Katana
Swords that retain samurai spirit
A product forged by flame, patience, strength, and skill, the Japanese katana sword is a masterfully crafted blade with intrinsic cultural and historical ties. The katana’s form has transformed throughout time, varying in length and usage before eventually codifying into the iconic curved, single-edge blade seen today.
While a storied craft with both practical applicability and breathtaking aesthetic quality, the number of katana sword masters in Japan is steadily dwindling, a result of prior historical circumstances, Japan’s aging population, and the sheer amount of dedication required to receive the national certification designating a katana-crafting hopeful as a verified master. Currently, only approximately 150 active katana swordsmiths remain in Japan, diligently sustaining this noble craft for future generations.
Join them in their workshops and witness sparks fly as cultural history is forged.
Tokyo Katana Experiences
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration by Fusahiro. Next, get hands-on and experience forging tamahagane iron sand with a hammer.
Odawara | Katana Knife Forging Workshop
Visit an authentic katana forge in Odawara and observe a master swordsmith at work. Use katana-making techniques to create your own katana knife, guided by the katana master.
Odawara | Immersive Katana Sword Masterclass
Observe a katana master crafting samurai swords in his Odawara forge in this comprehensive katana masterclass. Experience operating the forge yourself and assist in part of the steel hammering process required to create a samurai sword.
Kanazawa Katana Experiences
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration of the master forging the iron sand with hammer. Wrap things up with a photo session, posing with a completed Japanese katana made by the master himself!
Tohoku Katana Experiences
Yamagata | Uchihamono Bladesmith Studio
Enter a traditional uchihamono knife workshop, and observe the process involved in making the exquisite blades from a 3rd-generation blade craftsman. Then, take home a special gift forged by the master himself.
Kyushu Katana Experiences
Fukuoka | The Spirit of the Samurai Sword - Katana Forge Experience
Join a 5th-generation katana craftsman in his central Fukuoka forge as he works passionately to preserve is family’s tradition. Tour the workshop and see the space where samurai swords come to life.
A traditional Nagasaki knife-forging technique that dates back to the Edo Period, kayaki knifes are peerless for their quality. See master blacksmiths in action and learn about the history of this singular Kyushu blade.
Hiroshima Katana Experience
Art of the Sword Katana Masterclass
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!
Chiba | Katana Samurai Sword Masterclass & Dining
Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal outside the katana sword workshop, before entering and learning more about crafting katana. Experience a hands-on portion forging hammers, then learn the correct method of appreciating katana swords over tea and wagashi.
Immerse into the art of appreciating samurai swords, with Masahisa, a samurai descendant. Using seven heirloom Japanese swords, he’ll explain their parts, roles, and decorations, as well as demonstrate safe appreciation and how to hold and swing a mock sword. Gear up in Iaido clothing and learn the etiquette of the samurai.
Yamagata | Katana sword making observation
Observe Tsunehira crafting award-winning katana in his studio and learn about katana forging techniques firsthand. Then, join him for tea and snacks while inspecting a collection of his completed work.
Saga | Katana Swordsmith Observation
Learn about the history and production techniques of forging katana blades from a master swordsmith. Observe different parts of the smithing process firsthand. Guided by the master, carefully examine two types of blades to understand the intricate characteristics of Japanese katana.
Discover more about katana
Witness the creation of these striking works of art, guided by master Japanese swordsmiths, and participate firsthand in a heritage filled with fierce valor and shining brilliance.
Meet the Masters of the Samurai Sword: Katana Crafting in Japan: Learn more about the history of crafting katana in Japan, then learn more about the range of different katana sword masters conducting masterclasses with Deeper Japan.
Unsheathing Bushido and Gender: The Female Samurai Warriors of Aizu: Discover the hidden history of the female warriors of Aizu, who defended their domain with warrior spirit while wielding long katana blades.
Interview with Fusahiro, Katana Master: Fusahiro crafts katana blade in his Greater Tokyo Area forge, selectively allowing curious travelers inside his studio. Learn more about this master and how he got started in forging katana.
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