Art of the Japanese Sword

Considered the pinnacle of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years, the Japanese sword endures today as a legacy of the Samurai and as a beautiful but deadly work of art. In this detailed exploration of the swordsmiths craft you will enter a rarified world where ancient steel is forged into the sharpest and most feared cutting weapon. It is a story told in the swordsmiths own words that will reveal the mystery behind the Japanese sword and separate the myth from the fiction.

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The Japanese sword … prized as much for its exceptional beauty as for it’s deadly cutting ability. It has endured for a thousand years as the pinnacle of Japanese culture. Now you can enter a world rarely seen by outsiders. To experience the true story of the Art of the Samurai Sword. A story told in the swordsmiths own words that separate the myth from the fact. It is a fascinating journey that starts with swordsmith Manabe who makes his own steel from an ancient recipe dating back to the 13th century. In this unusually detailed look into the making of the Japanese sword, this documentary “lifts the lid” to reveal dramatic footage with techniques that until now have been the craftsmens best kept secrets. Going beyond films before it Art of the Japanese Sword showcases the polishers, scabbard and metal fitting makers as well the handle wrapping … the most comprehensive movie ever made on the Japanese sword.

Follow the swordsmiths dream of creating a masterpiece, from the quest to making an ancient steel to forging a blade equal to those of the Kamakura, a medieval period that produced the greatest swords in history. For the martial artist the Japanese sword is a precise cutting weapon and symbol of the Samurai. For the collector, it is an art form whose beauty is derived from its deadly function to cut. As our story of the Japanese sword unfolds, we bring together all the artists and craftsmen whose skills turn it into both a modern work of art and a window into the past. Produced in association with Paul Martin, a leading Japanese sword expert and filmed across Japan with the very best swordsmiths and craftsmen, each one a master of their art. Step into the Shinto shrine and museums to look back at the history of the Japanese sword which also parallels the history of the Samurai. If that’s not enough for Samurai enthusiasts we enter the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu – the oldest martial arts dojo in Japan, where traditional sword fighting techniques of the Samurai are still taught. The schools instructor and top martial arts master is Otake Risuke sensei who grants a very rare interview to talk about this most ancient symbol of Japanese culture. Art of the Japanese Sword is a truly unique exploration of one of the worlds most beautiful yet deadly weapons.

Featuring the following swordsmiths: Kawachi Kunihira, Matsuda Tsuguyasu and Manabe Sumihira and more. One Japan’s top sellers of Japanese swords includes the DVD Art of the Japanese Sword with each sale … a testament to the quality and accuracy of this unique documentary.

Chapters include:

Making the Steel: Follow swordsmith Manabe Sumihira as he makes his own steel from an ancient recipe.
Forging the Steel: Japan’s top swordsmith’s, Kawachi Kunihira folding and forging the steel.
Martial Arts: Katori Shinto Ryu, Japan’s oldest traditional school of classic sword fighting, Koryu Bujutsu.
Forging the Blade: Swordsmith Matsuda Tsuguyasu shapes and tempers the blank (sunobe) blade.
Shinto and the Sword: The spiritual practice of Shinto has a long deep connection to the Japanese Sword.
Polishing: Follow polishers Matsumura Sotaro and Morii Tetsutaro as they slowly bring the beauty of the blade alive.
Handle Making: A master craftman at work as Iiyama Kensen wraps the handle in rayskin and silk-cord.

“Both informative and completely memorizing. And quite frankly blew the doors off of the documentary I have seen produced by National Geographic. I found the commentary from the artisans and guildsmen very detailed and informational that was explained in layman’s terms that every artist can relate to. I also found these men extremely humble. A honorable trait by far.For anyone that appreciates culture, history and tradition as well as a western society glimpse into an otherwise previously veiled world this is a must see!”.

Raymond Allen, USA. 03/21/2011

“One of the greatest films on the subject. A MUST for any Iaidoka”

David Orman, Ocoee, Florida, USA.  07/18/2012

“I really enjoyed Art of the Japanese Sword. Definitely the best of the western documentaries that I’ve seen on the subject. It presents a very good overview, especially if you’re a newcomer to the world of Japanese sword making.”.

Thomas Raven, USA. 06/19/2011

“This video is much longer than the play time indicates, because if you have more than a passing interest in the subject, you will re-watch a number of sections, pen in hand, getting down all the information that you need. And as far as that goes, there is more than enough information to be able to know what direction you need to go in to get anything additional you might need, because it provides a solid foundation about how much work goes into all the different pieces of a nihonto.”.

TestFlyer (user ID), Charlton, USA. 06/12/2012

Click here to read the Kendo World Magazine review

Movie Type:

DVD (To be shipped)

Run Time::

85 minutes

Region:

Plays worldwide

Language:

English Narration and subtitles

Format:

Widescreen 5.1 Surround sound