The Beauty of the Katana: Tamahagane Steel Swordsmith Program
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- Learn about swordmaking, the history of Japanese swords, and how to appreciate them from the only certified swordsmith in Higashikishu.- Watch a sword being forged in a workshop and take up the challenge of working on the hardening process.(*Adults only)/ - While Japanese swords are made through a blacksmithing process that is only seen in Japan, there are many types of swords, and their appearances and shapes evolved to suit the times.Also, they were not merely used as weapons but symbolized the might of emperors and warriors. They were both objects of devotion and works of art. These days, they are treated as works of art and cultural property.Tama steel is the material used for making Japanese swords and produced through Tatara iron smelting.Sand iron is the raw material, charcoal is used as fuel, and a furnace made of clay is used to reduce the metal to relatively low temperatures, which refines the high-purity iron.Until mass iron production was introduced to Japan from Western countries, virtually all Japanese iron was produced using this method.
Photos
The swordsmith at work
Small blade
Swordsmithing tools
Tama steel
Information
- Minimum Number of Passengers
- 1 person
- Maximum Capacity
- 3 participants
- Participation Restrictions
- Ages 10 and up
- Meeting and Exchange Areas
-
Swordsmith Senke
Yunotani, Isato-cho, Kumano-shi, Mie Prefecture - Open Period
- Year-round
- Closed Period
- Except for December 30–January 10 and August 13–15
- Meeting Times and Business Hours
- Begins at 1:00 p.m. (meet 5 minutes before).We will work to meet your preferred start time.
- Tour Schedule
- 1) Starts at 1:00 p.m./ 2) Swordsmith Kenichiro Sumiya explains swordmaking and Japanese sword appreciation in the main building from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and visitors can appreciate actual Japanese swords in their hands./ 3) Watch the work process (heating and hammering (hizukuri) to coating the sword in a muddy mixture (tsuchitori)) at the workshop from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m./ 4) Experience the hardening process (making a small blade) from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., then the program ends
- Required Time
- Around 3 hours
- Provision of Meals
- Meals are not provided
- Universal accessibility
- Nothing in particular
- Parking
- Car parking space is available.
- Notes
- - The small blade will need to be sharpened and polished. You will not be able to take it home the day of your experience.Mr. Sumiya will complete the work and ship it to the place you are staying in Japan, in 2 days.(The date of arrival depends on where you are staying) -Please do not join in the experience with clothing made of synthetic fibers because you will work close to flames in the workshop.(Sparks may scatter during your experience.) - Be sure to wear clothing and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty.- If you visit without adding in the forging experience, you may be accompanied by up to 6 people.(Please inquire about the price.)
- Inquiry
- pr@ayabex.com
This basic information is current at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Map
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