I had the luck to see this documentary when I was 6 years old. I've never forgot the sense of amazement I felt. I also had the luck to see ancient japanese weapons and armours in an exhibition at the national library of Chile, my country, with the gentle help of the Japanese embassy. There was a katana that was older than the city of Santiago were the exhibition took place. I was separated from it only by a glass. Thanks for bringing up this memories to me and for posting this.
Mr. Martin, do you know how many katana sword smiths there are in Japan? Would you also know if there is an association for the sword smiths in Japan? Is there a hierarchy among the sword smiths? Finally, is there a top sword smith in Japan, for example a sword smith that the Emperor might choose?
There approximately 300 licensed swordsmiths in Japan. Most are members of the All Japan Swordsmiths Association. There is a hierarchy of the kohai, sempai and sensei system. In addition, there is an annual swordsmithing competition in which prizes are awarded. Once a smith wins 1st prize a number of times, he is then given the rank of mastercrafts man (mukansa). There is also a living National Treasure: Amata Akitsugu who made a sacred tanto (dagger) for the newly born prince a few years ago.
Thank you for your response. I've tried to find the sources for these answers, but could not. Although, from your answer all I seem to need was the name Amata Akitsugu, and all the rest fell into place.
I saw this "classic" PBS series and was amazed by the craftsmanship in this process.
arigato, JapaneseSword, for this excellent post.
TheTimananda 3 weeks ago
I had the luck to see this documentary when I was 6 years old. I've never forgot the sense of amazement I felt. I also had the luck to see ancient japanese weapons and armours in an exhibition at the national library of Chile, my country, with the gentle help of the Japanese embassy. There was a katana that was older than the city of Santiago were the exhibition took place. I was separated from it only by a glass. Thanks for bringing up this memories to me and for posting this.
solnegrolunaroja 1 year ago
Mr. Martin, do you know how many katana sword smiths there are in Japan? Would you also know if there is an association for the sword smiths in Japan? Is there a hierarchy among the sword smiths? Finally, is there a top sword smith in Japan, for example a sword smith that the Emperor might choose?
Thank you.
Babababababe 2 years ago
There approximately 300 licensed swordsmiths in Japan. Most are members of the All Japan Swordsmiths Association. There is a hierarchy of the kohai, sempai and sensei system. In addition, there is an annual swordsmithing competition in which prizes are awarded. Once a smith wins 1st prize a number of times, he is then given the rank of mastercrafts man (mukansa). There is also a living National Treasure: Amata Akitsugu who made a sacred tanto (dagger) for the newly born prince a few years ago.
TheJapaneseSword 2 years ago
Mr Martin,
Thank you for your response. I've tried to find the sources for these answers, but could not. Although, from your answer all I seem to need was the name Amata Akitsugu, and all the rest fell into place.
Thank you so very much!
Babababababe 2 years ago
great videos, thanks for sharing!!
kinjomusashi4 2 years ago
Thank you
MrKazuma92123 2 years ago
Thanks for the upload!
csthundercat 2 years ago