Japanese Sword Engraver

A continuation of the katana artisan series, Q2 Japan interviews Katayama san, one of the few sword engravers left in Japan. He was very kind and gave us all sorts of fun insights to his trade. Come visit Setouchi city if you're in the area!
/ q2japan

[@nikicovington5265]

I love how causally these craftsmen speak of profound insights in the mentality of experiencing the sword- the need for concentration, to be removed mentality from the mundane, the sharpening of the senses, the single-mindedness required, akin to worship and so many sacred experiences in life. This mystique is truly at the essence of our encounter with the divine as well as at the heart of all craftsmanship, and he speaks so plainly as a part of his own experience. This was very insightful and much appreciated. Thank you for making and posting these interviews!

[@Q2Japan]

It's definitely a day-in process for them. But I agree that their work is impressive! Glad you enjoyed the videos. Thanks for your support!

[@theR0NIN]

He seems like a very talented artisan! I DEFINITELY would like to see more on these sword craftsmen!

[@Q2Japan]

He no doubt is :) n thanks! I'll see what i can do!

[@terryl7749]

I visited this museum in the middle of a scorching summer 11 years ago. I got lost trying to walk there from the train station and didn't realise how far it was on the map. Having given up, exhausted and disoriented I walked into a local butcher shop to ask directions. To my surprise the shopkeeper closed his store then drove me there in his car. It was typical of the kind and generous hospitality of the local people in the area. Such a fantastic culture, country and experience.

[@Q2Japan]

Oh wow! I'm glad you got to visit! It's heart warming to hear about the local generosity. Cheers for watching and sharing!

[@terryl7749]

​@@Q2JapanWhen I was there they had a manga inspired sword exhibition. Traditional blades were displayed with specially made anime inspired futuristic saya and tsuka. It was certainly something never done before. I also bought a bottle of powered tamahagine as a souvenir

[@Q2Japan]

@@terryl7749 oh that's cool! i wish they did more to promote themselves... anyway glad you got to visit!

[@KokoroInt]

Awesome as always! I would love to see more of these videos. Often times these types of documentaries are pretty dry and academic, seeing this artisan talk about his art with such enthusiasm brings these arts to life in such a relatable way. The town should definitely support a tour shuttle. I’d gladly pay $30 to $50 to visit, but I’m a bias Martial Artist who would hate to see these arts and artist disappear.

[@Q2Japan]

Thanks as always Michael. I'm hoping to do a video on blade sharpeners :) And good to know that you'd be willing to pay that much. We'll see what happens in the area.

[@thomaswhite2802]

Very good interview," clear out any outside thought".

[@Q2Japan]

Thanks! :D it was a new concept to me, but makes total sense.

[@notayoutubechannel3635]

Japanese craftsmen are so much creative and dedicated to their work. My respect to them. 🙏

[@Q2Japan]

They often are quite dedicated! I appreciate their devotion and passion :)

[@MatthewHall]

Great entry - very interesting. Loved the interview.

[@Q2Japan]

Thanks Matt :) He had some cool things to say eh?

[@jean-louisdhaisne1514]

I met this craftsman when I went to Bizen Osafune .... it was at the mos in February, it was cold ..... and this craftsman worked with a love for his work, his cat on his knees and a small Japanese heater to keep him warm .... I was very surprised at the number of tools used .....

[@Q2Japan]

Cool!

[@AliothAncalagon]

We need more museums like this that keep the crafts alive.

[@Q2Japan]

I totally agree!

[@giraybagci8660]

I am always up for a video about swords and have watched the same video over and over again for four years.Belive me when I say it stars to get boring after the 50th time.But your videos also let us hear craft's thoughts about their own craft and how they started so I appreciate it.And since I am not going to be able to become an apprentice to a swordsmith anyway might as well take a peek at their work!Please make more videos about sword craftsman.

[@Q2Japan]

Thank you! I'm glad it was a refreshing change of pace :) I'll keep producing videos as long as I can. Cheers!

