Observe the art and philosophy of katana sword-making with one of Japan's top masters
3 hour private experience
Location: Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the master
What you’ll do
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration by Sadanao. 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 Sadanao!
Who can attend
Children must be 11+
What to wear
Clothing and close-toed shoes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or potentially affected by spark burns. We recommend clothes that cover your arms and legs (See Things to Note below).
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (start at 9:00)
Session 2 (start at 13:00)
Access
60 min taxi ride from Hiroshima station
Will fulfill its own destiny alongside the customer
Meet our host, Sadanao, who will introduce you to the art, philosophy, and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese katana sword making. Born in 1955 in Mizuho-machi (present-day Onan-cho) in Shimane Prefecture, Sadanao began apprenticing with master katana craftsman and living national treasure Sadakazu Gassan while still a teenager. Since 1981, he has received numerous awards at the New Sword Exhibition including the Prince Takamatsu Award, the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award, the Mainichi Newspaper Award, the Kaoriyama Award, and the Award of Excellence. In 2012, he and his apprentice Shoichi Hashimoto created the Spear of Longinus for the animated film Neon Genesis Evangelion. In 2013, Sadanao succeeded Kuniie Yoshihara as president of the All-Japan Sword Artisans’ Association.
“Each customer comes in with a vision and concept for his personal katana,” says Sadanao. “From there, I view it as my mission to meld that vision with traditional craftsmanship to forge a katana that will fulfill its own destiny alongside the customer on his quest to become master of the sword.”
Come, visit Sadanao’s workshop where custom swords are individually handcrafted to exacting specifications – where katana are born from each customer’s unique vision.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
