned about the cost of apprenticeship, things like that should be somehow subsidized with things like scholarships to help offset it. And also just promoted in general. Perhaps even supporting things like manga and anime to promote traditional things like traditional craft and arts and history.

[@tristanbackup2536]

They did with their military to go as far as allow anime wiafus decals on attack helicopters for sh*ts & giggles. I can see Japan doing just that.

[@fouadhoblos3611]

If i ever visit Japan, it might be well because of your channel..

[@jimross7648]

A katana is a weapon, but they are also works of art. The ones made in the traditional method by a master swordsmith, feel different from machine produced reproductions. The former have a soul and the latter are just pieces of metal. You can feel the difference. It would have been nice to get a rough idea of what it would cost to purchase a katana made by these talented artists.

[@BuffaloTLK]

AMEN ❤

[@victoriazero8869]

> It would have been nice to get a rough idea of what it would cost to purchase a katana made by these talented artists. Shogo already said before, he consider 2 million yen Katana as relaively cheap.

[@fallcon_txoc]

> It would have been nice to get a rough idea of what it would cost to purchase a katana made by these talented artists. It's on their website, 2m yen for a katana or tachi, 1.2m yen for a wakizashi and 800 000 yen for a tanto. Taxes excluded and without the additional costs that you can have with the options.

[@jimross7648]

@@fallcon_txoc Yes, unfortunately I didn't look at website till after I posted comment.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

@@fallcon_txoc It's more expensive in Japan because of production limits, but there are smiths in Europe who do them the same way and from tamahagane steel, although it's difficult to find the real one without lots of research. Then if you you're looking for a functional sword, 1065 core and 1095 blade is going to be just as strong or stronger but a lot cheaper, and Tungsten is going to be a lot stronger than traditional katana.

[@أخبار.الخلافة]

Thank you Shogo for sharing with us the beauty of your culture

[@rolandbrown3084]

Great special. I live 10 min from this workshop in Kyotango/ Mineyama and I should head over to see if they give tours in English too. You have done them great credit. Thank you.

[@B._Smith]

Shogo's new calling to forge katana to also keep his hands warm at the furnace.

[@motepral34]

3 things: 1 - You're doing god's work, showing this to the world, documenting in video, drawing people's attention to the topic, trying to keep a culture alive, something that most people take for granted and permanent... 2 - The relation to Japan's stagnant economy is spot on(as far as I am aware), it is astonishing how many things are related to that, it is like an avalanche of consequences, pretty terrifying to think about. 3 - even if you are still in their 30s or 20s, we may think that we have kind of 30-50 years to change the situation because they'll still be around, but forging can be a very dangerous job, and considering the value they have, we might have a real tragedy if that kind of danger befalls them...I don't even want to think about that...

[@jb2839]

I love the tradition. Keep it alive

[@MawoDuffer]

It’s very cool to see them work as a striking team. There is also a western blacksmith who has developed a similar striking team technique with western sledge hammers and a low to the ground anvil. I like smithing

[@saymyname2417]

Considering the Samurai were totally sidelined and finally driven out of existence it is a miracle that sword smithing is still around. I guess it is due to the Japanese romanticism of their past and the economic exploitation through the film industry that this artful craftsmanship hasn't died out yet. I am wishing these guys and all of their colleagues all the best.

[@Love-Within]

Seriously one of the best channels on YT. Thanks for putting so much work and dedication into your content.

[@Pew7070]

I wish they were a company when I visited Kyoto. But next time I’m there I’ll certainly come to visit. It is an amazing shop! ❤️

[@enforcer0175]

Incredible video. Lets hope that more and more people from outside Japan continue to find interest in Katana and keep the practice alive if those within Japan are not.

[@christobaliancantu7112]

That was a freaking awesome video! Thank you so much and much thanks to the three gentleman who continue in their profession in works of art 😊

[@SergioLeonardoCornejo]

Sword smiths should not be forgotten. Their labor is still necessary, even if just for cultural purposes.

