Observe the art, history, and philosophy of traditional katana sword making from concept to completion

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima

• 3 hours

• 4 people max.

• Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Will fulfill its own destiny alongside the customer

Meet our host, Sadanao, who will introduce you to the art, philosophy, and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese katana sword making.  Born in 1955 in Mizuho-machi (present-day Onan-cho) in Shimane Prefecture, Sadanao began apprenticing with master katana craftsman and living national treasure Sadakazu Gassan while still a teenager.  Since 1981, he has received numerous awards at the New Sword Exhibition including the Prince Takamatsu Award, the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award, the Mainichi Newspaper Award, the Kaoriyama Award, and the Award of Excellence.  In 2012, he and his apprentice Shoichi Hashimoto created the Spear of Longinus for the animated film Neon Genesis Evangelion. In 2013, Sadanao succeeded Kuniie Yoshihara as president of the All-Japan Sword Artisans’ Association. 

“Each customer comes in with a vision and concept for his personal katana,” says Sadanao.  “From there, I view it as my mission to meld that vision with traditional craftsmanship to forge a katana that will fulfill its own destiny alongside the customer on his quest to become master of the sword.”

Come, visit Sadanao’s workshop where custom swords are individually handcrafted to exacting specifications – where katana are born from each customer’s unique vision.

What you’ll do

Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration by Sadanao. Next, get hands-on and experience forging the iron sand, tamahagane (gem steel/ jewel steel) with a hammer. Wrap things up with a photo session, posing with a completed Japanese Katana made by Sadanao!

Who can attend

Children must be 11+

What to wear

Clothing and close-toed shoes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or potentially affected by spark burns. We recommend clothes that cover your arms and legs (See Things to Note below).

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (start at 9:00)
Session 2 (start at 13:00)

Access

60 min taxi ride from Hiroshima station

What else you should know

• This experience is held at an actual swordsmith studio where hot sparks are flying during the sword forging process. As such, please dress accordingly. You will be situated a safe distance away from the fire and in addition we will provide goggles and masks.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy, here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.

Discover more about the history of crafting katana, and other places to craft katana in Japan, here.