Secrets of Modern Japanese Swordmaking - Iaito Manufacture at the Minosaka Workshop [SUB EN/FR/JP]

ENGLISH, FRENCH AND JAPANESE SUBTITLES: Click on CC to display
SUBSCRIBE : / @seidobudostudies
-- INTRODUCTION --
The Japanese sword is a myth still very much alive.
Iaido and Kenjutsu practitioners, modern samurais, still use the Katana in their training, but lack of production has made the Katana a very rare and expensive item.
In the wake of World War Two the manufacturing and possession of edged weapons were forbidden. Amidst this prohibition, the Iaito, a blunted version of the Katana, was born.
Iaito manufacturing, a modern craft founded on the millennial tradition of Japanese sword making, has led a revival of the sword industry over the past 50 years and is to this day used by tens of thousands of martial artists throughout the World.
In Gifu prefecture, the cradle of Japanese sword making, a small number of workshops preserve this tradition.
Follow Mr. Wakihara, the leader of the Minosaka Workshop, as he shares his experience and knowledge with us and accompanies us into the vanishing art of Japanese sword making.
What do the Iaito and Katana have in common, what differentiates them?
Who are the people behind these swords?
Let's begin our journey into Minosaka's world.
-----------------------------------
-- BLOG RELATED ARTICLE --
The origin and manufacture of the Iaito, replica of the Japanese sword, the Katana: www.blog.seidoshop.com/the-ori...
- MINOSAKA PRODUCTS VIDEO PRESENTATION-
• How To Choose your Min...
-- MINOSAKA PRODUCTS --
www.seidoshop.com/collections...
-- INFORMATION ON CHOOSING YOUR IAITO --
www.seidoshop.com/pages/how-t...
-- SOURCES --
Minosaka's corporate website: www.minosaka.co.jp/
銃砲刀剣類所持等取締法 - Legal reference to the law restricting the usage of Shinken in Japan (Japanese language): law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/S33/S...
-- CREDITS --
Director: Jordy Delage
Narrators: Brian Kamei & Don Moffit
Editing: Guillaume Erard
Music: Guillaume Erard
Camera: Jordy Delage, Alexandre Venancio & Nicolas Nothum
Translation and subtitles: Eriko Hoshi, Rahel Bünzli
For their artistic participation special thanks to: Norio Hoshi (Kendo 7th Dan, Kyoshi) & John Presley (Iaido 6th Dan, Renshi)
-- SPONSOR: Seido Co., Ltd --
www.seido-japan.com (en, jp, fr)
www.seidoshop.com (en)
www.seidoshop.jp (jp)
www.budoexport.com (fr)
-- SOCIAL MEDIA --
Facebook: / seidoshop.international
Twitter: / seidoshopint
GooglePlus: plus.google.com/+Seidoshop

[@lohdal]

Just received my Minosaka Iaito yesterday. Seeing the real craftsmanship and love that has gone into making it, makes me appreciate it so much more.

[@21Kikoshi]

how much did you pay ?

[@cecep.tarmujianto]

This is so informative. Thank you for this documentary.

[@marybuzz4226]

Thank you, it's beautiful!

[@johnemmons9087]

Very inspiring. Thank you.

[@tertia4808]

Thank you for interesting & informative video on Japanese Iaito made in Japan.

[@user-lm9md4rw2x]

日本刀はやっぱり良いですね。凛として研ぎ澄まされた刃が美しいです。流派の者ですが、日本刀はいつ見ても美しさに見せられます。

[@phihelix8777]

Oh hell yes. One of my favorite narrator's.

[@Minimaxxer]

Thank you! This was very informative and entertaining. It is good seeing the subject and history of iaito production in Japan. It is not a subject that is touched on often in the United States.

[@rsuarezc229]

I've just ordered two iaitos. What a great job! Thanks

[@STARBLAZERZ]

Congratulations they are beautiful if I may ask how much money did you spend I'm looking to buy a katana 31 inch Long cutting blade with a 13-in handle. Can you send me the website I am a little confused how to order one I like to see pictures and they are from Japan. They make the best pricey thank you

[@BakaLord123]

It's great to see how these swords are made. I loved the mention of the Dotanuki swords at the end, I own and use a Minosaka Dotanuki that I enjoy very much! Thank you for this documentary!

[@seidobudostudies]

Thank you very much. All the best at the dojo.

[@stefanopagliuca1591]

All really beautiful and interesting. Now I'm looking my iaitō after this video ... The music in the opening is amazing! It sounds of ancient war ...