[@noilens2017]

Thank you Shogo san for saving Japanese culture

[@ronnie07ify]

Great video! Hope you and your proud guests receive all support needed to continue their beautiful work and dedication, they should be really proud, katana is the most spiritual weapon of any warrior.

[@yotomuramasa]

2:10 Yoshindo Yoshihara, The best swordsmith alive currently, is who they are referring to

[@yotomuramasa]

You guys should have mentioned him in the subtitles, he has even trained great swordsmiths outside of Japan like Ron Chen, the son of Paul chen (hanwei), one of the best makers outside Japan

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@yotomuramasa I knew of Yoshihara and his works, but I did not know he trained Ron Chen - that's incredible! You learn something new every day.

[@zanshin09]

They trained under Yoshihara and didn't mention it??? I was really hoping they would say who they apprenticed with, now I'm even more impressed. And confused why they didn't say.

[@yotomuramasa]

@zanshin09 They said it out loud, but not in the subtitles. Yoshindo Yoshihara is one of the few swordsmiths willing to teach just about anybody, in the name of preserving sword making. Ron Chen is one of many who have received some amount of training from him (although not a full formal apprenticeship which takes several years)

[@davidl5452]

The idea of a musical hamon pattern is very intriguing. Could they take a visualizer pattern from a specific piece and mimic that on the blade? That would make for a very interesting detail. Also, the ideal of a glass encased display katana is brilliant. Hope their business has much success in the future.

[@midtwnscott]

Love this video! I've been waiting for this one for a while and it was well worth the wait. What they're doing isn't a new idea; it was done in the 1920's with the Yasukuni Shrine Smiths when the profession almost died out and they pooled their resources and worked together....and also taught. I love that they're putting a new spin on an old idea.

[@TheSakuraBirb]

It is my dream to be a bladesmith, and Japanese forging just elevated my desire to do so. The intricate artwork put into each blade, and all the fittings make it more than just a weapon. I've absolutely fallen for Japanese culture!

[@rohanthakoerdin9529]

You know i feel the same way. I've always dreamed to make a katana on my own and not because of the weapon but knowing that the hard work you put in this piece of art paid off.

[@saidtoshimaru1832]

The Japanese minister of culture should help artisans like these to get in touch with many martial artists in the west and other places who would love to purchase the swords they make.

[@klausernstthalheim9642]

In germany traditional swordsmiths fare quite well. There are several reasons.....one reason: they get support while in training. While is uncommon to become a swordsmith, you can earn a decent amount of money with their art by selling it worldwide. Another aspect you can also offer paid workshops for swordsmithing, they are quite popular in germany. Since the 70s there is a small revival of swordsmithing in germany and other part of europe.

[@ThatNateGuy]

What if we crowdfunded an order? Shogo-san and Seki-Sensei can decide how to customize it. Maybe keep it on display at the dojo, and can travel to other dojos. Stretch goal one: Daisho set Stretch goal two: tanto Stretch goal three: Exhibition by Seki-Sensei using the above!

[@officialMainspring]

I can not believe there are so little new generation of sword smiths in Japan. Art of Japanese sword must go on. It can not, should not, be lost. As a nihonto enthusiast living in the US, I'm shocked.

[@scrapsofwishender6458]

i want to learn traditional sword smithing and teach it im in the US but want to learn so it doesnt die out even if im not japanese its such an amazing art 🙏

[@agusmahendra8106]

The swordsmith is so humble

[@Wubulixi]

They should offer museum tours for visitors to raise awareness of their artwork

[@khai2188]

16:25 that Hamon shape like a cloud ,that magnificent and beautiful

[@JohnnyGoble-oi8ie]

Wow, an amazing story and education. Thank you for this video.

[@cloudkicker-gx7gb]

Thank you

[@edgardobarbosa7840]

I hope more young people continue the tradition of making Katanas.✌️🇵🇷

[@oldpuebloforge]

I think a youtube channel where legitimate Japanese swordsmiths just did a video diary of their day-to day work would be very popular. All the little details, like cutting the charcoal into cubes, discussing the type of charcoal, making the clay slurry, discussing the source of the clay, how thick the slurry should be, etc. These are the details that will die forever when there are no more Japanese smiths. A youtube channel that shared this knowledge could be the means for preserving this art by teaching it to foreigners around the world.

