To learn the essence of the Japanese sword and experience the forging of tamahagane steel in a working swordsmith’s workshop
[Activity] Japanese Swordsmithing Experience
A Japanese sword is more than a weapon. It embodies Japan’s history, aesthetic sensibilities, and spiritual philosophy.
In this program, participants will begin with a lecture by master swordsmith Fusaoki Shimojima, covering the history, philosophy, and traditional techniques of Japanese swordmaking. This will be followed by an exclusive opportunity to observe the actual forging process inside his workshop.
As Mr. Shimojima demonstrates the successive stages of the swordmaking process up close, participants will also have the opportunity to experience hammering the steel themselves under strict safety supervision.
By witnessing the intense interplay of fire and iron firsthand, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the essence of Japanese swordmaking through all five senses.
Duration
180 min
Location
Kamikawa Town, Kodama District, Saitama Prefecture
Capacity
2 - 10名
Interpretation
〇: With an interpreter
Highlights
- Learn Inside an Active Swordsmith's Workshop
Rather than a setting staged for tourists, this experience takes place in a working swordsmith's workshop where Japanese swords are actually forged, offering an authentic glimpse into the world of traditional swordmaking.
- A Sword Is More Than a Weapon: A Reflection of Culture and Philosophy
Through the artisan's own words, discover the history, aesthetic values, and philosophy embodied in the Japanese sword, including the underlying concept of protection.
- Experience the Intensity of Fire and Iron Through All Five Senses
Through a hands-on forging experience using tamahagane (traditional Japanese steel), participants will gain a physical understanding of the essential act of forging—the process of shaping and strengthening steel that lies at the heart of Japanese swordmaking.
Perfect For
- Those seeking a deeper understanding of authentic Japanese culture in its original setting.
- Those interested in Bushido, Japanese spirituality, and traditional aesthetic values.
- Those who wish to observe a master artisan at work and experience the craft firsthand.
- Luxury travelers seeking meaningful, immersive experiences with a compelling story behind them.
Experience Details
What's Included
- Lecture by the master swordsmith
- Hands-on forging experience
- Bottled water or tea
- Guided tour of the workshop
Important Information
- The workshop is a high-temperature environment and can become particularly hot during the summer months.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement and can get dirty.
- During forging, sparks may fly over a wide area. For your safety, you will be required to maintain a safe distance from the active work area.
- Please follow all instructions given by Mr. Shimojima throughout the experience and workshop tour.
Meet the Artisan
Shimajima Fusahiro / Swordsmith
As a junior high school student, he was profoundly moved by an eight-hundred-year-old Japanese sword he encountered at the Tokyo National Museum, and resolved to pursue the path of the swordsmith. He regards the sword not as a “weapon”, but as a symbol of prayer that wards off misfortune and protects people, and continues to create works while preserving methods handed down since ancient times.
Facing the flames of the furnace and refining the senses to forge steel, he speaks of his work not as mere metalworking, but as an endeavour that carries Japan’s spiritual culture into the future.
Career
Encountered a Japanese sword at the Tokyo National Museum during junior high school and resolved to become a swordsmith
Became an apprentice to a swordsmith after graduating from high school
After approximately eight years of training, established independence
Opened his own forging workshop in 2002
Has been creating Japanese swords for over twenty years
Featured in domestic and international media (including CNN)