Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
JA | EN
Japan Cultural Expo
beyond2020
The Japanese Craft Expo 2022

Producing the Steel for Japanese Swords

Using traditional techniques to produce tamahagane,
the steel used for Japanese swords, the acme of steel craftsmanship

The Society for the Preservation
of Japanese Art Swords

 Designated in 1997 

The Japanese Sword Museum, 1-12-9 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015

https://www.touken.or.jp/

This society is involved in the making of tamahagane, the type of steel that is indispensable for Japanese swords, relying on techniques that date from the Edo period (1603-1868). The process takes three days (a total of about 70 hours) from the time the clay-tub furnance (tatara) is lit. The purity of the resulting tamahagane makes it ideal for blades. The steel is produced several times a year at the Nittōho Tatara in the town of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture.

Shintō priest conducting a ceremony for the lighting of the furnace. A prayer is made for the operations to proceed without mishap.
Shintō priest conducting a ceremony for the lighting of the furnace. A prayer is made for the operations to proceed without mishap.
Kihara Akira directing operations. Mr. Kihara holds the title of Murage or senior smelter. An important part of his job is instructing younger staff.
Kihara Akira directing operations. Mr. Kihara holds the title of Murage or senior smelter. An important part of his job is instructing younger staff.
Murage Watanabe Katsuhiko directing operations. A senior smelter must have a broad range of knowledge and experience.
Murage Watanabe Katsuhiko directing operations. A senior smelter must have a broad range of knowledge and experience.
The furnace is working well, producing a fine stream of iron slag (noro).
The furnace is working well, producing a fine stream of iron slag (noro).
A large stream of slag, resembling lava, coming from the furnace.
A large stream of slag, resembling lava, coming from the furnace.
It takes seven people to break apart the tub.
It takes seven people to break apart the tub.
Encasing the base of the furnace, a vital component, for next year’s smelting.
Encasing the base of the furnace, a vital component, for next year’s smelting.
The special charocal used to produce the high temperatures inside the furnace.
The special charocal used to produce the high temperatures inside the furnace.