[@agorobalbakwa2130]

truly they are the masters of the art

[@demoscratos4577]

I love Japan. I’m exited to say that post pandemic it will be my first travel.

[@abdurrahmansamol8141]

So nice

[@michael_swardh]

Master craftsmanship, I have always loved Japan and it´s history and culture. And a big part of that are the swords.

[@-ShinshojiRyuhoho]

居合刀は、自分のこだわりを出せるので好きです

[@seidobudostudies]

そうですね。真剣拵より融通が利きますから、自分のこだわりに合わせるのはできます。

[@JKVTrucking007]

We love Japanese culture and It would be great if they start production swords for sale. Because I don't like to own Chinese Katana, I prefer to by the same quality made in Japan. I would pay a little bit more since it is made in Japan.

[@craigthescott5074]

They are a lot more expensive than Chinese copies.

[@pascal6607]

Merci .)

[@copitzkymichael3313]

I wish I didn't have the subtitles to figure out

[@jpodell007]

I'd love to see the crew from Forged In Fire do episodes with these masters and help make blades. Great publicity for all and it will educate a new generation about this historical, time-tested, iconic craft

[@ZAIZEN358]

居合刀拵えてもらいました。とてもお見事な刀になりましたよ。風格が違いますよね。市販で買える刀とは。

[@josepharakes5193]

I'm a part of the world of technology and business development and implementation of proud heritage is the way of the Japanese and I have the same intention for business development. You can link to the company directly as soon as I get permissions to open one in America.

[@Keithphotorama]

I placed an order for mine 👍

[@genustinca5565]

What about maintenance? Does the aluminium/zinc blade require any special care?

[@seidobudostudies]

No, theoretically, none. But oiling the blade with plant-based oil to nurrish the Saya is always a good idea.

[@SHAKUSUNBU]

Le dotanuki est en effet plus massif. Vraiment très différent des autres lames avec lesquelles je travail. Il demande plus de puissance aux ceintures scapulaires. L'équilibre et le transfert de masse se ressent fort, donc vivement recommandé de choisir une tsuba d'un poids adéquat pour équilibrer le sabre, et bien ressentir le transfert de masse, et trouver l'équilibre plus proche de l'habaki ou de la kisaki. C'est ce qui m'a le plus fait défaut dans la recherche de proportions pour la commande, car je n'avais pas eu en main une pièce de chez Minosaka.

[@enduril122]

Wazzzup Jodry!!.. how'r the classes goin'..? And Hey..how far'd u get on my custom Home-defense bokken??... LOLLOL 😁😁😁

[@user-tn3ex8rr1l]

こういう産業も日本の経済が良くないと日本で受け継いでいけなくなる。 刀鍛冶の年間12本の作刀制限もどうにかせんとな。

[@duebion2225]

The soundtrack is Great where I can get it?

[@seidobudostudies]

Sorry, this one, you can't. It was specially made for us by Guillaume Erard. You can check out his KZbin channel if you like the music: kzbin.info/door/_FEA412O-SgKP7QRlShVTg

[@duebion2225]

thanks for the Answer Many Videos on his Channel hopefully can find it

[@user-gr7bk7ql5z]

Какой трек играет в начале? Не могу найти

[@Vatras888]

Is tsuka lenght masured with fuchi and kashira or whidout?

[@seidobudostudies]

Hi Vatras, yes, the length of the Tsuka is indeed measured including the Fuchi and the Kashira.

[@williamavery9185]

So the sori on his blade are all the same?

[@tonysteven7609]

Great - where can we get a sword and how much?

[@seidobudostudies]

All Minosaka custom Iaito can be found here: www.seidoshop.com/collections/custom-made-minosaka-iaito From 300 to 2000 USD.

[@phantomdragon6062]

the dude speaking english in the vid sounds like the dude from brighte sids

[@erengamingyt624]

Yup

[@mangyangimsong9179]

Please give me the link to buy the katana

[@seidobudostudies]

Of course: www.seidoshop.com/collections/custom-made-minosaka-iaito

[@VishalKumar-ue5rv]

It not a weapon it is the jewel for the fighter.

