How to Pursue a Career as a Katana Blacksmith?
In the process of crafting a Japanese sword today, individuals must first register with the "Prefectural Public Safety Commission" and acquire an official license. To achieve this, aspiring blacksmiths must apprentice under a seasoned professional to gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan's history, culture, and the intricate techniques involved in crafting Japanese swords. The minimum apprenticeship duration is 5 years. Authorized Japanese swordsmiths, revered as masters of one of Japan's principal arts and crafts, possess not only the technical prowess to forge tamahagane iron but also a deep understanding of Japan's rich heritage and culture. They are esteemed as "Japanese culture professionals" in the contemporary world. Here, we delve into the profession of swordsmithing and outline the journey towards mastering it.
Please note that the steps outlined here pertain to becoming a blacksmith in Japan and may differ in other regions like the US. Nonetheless, they offer a general insight into the path to follow.
What Defines a Swordsmith?
When inquired about the creators of Japanese swords, most individuals mention swordsmiths. But what exactly does this role entail? As of 2017, there were 188 swordsmiths in existence. Japanese sword craftsmanship is a traditional art form indigenous to Japan, with origins dating back to the Heian period (794-1192). Swordsmiths serve as esteemed custodians of Japan's artistic and artisanal heritage.
Carriers of Time-Honored Expertise
The legacies crafted by esteemed blacksmiths like Masamune, Yoshimitsu Awataguchi, and Yoshihiro Gono, collectively known as "Tenga Sansaku," have transcended generations.In simpler terms, the blacksmiths behind Japan's iconic swords were not just talented artists of their time but also served as representatives of Japan.
Japanese sword making faced a crisis during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Showa (1926-1989) periods but was brought back to life in 1958 with the introduction of the "Regulations for the Approval of the Production of Art Swords," recognizing swordsmithing as a legal profession and allowing the creation of new Japanese swords.
The Lone Female Swordsmith in History
Lately, there has been a growing interest from women in Japanese swords, giving rise to the term "sword girl." While some aspire not only to appreciate these swords but to even create their own, becoming a swordsmith involves physically demanding tasks like working with heated steel called 'tamahagane' and shaping it using a mallet in a hot workshop, making it challenging for women to pursue this profession.
Despite women making headway in various industries, the number of female swordsmiths remains limited. In fact, there is just one: Otsuki Gen, recognized as history's sole female swordsmith. Gen, active in Bicchu (now the western Okayama prefecture) during the Edo period, took up sword making to preserve her school's legacy after her ill husband could no longer craft Japanese swords.She earned the nickname "Onna Kunishige" (女国重) because of her lineage from the Ebara Kunishige school, a renowned group of blacksmiths hailing from Bitchu. While Gen Otsuki did not craft tachi swords (long swords), she excelled in creating numerous "tanto" (short swords) instead. It is widely acknowledged that her forging skills were on par with, if not superior to, those of her male counterparts.
The Path to Becoming a Sword Smith
In the realm of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, there exists no formal institution like a "vocational school" for aspiring sword smiths. The sole route to mastering this craft is through apprenticeship under a seasoned sword-making blacksmith, culminating in the completion of the "Training Course for the Preservation of Art Sword Smithing Techniques" under the auspices of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The journey to becoming a sword smith mandates a minimum apprenticeship duration of five years. Even upon attaining the title of sword smith, adherence to a stringent regimen is a necessity.
Prerequisites for Sword Smith Apprenticeship
Securing the permission of the Agency for Cultural Affairs is a fundamental prerequisite for embarking on the vocation of sword smithing. Crafting Japanese swords without official authorization is strictly prohibited. Given the lethal nature of Japanese swords, it is imperative to exercise responsibility in their creation and to transparently report all details – such as the identity of the sword's commissioner and the production quantity – to the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Prospective sword smiths must demonstrate the requisite integrity, discernment, and ethical conduct to navigate these procedural intricacies competently.### Sword Smith Apprenticeship Requirements
In Section 2 of the Art Sword Production Approval Regulations, it is stipulated that a blacksmith seeking approval for sword production must undergo a five-year apprenticeship under the guidance of an experienced master blacksmith who holds production approval. This period of training is essential to demonstrate the acquisition of necessary skills in the art of sword making. The aspiring blacksmith must dedicate themselves to honing their craft for an additional five years under the mentorship of an approved master blacksmith, ensuring continuity in their skill development.
Dive into Sword Smithing
Becoming a sword smith does not follow a formal academic path. Typically, apprentices do not receive monetary compensation, necessitating the apprentice to cover their living expenses such as housing, food, and clothing. Additionally, costs associated with using the forge and training materials may fall upon the apprentice.
The apprenticeship demands full-time commitment on weekdays for five years, mirroring a typical workweek in other professions, but with the significant departure of no financial remuneration. The financial challenges posed by this arrangement are substantial.
Even in contemporary times, information about the intricacies of the sword smithing profession remains scarce. Prospective sword smiths face difficulties in identifying master smiths in proximity or establishing contact with them to initiate training.There is a growing movement dedicated to catering to the aspirations of individuals striving to become master swordsmiths.After three years, he started learning the basics of blacksmithing gradually with his master's guidance. Following this, he delved into serious study of the craft.
Certification Exam for Sword Smiths
When a swordsmith completes five years of training, they can attend the Artistic Swordmaking Skills Preservation Workshop, sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This workshop, lasting eight days, assesses fundamental swordsmithing skills such as forging, polishing, and ornamental work. Failing to meet the required proficiency levels means the trainee must undergo further training. Simply put, passing this exam and completing the training is vital to becoming a certified swordsmith. The only path to certification is demonstrating proficiency in the skills acquired during training.
Starting Your Own Blacksmithing Business
Upon completing at least five years of training, attending the program, and receiving approval from their master to work independently, an aspiring blacksmith can launch their career. Establishing oneself as an independent blacksmith necessitates owning a personal workshop or forge. According to the Regulation on the Approval of the Production of Art Swords, declaring the "place of production" is a requisite for obtaining a smith's license. Essential equipment for sword making includes a hidoko (fire-hearth), bellows (for controlling fire intensity by introducing air into the hidoko), assorted hammers, files, hibashi (fire tongs), and other necessary tools.Opening a new forge costs anywhere from several million to 10 million yen, excluding the land cost.
Moreover, it's essential to have both the initial capital and operational funds. Ideally, getting an upfront payment from customers to craft Japanese swords at the forge is great. But if you must finance the forge and sword production upfront, then you must cover all expenses until the swords are delivered.
Crafting a Japanese sword typically costs several hundred thousand yen, which covers the raw material, tamahagane. Hence, it's wise to maintain some savings.
As mentioned earlier, there are multiple steps involved in starting out as a blacksmith.
Regardless of reaching the starting line, the likelihood of thriving as a blacksmith hinges on your ongoing dedication and innate talent. The journey towards becoming a master blacksmith unfolds when you avoid complacency and instead commit passionately to your craft with a sense of purpose and aspiration.
