Spot Swordsmith Guide

The Japanese katana is often recognized as a weapon, but it is much more than that. Beyond its function as a weapon, the katana symbolizes “protection” from unseen foes and embodies the aspirations and resolve of its wielder and their family.

Over 150 years ago, samurai—the warrior class in Japan—were expected to uphold the codes of honor and ideals taught by Bushido (“the way of the warrior”) in their use of the katana, particularly the mamori gatana (protective sword).

As time progressed, the privileges of the samurai were abolished, and with Japan’s modernization, the warrior class was gradually disbanded. After World War II, the production of Japanese swords and the practice of martial arts were banned, leading many swordsmiths to go out of business and causing the craft of sword-making to decline. Today, there are only about 150 swordsmiths remaining in Japan, due to the difficulty of obtaining national certification and an aging population.

In this experience, you can witness the creation process of these symbolic swords by a Japanese swordsmith.