Nippon Genshosha swordsmiths
experts: licensed swordsmiths Kuromoto-san, Yamazoe-san, Miyagi-san
Why Japanese swords?
The heritage art of creating Japanese swords is one of the most time intensive processes, which includes not only the sword making process, but the decade-long experience it takes just to be considered a master. To be considered a traditional swordsmith, one needs to of course learn the art, spend years in apprenticeship, be able to make their own tools by hand, and then build and run a forge of their own. There are less than three hundred swordsmiths left in Japan, but this legacy isn’t only about preserving the tradition of making swords, it's about storytelling and passing down the history carved into the blades for future generations to experience. Japanese swords actually tell the story of Japan’s history. Based on the style of the blade, the curve, the length, the edging and design, its possible to tell which period the sword belongs to. This is directly tied to periods of peace, periods of war, how people were fighting, and which parties were ruling. With a sword expert, a collection of swords is a history that can be retold.
Why Japanese swords in Kyoto by the Sea?
The three young swordsmiths running Nippon Genshosha, are not only three of Japan’s remaining swordsmiths, but three innovative artisans who understand that the future of Japanese swords is modern art. Since Japan’s different era’s can often be distinguished by the styles of swords being made, these three are working to create swords that define the modern Reiwa era, while still maintaining the heritage the art is founded on. This is quite ingenuitive, as they understand swords are also works of fine art to be displayed like gallery pieces. They define an era. They tell the story of our present-day. To see one take shape is an opportunity to watch three of the world's finest artists at work.
These three are also incredible advocates of the industry, and have designed their forge and gallery space around sharing it with people who want to understand the process and history of Japanese swords. They offer experiences where people can come watch them work, with potential to try their hand at hammering themselves, tour the forge (with displays that outline the whole sword-making process), and then to their gallery where visitors can actually handle some of the swords they have made. The gallery space also includes a private shop with some of their hand-forged pieces for sale. Pieces include swords, daggers, knives, jewelry, art pieces, and creative works like guitar picks. There is a separate consultation area for people interested in having a sword custom forged (with a variety of options to choose how the sword will look).
About our swordsmiths
Swordsmiths often work alone. It’s quite rare to have three award-winning swordsmiths create a company based on a shared vision. Kuromoto-san, Yamazoe-san, and Miyagi-san, built Nippon Genshosha to demystify one of Japan’s most revered traditional arts with the world. The three of them moved to the Tango Peninsula of Kyoto by the Sea in 2020, and officially opened their forge in January of 2021. While their main occupation is the creation of fine art swords for customers, they have generously built their forge and gallery space with the intention of sharing this rare art with visitors. They have a keen understanding of how to make the process accessible, even for people who might not have a previous interest in Japanese swords. And it is very clear that they thought about visitors and education when designing the space. Their friendly and welcoming personalities only add to the experience of visiting them in person. The future of Japanese swords is modern art, born in Kyoto by the Sea.
Where is this experience?
Craving more sword-stuff? Read more about Nippon Genshosha in the Kyoto by the Sea Times feature article.
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