[@TheCCBoi]

Wow, what an amazing experience. I can’t wait to visit - i want a piece of tamahagane.

[@AlphonsoFrett-xz6pi]

I hope more people will appreciate legitimate 😢Katanas and Japanese swords and sword training 😅 and purchase them 😊

[@notbadbros7814]

i do feel a bit sad that such a deep tradition is going to fade, i hope we can do something to prevent that from happening. if i ever make my way around the world i will visit kyoto, simply due to your videos, thanks a lot. you talked about the tourism aspect, do they also offer their services in english?

[@raymondeargle8653]

In America there are blade Smith's but I know skills for katana are special thank you share of history.

[@death___viper8520]

My opinion is educating both the old and young also needed

[@iuz4575]

Keep it Up shogo

[@bsavagestudios]

I feel obligated to become a master swordsmith now just to keep the tradition alive

[@toddthomas4075]

Love Everything you do. Thank You!😎

[@chadwicmears]

Thank you for doing this video Shogo. I learnt so much 😮

[@dalejuliancelecia7110]

Those are some beautiful but deadly pieces of art that's definitely one place I would visit when I go over to Japan.

[@AJBernard]

Fantastic video, Shogo! thank you!

[@squarerigapprentice]

I would love to visit one day! Incredible.

[@naruomi9477]

The situation of katana smiths while recently getting hopefully I wouldn’t be to excited because from the past years even though a couple months ago there was a boom of katana sword smiths, Statistically there will still be a downfall at most with this pattern in around 53 years. The reason why most there aren’t many katana sword smiths recently is because most sword smiths are old and dying while young people are getting desensitized by KZbin and TikTok. And the reason why you can’t just make a katana at home at-least in Japan is because it has to be registered by the NBTHK I’m sure that some foreigners are making katana but I would mostly buy from Japanese sources because recently I’ve been seeing some swords on Amazon with cheap rainbow Damascus steel which aren’t only slightly disrespectful but also extremely dangerous as they aren’t properly heat treated and could snap at any second. By the way it isn’t hard to figure this out I started learning about katana for 2 years I started when I was 11 it only takes 2 years to be able to see what is going on with the Japanese nihonto industry.

[@potatolord9715]

You’re 13?

[@naruomi9477]

@@potatolord9715 yeah

[@potatolord9715]

@@naruomi9477 you don’t know as much as you think you do

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@potatolord9715 For being as young as he is, he is not saying incorrect information. Many amazon swords use rat-tailed tangs or a cut off tang that is glued to the handle that makes the sword incredibly dangerous to swing (not to mention the metal is often of incredibly poor quality). It is important to note that no foreigners are making true katana, they are only making swords that mimic a katana - in order for a katana ('sword' in Japanese) to be 'real' it need to be considered a nihonto ('Japanese sword' in Japanese) as these are the only swords made using tamahagane and using traditional methods. We separate the terms because 'katana' can be used to refer to swords outside of Japan and nihonto.

[@naruomi9477]

@@potatolord9715 of course in don’t know everything all I’m sayin is that the situation is bad and don’t but from Amazon because half the times it could be a safety hazard

[@dubdeluxe6192]

something to add to my bucketlist!

[@BrumEldar]

Thank you so much for this video, love tamahagane😍

[@MS-un9zq]

Craftsmanship will always be in demand...the real challenge comes with shipping the item where it needs to go...having the item arrive with no issues.

[@deannatheos4471]

Well I for one hope it sticks around thank you fo the video.

[@jeiillson]

Would love to possibly get one of their Katana one day 👏🏼🔥

[@rokka7188]

Was actually really cool, training Finnish smith here. A somewhat of a similar way of making bog iron or lake iron ore into steel from limonite, has bits of the folding process and all. Those types of steels, and also wrought iron are rather interesting in-terms of their structure in metalworking and you don't see them in modern steels alot, and are harder to get. I'd like to make some for me from limonite. Though as for smithwork, I think Japanese smiths should be more open to making other products, along with swords. But I like how those three invented and made new patterns, for example.

