The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture

 

There are many tales in the Japan’s earliest recorded histories, the Kojiki and the

Nihonshoki, of the Imperial Family’s very long and deep relationship with swords. Also,

it is recorded in the Eiga Monogatari (A Story of Splendor) that when a new prince was

born, the Emperor would give him a sword as a blessing. It is serves as evidence of the

existence of the ancient custom of swords being given as amulets for spiritual protection

(Omamori-gatana).

Additionally, swords called, setto , were bestowed by the Emperor as a symbol of

delegation of authority from the imperial court. These swords were given to

ambassadors dispatched overseas, for use in the quelling of rebellions, and to shoguns

who were dispatched to war This custom is thought to have continued until the

establishment of the military government in the Kamakura period.

In 1868, after nearly 700 years of samurai rule, the new Meiji government was

established. Japan underwent major changes including the transformation of social

order from a feudal society into a modern one. In 1872, an order was issued obligating

citizens to serve in the military. However, in 1876, an edict was issued banning the

wearing of swords (haitorei).

The edict caused a steep decline in the demand for swords. Swordsmiths and other

sword related craftsmen struggling for work turned to other crafts such as making

cutlery and agricultural tools to make a living. There were also those that could not cope

and committed suicide. However, a small band of sword craftsmen, including fittings

makers Natsuo Kano, Unno Shomin, and lacquer artists, Kawanobe Itcho, and Shibata

Zeshin weathered the storms of the Meiji era and carved a new path for Japanese arts

and crafts, which flourished into the modern era.

The newly formed military wore saber type mountings with western style uniforms, but

the manufacturing method of the blades remained unchanged from ancient times.

However, the demand for swords was still small. In 1890, the designation of, Imperial

Household Artist (Teishitsu Gigei-In: a forerunner to Living National Treasure), was

established. The first swordsmiths to be appointed were Gassan Sadakazu and

Miyamoto Kanenori.

Emperor Meiji is known as an avid sword lover. Even today, many of the famous swords

in the Imperial Household Agency and Tokyo National Museum were given to Emperor

Meiji by former feudal lords on learning that he was passionate about swords. In 1900,

the Chuo Token-kai (Central Sword Society) was established with the aim of preserving

traditional techniques unique to Japan, including sword-making. The society received a

great deal of support from Emperor Meiji.

Emperor Meiji’s contributions to sword appreciation are immeasurable. It is our hope

that this exhibition is in some way a symbol of our gratitude for the Emperor’s kindness.