[@djnatuerlichp.koenen6597]

Personally like samurai sword made traditionally

[@Super33Saiyan]

One can tell a good vs a bad samurai during battle by the length of time past between each movements or blows with or without their katanas. As a rule of thumb, each movements made requires a "pause" of 2 to 3 seconds. But the truly great masters were able to make pauses lasting up to 35 seconds (or more!!) following each moves, made possible only by a strictly disciplined mind, decades of training and practice and astounding concentration!!! In a duel, unlike in the west where a fight could be done in an instant, the samurai's fight could take 2 to 3 hours! But to witness 2 truly great masters duelling with their katanas, one would have to book at least a week off work as the duel could last up to an incredible 6 full days and nights!!! Thus leaving all spectators at the edges of their seat, filled with anticipation to know whom will be victorious in this battle of life and death. This was truly a dangerous era to live in...

[@brianpeck4035]

Wow, any suggested sources? I've heard that once an attack is initiated, a flexibility has been lost to the counter striker and so a waiting game ensues.

[@Super33Saiyan]

@@brianpeck4035 sorry I was only being sarcastic, I just find it funny how robotic their movements looks however I'm still a huge fan and got a collection of 4 swords so far!

[@brianpeck4035]

@@Super33Saiyan Hahaha that is funny! Speaking of...today was the last day of the annual San Fransisco Japanese sword show. It's good to hold and behold so many old and modern art pieces. The old timers selling their wares are a dying breed not to be missed...good stories and info. I practiced Iaido for a moment in time but kendo didn't appeal... then I foung HEMA Longsword !

[@dimasaditia885]

Brapa satu harganya

[@chocobokoay3194]

Chirijiraden is Aura.🇲🇾🏆☠️🇯🇵☠️

[@kostaspivoriunas9140]

how much should iaito cost on average ???

[@lorenzo1412]

It depends on the quality kevel of the Iaito. Entry level Iaito range between 400 to 500 dollars, while mid-high end iaito make it to 800 to about 1000 dollars. I have just ordered a custom Iaito and it was 850 dollars

[@ericguerin6072]

The man who is making Shohatto (8' 20") is wrong, the first knee up is suppose to be the right one not the left. However, a very intresting documentary.

[@jordydelage4304]

The "man" 's name is John Presley. The sword he uses is a Shinken, mounted by himself. Mugai Ryu 7th Dan Renshi, Menkyo kaiden. Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Aikido 5th Dan. I won't answer for him, but it wouldn't be the first time a "beginner" in settei Iai (or similar) would wrongly criticize his technique due to a lack of a wider understanding of what Iai is outside of his own school. For reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqrMknyCecuLhrM

[@davedeth8591]

im sire this was very informative but there was no translation and so dont know japanese ... most of it was lost on me . but i have always ben fascinated by japaese swordsmithing .. . i find it very mystaical and magical how they can forge the sword with both hard and soft teel and the many months it takes to make a genuine one from smelting the ore right up to the final etching ..very beautifull craft ... wish i could learn to do that

[@seidobudostudies]

Thanks for your comment. You can activate subtitles via the subtitles options of the video. English and French available.

[@Numero103]

Who is the narrator it? Seems familiar from the history channel…

[@seidobudostudies]

There are two narrators in this video: Brian Kamei & Don Moffit, both Professional Voice Actors

[@user-ny7zo7dj4k]

I want to buy a katana samurai sword, but how do I know that it is a real sword of quality and content

[@mikev8585]

The only unbroken line of fencing innthe world

[@crck1227]

I get it, no i get it.

[@siddiksameer9327]

How I can get in India

[@d3generate804]

You cant

[@qaq8409]

There is an online shop called tozando. It has worldwide shipping. I don’t know if it is legal to own things like this in India so you better check your local law first.

[@vestel777]

Now I'm more confused then ever. There are so many to choose from so how does one know which one is for you and or what it's to be used for. To bad the Originator of the Katana - Masamune's descendant's doesn't carry on their sword making Legacy. Masamune bolted (Folded) the Steel in His swords over 2,000 times to make them near indestructible.

[@stanislavstrecker7476]

Myths.

[@vestel777]

@@stanislavstrecker7476 So it's a Myth that Masamune bolted (Folded) His steel in His swords over 2,000 times to make them nearly indestructible?

[@seidobudostudies]

​@@vestel777 We don't know. It's a legend, it might be true, it might not be. What we know for sure is that Masamune was not the inventor of the Katana... there was very good swordsmith before him and during his time. We also know that swords of much better quality have been made after Masamune, and that swords are not "near indestructible". The Katana is a relatively fragile weapon, a fantastic piece of technology given the very poor quality of Japanese iron, but nonetheless not such a fantastic weapon in comparison to European and Middle East products of the time. Masamune was a great swordsmith and he made this art/technology progress quite a lot.