[@kahtrellscott1436]

Awesome and beautiful work

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@Trancos1202]

If only I was Japanese, I would love to learnt the craftmanship of making Katanas. Although I know the first year you only cut coal into the correct shape and size, I would gladly learn. I find the katana forging so beautiful and spiritual.

[@tristanbackup2536]

You don't have to be. If you got the will, you can try at home & build your way up. Learn metal working & smithing first like making knifes, theirs tonnes of KZbinrs who teach all heir techniques & skills litterly for free.

[@CoveringFish]

@@tristanbackup2536sort of not really you can’t get the iron

[@Blondie42]

Hopefully they can continue to make these swords. But it requires having those who want to do it. And will put their passion into the craft.

[@charlesghannoumlb2959]

Great experience and a great video, and i really hope i can also contribute in helping this wonderful craft to keep the culture alive

[@doomslayer7719]

If Japan seems to need to learn one thing, it's recognition, and also, being able to recognize oneself for the deeds one does. As a US citizen, one thing to learn here is that before people are allowed to forget, self control is not often taught well enough to all ages.

[@ferranferran6955]

Great video. If I may, I think Yoshindo Yoshihara sensei's name could be kept in the translation. Thanks to his translated books and videos, his name is accessible to a Western audience. Thank you

[@Pew7070]

I also noticed that it was missing from their introduction 2:34. He should’ve translated that.

[@CoveringFish]

I met them they are amazing!

[@alexkl464]

can you please unbox mini katanas rengoku nichirin

[@urbanadventurer5]

Cool video. Extremely interesting and I hope the sword arts make a big comeback soon. 👍🏾

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

honestly, i wouldn't even mind buying a katana of my own from one of these genuine katana makers, if only i was able to visit and stay in japan for a long enough period of time and had enough money to buy genuine katana. would be so cool, though it would also be sad that i won't be able to use katana as swords.

[@C-M-E]

As one does when studying metallurgy and engineering, Japanese steel often enters the conversation early, and has possessed me to no end throughout my life. While I'm not an expert like these gentleman, I have committed a lot of time to learning as much as I can towards inherent properties that fascinate me in sword construction from country to country, era to era. In the event it wasn't covered, a significant chunk on the downfall of swordmaking came not solely out of the loss of interested apprentices (it is a factor of course, as is the case in dozens of traditional crafts across the country if not globally), but government influence phasing them out purposefully. As it was told to me, the Japanese government heavily restricts who and how many swordsmiths can operate at one time, as well as how such swords can be legally sold.

[@AA-db9cb]

Afaik, there's consistent demand for katanas, as is for Western swords. There's a healthy swords collecting community.

[@icecoolz1212]

Nice video.... should collaborate with Alex Bennett sensei who is based in Kyoto too. He helps to run a budo tour for international Kendo players annually prior to Corona era. I am sure they will appreciate a tour of sword making and who knows, maybe place a few orders, and further spread the word to help these fine craftsmen. I too believe that Katanas are now also valued by collectors and admirers from overseas.

[@Kirby1970york]

Excellent!

[@bruisedhelmet8819]

If I was there I would have run off with a few blades... don't know how far I would get, but they would be mine for a fleeting moment.

[@Balz5280]

😅

[@mada0zani]

Dear sir. I cannot express how much I want to own a katana. I can assure you there is strong demand for Japanese katana especially handmade by Japanese craftsman. Unfortunately it’s impossible for foreigners to acquire one. Several reasons such as cost, rules and regulations, logistics. I hope one day Japan can have some amendments to allow export of katana to international market

[@Jarvan_lV]

could u also visit yoshindo yoshihara? that would be amazing!

[@prabshiro]

I have a website dedicated to the study of katana. But its amazing but true to say that foreigners are beginning to appreciate japanese culture than japanese themselves.