Why Japanese Swords Are Works of Art
Many people think of Japanese swords as weapons.
But in Japan, they are also admired as works of art.
Their beauty lies not only in their shape, but in the intricate patterns of the steel, the hamon, and the craftsmanship hidden within every blade.
This experience will help you discover what makes a Japanese sword truly extraordinary.
The Art of Sword Polishing
Traditional Japanese sword polishing is not about making a blade sharper.
Its purpose is to reveal the beauty already hidden within the steel while preserving the blade for future generations.
Every stroke requires patience, precision, and respect for the sword.
During this experience, you'll discover how polishing transforms the way we appreciate a Japanese sword.
What You'll Experience
1
Orientation
Meet the togishi, who will provide a brief overview of the experience and introduce the basics of Japanese swords and traditional sword polishing.
2
Foundation Polishing
Experience foundation polishing in the unique traditional seated posture used by Japanese sword polishers.
3
Finishing Polishing
Polish a section of the blade by following the actual polishing process used by professional sword polishers.
4
Reflection
Take time to look back on the experience, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of Japanese swords and the art of traditional polishing.
Book Your Sword Polishing Experience
・Essential Experience
¥33,000 for 1 guest
+¥11,000 per additional guest
（Introductory Price）
(※English support is not yet available.）
approx. 2 hours
read more
※Now available at a special trial price of ¥16,500.
・Private Advanced Experience
¥110,000 for 1 guest
+¥11,000 per additional guest
（Introductory Price）
（※English interpreter available upon request at no additional charge.）
approx. 3 hours
read more
・Japanese Sword Polishing Guidance
Hands-on instruction and advice for those practicing Japanese sword polishing as a hobby.
¥11,000 for 1 guest
（Introductory Price）
1 hour
read more
A Message from the Japanese Sword Polisher
For me, polishing Japanese swords is simply the work I have been doing for many years.
Because it is such a familiar part of my everyday life, I was not sure how much value there would be in sharing what I normally do and allowing others to experience it for themselves. To be honest, I had some doubts when I first started TOUMA.
But after people began experiencing sword polishing for themselves, I started hearing comments such as, “I see Japanese swords differently now.”
And if the experience also inspires people to become interested in the techniques behind Japanese swords and the craftspeople who dedicate their lives to this work, I believe that alone gives TOUMA a reason to exist.
But TOUMA has another purpose as well.
Today, it is not easy for a sword polisher to devote enough time to each individual blade, earn a sustainable living, and still have the time and resources to train the next generation. If this situation continues, the number of sword polishers will decline, and passing these skills on to future generations will become increasingly difficult.
Eventually, this will also affect our ability to preserve the beauty and value of Japanese swords for the future.
That is why I believe we need to create new ways for sword polishers to build sustainable careers in a form that fits the world we live in today.
If sword polishers can use the skills and knowledge they have developed over many years to earn income in ways beyond polishing itself, they can continue to pursue high-quality work while also having more time and resources to pass their skills on to the next generation.
I do not want TOUMA to be a success for me alone.
I hope this initiative can become one example that inspires other sword polishers—and perhaps craftspeople in other traditional fields—to find new ways of building on the skills and knowledge they have spent years developing.
For craftspeople to be able to make a living from their work.
To have the time to continue doing that work well.
And to be able to pass their skills on to the next generation.
I believe that creating such an environment is also an important part of preserving the value of Japanese swords and the art of sword polishing for the future.
Masachika Eto
Japanese Sword Polisher | Fukuoka, Japan