[@giraybagci8660]

@@Q2Japan While you are at it could I trouble you to ask the craftsmen what they think about foreign apprentices or apprenticeship in general.I saw an armour maker taking in an american apprentice and they seem pretty okay with it but I wish to know the general opinion.Doesn't hurt to dream right?😁

[@Q2Japan]

No problem at all :) I've asked a few of them before and they always tell me the same thing: 1) They aren't ready to take on an apprentice 2) They don't speak enough English for foreign ones anyway. Honestly I bet a lot of these craftsmen would love to teach foreigners, but the biggest hurdle will be the visa.

[@barryharrell3355]

I would love to see a video on making yari, especially doing to the finish in abalone shells. When I say making them, I don't mean the blade, but the koshirae (pole, metal fittings, and decorations). I am getting ready to build one for a blade I recently acquired and have been looking for information on adding the shells and different ideas for cutting the trench or path for the tang. Love your videos by the way.

[@Q2Japan]

Oh interesting! That sounds cool. I honestly don't know much about this subject matter (I just interview the experts) but I'm glad you enjoy the content! Cheers!

[@CurtisAdkins-xj9kv]

Same here, some abalone pieces on my yari pole are starting to loosen a bit and l would like some ideas on how yo deal with this.

[@gamundilorenzo8864]

amazing work !

[@Q2Japan]

Thank you!

[@robertmiller2822]

Amazing talent!!!

[@Q2Japan]

Lots of hard work for sure :)

[@meridien52681]

I love these videos! Thanks for posting these!

[@Q2Japan]

Thanks for watching!

[@wolverinebear5357]

An amazing craft both the sword making an the engraving, the less craftsman/hobbyist who actually make them makes those who are that much more important an special to the craft.

[@Q2Japan]

They're a dedicated bunch for sure! Thanks for watching :D

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

this is so beautiful,i love his job

[@Q2Japan]

He does a great job!

[@gintongmandirigma698]

❤❤❤ beautiful engrave dragon

[@gregf8167]

Man has never created anything greater than nihonto!

[@jean-louisdhaisne1514]

Next trip is in Hokkaïdo, always in winter, for Cranes...❤❤❤❤

[@Korelocksmithsgoldcoast]

It is important to keep all cultures alive, in Australia the Aboriginal people have done a great job. However Japanese sword making to me is THE most important historical art to ensure it survives. The Samurai were the greatest warriors ever to exist. Training with a katana feels so natural. I have lived in some of Australias most dangerous areas and have been run through (home invasion) burgled, and witnessed some hectic situations . With any weapon available from guns, chainsaws spear guns or whatever, I only feel safe with a katana. Every other weapon doesn’t feel natural and I fear I will be disarmed and have it used against me. Not with a good quality katana! It is the only weapon I feel safe with. Just like Bruce Willis in one of Quinten Tarenteno’s best movies ‘Pulp Fiction’

[@Pleksilasi]

Very satisfying to watch him work. What comes to the single minded concentration thing : handling a meter of razor sharp steel gives you an outside incentive not to think about mamas flapjacks.. Jokes aside I agree with him. Weapons do cause you to focus.

[@gf2390]

Nihonto is man's greatest creation

[@Q2Japan]

It's definitely beautiful!

[@Upopcorn]

Thank you for the view.

[@Q2Japan]

Thank for the view too!

[@Trtmfm]

appreciate you doing this.

[@Q2Japan]

Appreciate ya watching!

[@Zatracenec]

Very nice video with a lot of closeups....subscribed. I also like, You show the place, where these masters work. Do You also have video on tsuka making? Thank You very much. edit: never mind, I found it. :-D Awesome!

[@Q2Japan]

Thanks for the kinds words! Hope to make more videos one of these days!

[@PalomboDylan]

What kind of chisel does he use? I need to get my hands on some so I can engrave to tangs of the katanas I have

[@Q2Japan]

Hmm I'm not sure! I heard he makes some of his own tools

[@tommygun4355]

Awesome stuff

[@Q2Japan]

Thank you for that ;)

[@eviltrickyspider5266]

I was wondering if they could do the same thing on a cnc machine. It would be easier on his arms.

[@Q2Japan]

They probably could! But it might take away from the personalized effect?

[@Detman101]

Bad Snacks...

[@RomanLuten]

All is nice instead of a young stud on the begining and the end of the video.

[@jean-louisdhaisne1514]

Dear Sir ,do you have a facebook please.