Honjo Trip Overview
Breathtaking craftsmanship
The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures.
These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the creation of this powerfully symbolic sword with Fusahiro, one of the last remaining Japanese swordsmith.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours
Starts: Honjo, Japan
Trip Category: Classes & Workshops >> Sports Lessons
Explore Honjo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Honjo, Saitama, Japan
Breathtaking craftsmanship
The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures.
These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the creation of this powerfully symbolic sword with Fusahiro, one of the last remaining Japanese swordsmith.
Itinerary
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration by Fusahiro. 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 Fusahiro!