[@vestel777]

@@seidobudostudies I just Love learning about Ancient Japan. That love began after watching James Clavell's Shogun when it first aired on NBC here in the States back in the 80's.

[@stanislavstrecker7476]

@@vestel777 only that swords get indestructible that way. FOlding 2000 times is also not possible. Cause of decarbouration. learn facts. not myths.

[@kwisatz_haderach1445]

Has anyone considered changing the law? This is ridicules!

[@seidobudostudies]

Considering how successful Japan was at making weapons completely disappear from the streets, and how little concerns officials seems to have for Japanese craftsmanship (yes, sounds odd, but it's true), we can easily assume that if anything was attempted to change the law, it would be to make it even stricter.

[@kwisatz_haderach1445]

Interesting; I had no idea that government had so little respect for their historic arts. Sad but who really understands governments anyway?

[@seidobudostudies]

It's more about ignorance than lack of respect. And Japan has to face challenges that are far beyond those considerations. With the rapid population decline, urgency is not in those traditions, but more about the survival of the Japanese industry in its whole. From our point of view, we think that local officials should do what they can at their level, as it's not something that can be considered from a higher perspective/scale. That's not foreigners like us that will make a difference, but nonetheless, we're still trying to. Who knows ? Maybe someone will listen at some point !

[@seidobudostudies]

@@OldAgeTeddyboy Yes indeed, that's the reason.

[@makatadaito1351]

For American practicioner it's easy for practicing an other country's culture... Unlike Filipinos... Where allot more sencitive

[@chocobokoay3194]

Iai (Katana)🇲🇾🎂🎂🇯🇵🌠🌠

[@chocobokoay3194]

Ka-tana is Emperor; Swordmen is Empress.🇲🇾🎂🎂🇲🇾🇲🇾🎂🇯🇵🇯🇵🌠🎂🇻🇦🔔🔔🌠🌠🇨🇳🏆

[@williammitchell1864]

I would never touch the blade with my bare hand(s)!

[@Vaille32]

If a particular kata calls for it, sometimes you do have to touch the blade. An example would be placing the palm of your left hand along the spine (mune 棟) of the katana, reinforcing and pushing up slightly during a thrust (tsuki 突き).

[@reedagad4882]

secret remained a secret... no subtitle

[@seidobudostudies]

Subtitles are available in Japanese, English and French... KZbin subtitle activation: support.google.com/youtube/answer/100078?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

[@anthonyivanaglugubjr.2645]

How about Gold Metal Katana Sword? That would be Most Expensive In Japan without any Historical Value.

[@qaq8409]

What is it? I’ve never heard of it and there’s no information online.

[@hachimanjiro]

@@qaq8409 there is no such thing, for one thing gold is much heavier than steel and is far too soft it would just be a bar of gold in the shape of a katana

[@aulinilyasa7572]

laito is not shinken, it just wallhanger or practice sword, not even carbon steel, as far as i know in japan has a law there sword only can make with tamahagane and the smiths only can produce 4/2(cmiiw) sword in a month to keep the quality of japanese sword

[@seidobudostudies]

@@OldAgeTeddyboy Well, actually, it's far from 2 pieces a month. If the best swordsmith can technically produce two pieces in a month, for various reasons, the average is one piece every two months (at best).

[@KenLives333]

+1

[@puppyday1350]

Japanese law is right. 50-60 years ago in back street of Tokyo, there were some sword fighting and died news reported on news papers. Also, heard many rumors about troubled Dojo and/or Yakuza Dojo which were police eyes on. Now, it's much safer in Tokyo. Greetings from Japan.

[@seidobudostudies]

It is very true that Japan was much less safe than it is now during the 50' and 60'. However, the problems seems to have been mostly solved after the 68 crisis rather than after the ban on weapons. It's probably a combination of everything though. Ban on weapons, education, wealth, etc.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Instead of sakabatou Kenshin should've used iaito.

[@shadowfox2814]

Unfortunately due to the materials that it is made out of, an Iaito would most likely bend and or break if it were to hit something hard. Aluminum alloy definitely isn't as durable as steel.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

@@shadowfox2814 an adamantium iaito.

[@whitetiger3038]

Hungary bungalow fangs incomes opas

[@daliborkrajinovic6486]

Pleas i want have katana sword..i dont have that much money to bay..want cry like baby..pleas..😥😥😥😥😥

[@danclayberger770]

Sound track is terrible.

[@copitzkymichael3313]

This dude is talking so fast

[@davidisthis]

I think the rules around the Katana in Japan are terrible. I suppose that means the Katana belongs to china now.

