Tomoki
The Story
Nippon Genshōsha’s commitment is reflected in its name, Gen, skilled technique, and Sha, inherited tradition. They make swords that cut well without breaking or bending. The company was founded by a new generation of swordsmiths who with their honed skills and new values aspire to create Japanese swords that reflect the present. They also demonstrate the sword-making processes at events, in the hope of promoting Japanese swords and training swordsmiths, taking the lead for the next era for Japanese swords.
Their forge was built in Kyotango, an area historic for its forges and ruins associated with iron manufacturing techniques and tatara iron production. Legends relating to demons continue to remain at many of these old iron-making sites.
Company president Tomoki’s interest in swords began with watching period films and anime, which eventually led to sword making. He established the company in Tokyo in 2019, then three years later built a workshop in the Kyotango region in order to become independent. After director Kosuke’s grandmother passed away, the company began to utilize her former house in Tango.
One year prior to starting the company, Tomoki demonstrated in the Republic of Buriat, Russia, going on to make swords as a memorial service in the land where many Japanese military detainees were lost in Siberia after World War Two. He recognized that there was a lot of interest in the production of swords abroad.
The Japanese sword was a once a means to live by. Later, it became a projection of the spirituality of the human heart. As such, it is the embodiment of people’s thoughts and prayers. Even in times of peace, there is a need to give form to the spirit, and it is meaningful to make swords. The skill of the sword smith is necessary to create this, often going as far as interpreting and bringing shape to stimuli from the outside environment. In one example, Tomoki wanted to use as a pattern for the sword the shape of the sand at the edge of the waves of the Tango seashore.
Besides producing Japanese swords, the company manufactures carbon steel-based products. In 2020, they were commissioned by the national wall technique preservation group to create plasterers’ trowels made of tamahagane (carbon steel used for Japanese swords). They have more recently become Members of the Kyotango City Tourism Association and the Tango Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Tour
Workshop tour and technical introduction
The tour will begin with a guided tour of the workshop and an introduction to the techniques used in sword making. Mr. Kuramoto, the head of the workshop, will talk in detail about his passion for craftsmanship, the story behind it, and the philosophy behind the workshop. He will also explain about his handmade forging tools, such as hammers, gavels, and workbenches for beating steel. This is a rare opportunity to experience the depth of his craftsmanship while learning about the role of his tools and the process of their creation.
Demonstration by a swordsmith
In the workshop, visitors can observe the actual process of sword making up close and personal. During a demonstration of a swordsmith using traditional techniques, visitors can experience the power and precision of the craftsman’s skills as he strikes and shapes the metal.
Experience making paper knives and cutlery (for those who wish, duration: from 3 hours)
Participants can experience making paper knives and other blades according to their wishes. Under the guidance of a swordsmith, participants can experience the process of selecting materials, beating and shaping them to create their own original blades. The finished product can be taken home as a special memory.
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The Craft
The traditional technique of sword making has been handed down from generation to generation by the master’s predecessors. It is difficult to make swords using modern technology. They are precise and must be sharpened by hand at the end. Nevertheless, the company is looking for ways to utilize modern technology, for instance in the use of resin. By encasing a Japanese sword in resin, its aspect as a weapon is sealed off, emphasizing instead its beauty, infusing a modern living space to create a new style.
Making the base metal is difficult, but if done well, the process of adding blade patterns will be easier. The key is to adjust the amount of carbon. If the carbon content is too low, it will be difficult to create a gorgeous blade pattern. What eventually develops is a sharp, sophisticated form with a honed shine and a unique, beautiful Hamon pattern.
Selected works
