Meet Fusahiro, Katana Master
“I chose to become a Katana-kaji swordsmith when I realized that “katana” wasn’t just a weapon, but something passed down from generation to generation. ”
In the Edo Period, Japanese swords known as “katana” were widely used by samurai soldiers ruling Japan.
The craft of katana making dwindled during the Meiji Period, which followed the Edo period, when Japan opened its doors internationally and restricted samurai privileges. Today, kantana can only be seen in museums, private collections, or in movies.
The National Museum in Ueno was where Fusahiro, a professional katana craftsman, saw his first katana. The museum visit was a middle school class trip, and it was the start of Fusahiro’s fascination with katana. Middle school Fusahiro had believed, like all his classmates, that katana was something from the past that was no longer made, but the pristine condition of the 800 year old sword changed his beliefs. The sword was not rusty like other 800 year old artifacts, and that was because the sword was mended through the generations.
To Fusahiro, katana was no longer a weapon; it represented a culture passed down and curated by passionate and dedicated people throughout generations, and he understood then that he needed to be a part of this culture.
Recently, Fusahiro has opened the doors to his workshop for guests to learn more about katana and how they are made. Though he rarely allows people except his clients to enter the workshop, he now sees the need to spread awareness about his diminishing craft.
Walking into the industrial workshop of Fusahiro and seeing the walls lined with various metal working tools brings you back to a time of the samurai soldiers. The dark, cool atmosphere drowns the outside world and immerses you in a sense of mystery. Seeing the katana for the first time in this atmosphere will bring goosebumps to your arms as you appreciate its elegant beauty.
In his white-clad workshop, Fusahiro practices a deeply spiritual version of sword-making. The furnace (hodo) is consecrated with Shinto shimenawa, purifying the space before forging begins. The process of forging a katana sword begins with tamahagane—pure steel refined through folding, layering, and hammering to the tune of 30,000+ laminations. This laborious method produces the katana’s signature hamon (temper line) and vital balance of hardness, flexibility, and edge retention.
Each masterpiece takes months—if not years—to complete, and often involves collaboration with scabbard and handguard artisans. Often, katana swordmasters like Fusahiro believe each blade is a mirror for the soul of its owner—a heirloom imbued with both craftsmanship and character.
In a modern world of mechanized mass production, Fusahiro’s work stands as a defiant testament to ritual, discipline, and lineage. Through hands-on forging experiences, visitors connect not only with steel, fire, and hammer—but with Japan’s centuries-old spirit.
With a lifelong dedication to preserving this sacred craft, Fusahiro is passionate about sharing the philosophy, history, and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Join Fusahiro-san for a tour of his forge, where you'll learn about the history of Japanese swords and the lineage of master swordsmiths to which he belongs— a memorable encounter with one of Japan’s most iconic crafts..
Meet More Masters
Discover Cultural Experiences
