Samurai Spirits and Sense of Beauty Dwelling in Japanese Swords, Arms, and Costumes
Forged from raw steel made by the traditional Japanese tatara steel-making method, Japanese swords are made by the traditional sword-making method originally developed in Japan, and the superb techniques of swordsmiths. These swords represent the very spirits of the samurai. They not only have beautiful steel blades, but also shark skin tsuka hilts, saya scabbards on which kurikata knobs are attached, kogatana knives and kogai (tool for ear-picking and hair-arranging) that are stored in the scabbards, tsuba to protect the sword wielder’s hands in battle, and seppa washers used for the sword guards.
Featuring both functionality and beauty, each part of each sword is elaborately created by a craftsman. Japanese swords are world-acclaimed art objects of which Japan is deservedly proud. As well as exhibiting excellent Japanese swords forged by renowned swordsmiths, we also exhibit dismantled parts of a Japanese sword, and hold a Japanese sword workshop where you can learn more about Japanese swords. At the museum, you can feel the mystique of Japanese swords more deeply, which is one of our main features.