[@gigihirwan3411]

Bahasa jepang . kasih pedang katana Di indonesia . lebih baik

[@nl2935]

bodoh.. Indonesia is a 3rd world country

[@user-gj2oi2rn5f]

遊戲王沒有替代容器 付出導向和平

[@user-gj2oi2rn5f]

Thjk jhkhk感謝您

[@evolancer211]

I shouldn't have to turn on captions to get the English translation. It should be burned into the video

[@seidobudostudies]

No, it should not. This video has 3 different subtitle languages available. Can't burn them all in the video, and putting English as a base would make sublayer subtitles hard to read.

[@sgt_malice4521]

I don’t understand none of this or the law

[@seidobudostudies]

Feel free to try the written version then: www.seidoshop.com/blogs/the-seido-blog/30-the-origin-and-manufacture-of-the-iaito

[@Entropy825]

Iato swords are not traditional Japanese swords. They are modern props.

[@seidobudostudies]

You obviously missed the point of the video... Without Iaito, all craftsmen working on Iaito parts would be long gone, and there wouldn't be Japan made live blades anymore.

[@raulfernandezperez73]

maybe some subs so we can even understand WTF hes saying ?

[@seidobudostudies]

Maybe you want to click on "CC" to display the subtitles we made available in English, French and Japanese....

[@raulfernandezperez73]

oh sorry its available ?@@seidobudostudies

[@seidobudostudies]

@@raulfernandezperez73 Of course. As on all our videos.

[@raulfernandezperez73]

omg so sorry

[@lostinlymbo13]

... it was painful to listen to the way the narrator pronounced iaito. (E-eye-toe). Bloody hell, just google a word before recording it.

[@seidobudostudies]

Adam Tuck We voluntarily used two different non Japanese speakers to mark the differences in pronunciation in English. This was an editorial choice. And both narrators had a list of recorded words before recording. And you're welcome.

[@seidobudostudies]

Mr Wakihara speaks Japanese quite clearly, and Brian Kamei (the other narrator) has a fairly OK pronunciation. The other narrator was chosen especially because he had a strong accent. I don't know if all Americans pronounce Iaito right or wrong, but we have customers calling the object a Laito ( small L and big i visually identical...), so, setting things right is important. But it's already done by Brian's narration and Mr. Wakihara's answers. If the viewer wants to get it right, then he can. I completely understand your point, especially if you live here. But the choice we made was exactly made for the reason you mention, taken the other way around. And it was specific to this video though. We've kept Brian as our usual narrator for our other videos as we slightly changed our editorial line (less "reportage", more "interview"). That said, if you know someone here able to do a professional voice recording for non profit projects who wouldn't cost an arm, we're listening (even you maybe? :) ) That's a thing. This video looks very professional, but it took 200+ hours of work, and about 250k YEN, shooting, train, music, voices, subtitles in 3 languages, everything but gears included). None of the persons involved in this video are professionals (but the narrators actually), only amateurs. I've corrected the subtitles by the way, thank you. (Didn't know some currencies are uncountable in English, nor our proofreaders obviously...). If you want to help with subtitles proofreading, that's very welcome as well! Same story, subtitling in Japanese, English and French takes a lot of time, and would be cost half of our budget for a single video... (I believe we're doing a pretty good job though). All in all, positive criticism is always well received here (laconic criticism, not so much). Our videos are free, without commercials, and if they are not totally non profit, they are negative financial investments. We're doing them because we love doing them, and because someone has to do this work from a journalistic perspective (not with business in mind, which often result in a loss of objectivity).

[@zoesdada8923]

Why are you trying to make it sound like real swords arent made in Japan anymore? The manufacture of true Japanese katana is alive and well.

[@seidobudostudies]

Introduction: "The fabrication of the Iaito and its numerous pieces reflects the philosophy of the ancient Japanese craftsmanship that is still alive today." You see, "that is still alive today". So yeah, "ancient Japanese craftsmanship" is still alive. That's what we say. However, "it is not "well.’ If swordmisth are somehow protected (and not all of them), all the craftsmanship that goes around the blade, Saya-shi, tsuka-shi, Kanagu maker have no support whatsoever and are dying. Almost all of them survive by working on Iaito rather than Shinken, and without the Iaito production, the whole industry would collapse and disappear. Even with the Iaito industry supporting the craft, most of them have law wages that clearly do not reflect their mastery. You shouldn't believe the dreams TV channels sell and listen to those who actually are working in the industry and really know how things are in the real world.

[@pc3003]

Как заказать?