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The Art of the Japanese Sword: The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation Hardcover – September 10, 2012

by Yoshindo Yoshihara (Author), Leon Kapp (Author), Hiroko Kapp (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 317 ratings
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In The Art of the Japanese Sword, master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara offers a detailed look at the entire process of Japanese sword making, including the finishing and appreciation of Japanese blades.

Japanese sword art stands out in many ways: functionality as a weapon, sophisticated metallurgy and metalsmithing, the shape of the blade itself—all contribute to the beauty of these remarkable weapons. The Art of the Japanese Sword conveys to the reader Japanese samurai sword history and Japanese sword care, as well as explaining how to view and appreciate a blade.

With 256 full-color pages, this sword book illustrates in meticulous detail how modern craftsmen use traditional methods to prepare their steel, forge the sword and create the unique hardened edge. By gaining a good understanding of how a sword is made, the reader will be able to appreciate the samurai sword more fully. Topics include:
  • Appreciating the Japanese sword
  • History of the Japanese sword
  • Traditional Japanese steelmaking
  • Making the sword
  • Finishing the sword
Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    September 10, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    9 x 1 x 12 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    4805312408
  7. ISBN-13
    978-4805312407
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

art of the japanese sword 9784805312407
art of the japanese sword 9784805312407
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samurai swords swords & armor - 9784805318386 samurai swords samurai swords samurai swords
Samurai Swords - A Collector's Guide Japanese Swords and Armor The Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture The Samurai Encyclopedia Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan
More on Swords, Armor, and Samurai History from Tuttle Publishing: A Comprehensive Introduction to History, Collecting and Preservation - of the Japanese Sword Masterpieces from Thirty of Japan's Most Famous Samurai From the Age of Musashi to Contemporary Pop Culture A Comprehensive Guide to Japan's Elite Warrior Class With an Extensive Introduction and Notes by Alexander Bennett

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Though there can be no substitute for the study of Nihonto in person, […] but for the lay person, a sword novice, or bladesmith without an understanding of the process, this book is the next best thing. The authors have set a standard for a glimpse into the world of Nihonto, associated arts and complexities of the craft." —SwordForum

"This is a very nice publication with wonderful photographs that tantalize one's mind. A worthy addition to any library." —Jason Lee A. Hatcher, Founder, Katsujinken, a Sword Arts Journal

"It doesn't matter if you are simply interested in the history and function of Japanese swords or a would-be smith yourself, you will find a vast amount of useful chapters in each of these chapters. All sections of this book are illustrated with high-quality color photos, with many full-page in size. The authors state they feel a person needs to understand every facet of making a Japanese sword to fully appreciate the finished weapon. I know of few books on the subject that do a better job of meeting that goal." —Tactical Knives blog

"The Art of the Japanese Sword is a very thorough look at the history, making and appreciation of the Japanese sword and serves well both the connoisseur and the novice. This book is most definitely recommended to anyone with an interest in Japanese art and culture." —Diverse Japan blog

"After reading it, I can say the authors accomplished what they set out to do. The book was thorough enough to be a resource, but it wasn't weighty." —Introvert Japan blog

"The Art of the Japanese Sword is an extensive tour through the methods of sword creation, preservation, and appreciation. More than that, it is a celebration of the creativity and dedication of a culture in refining a tool of war into an implement of extreme philosophical and aesthetic beauty." —Ikigai Way blog

About the Author

Yoshindo Yoshihara is a third-generation swordsmith. His grandfather Kuniie began making swords in 1933 in Tokyo and was ranked among the top swordsmiths in Japan during his career. Yoshindo lives and works in Tokyo with his son, who represents the fourth generation of swordsmiths in the family. Yoshindo, who is always training young swordsmiths and currently has five apprentices working with him, has been named an Important Cultural Property of the city and prefecture of Tokyo and is a mukansa (top-ranked swordsmith) in Japan.

Leon Kapp, a molecular biologist, lives with his wife Hiroko in San Rafael, California. He has been seriously interested in Japanese swords for over twenty-five years and has spent a great deal of time learning about them from Yoshindo.

Hiroko Kapp is a writer for Senken Shimbun News of Tokyo and writes about fashion and the fashion industry in the US. She graduated from Musashi-no Art University in Tokyo. For twenty-five years, she was active in the apparel business and designed scarves for her own line in the US.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacke edition (September 10, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805312408
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4805312407
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.94 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 1 x 12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 317 ratings

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
317 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Wynton Visser
5.0 out of 5 stars like the swords that come from Master Yoshindo's forge
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
What a spectacular book.
I am so grateful that, Leon Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara - (and the rest of the team that worked so hard on this book) - are the kind of people who understand the belief that: 'If you get you must give and if you've learned you must teach".
Over a thousand years of teachings, of trial and error, have all been coalesced into this book and it, like the swords that come from Master Yoshindo's forge, is a masterpiece.
Each page is a treasure trove of wisdom and techniques and the more you read, the more you begin to discover that the Japanese sword, who's origins began as a quest for the ultimate edged weapon, has now evolved into a science and an art.
This book has changed my view of the Japanese sword and I now wish to do all I can to continue to learn about and preserve these precious portals into the past. I now appreciate that the Japanese sword is not just an art piece crafted by one single artist, but rather; each sword is a symphony - a collaboration between multiple craftsmen; smelters, steel smiths, polishers, engravers and carpenters who have all dedicated their lives to producing an item of true beauty - the perfect balance between form and function.
If you have a love for Japanese swords, or if you just wish to learn more about the Japanese Culture behind their production, then I recommend that you read "The Art of the Japanese Sword". It is an in-depth revelation into all the hand-skills, the technology, the tools and the means of appreciation that you will need to get better acquainted with this fine craft and these fine artifacts. This book has greatly enriched me, the reader. And it has sent me on a quest to one day, (hopefully), be the custodian of one of these great swords. I say custodian, because I have learned that you can never truly own one of these swords - you merely look after it for the following generation.

Wynton Visser -
Jeweller
South Africa.
7 people found this helpful
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D
5.0 out of 5 stars The book is beautiful and well written
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2017
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This book is a must have book if you are interested in Japanese swords. One should note that it is specific. It covers the making of a blade from Tamahagane (bloom iron) through forging, polishing, Habaki crafting, and ending with the making of a Shirasaya (Storage Scabbard). The book does start with a brief history of Japanese swords ,Blade description ,sword appreciation, and a little about sword furniture. There are many clear photos along with descriptions that explain the entire process. The book is beautiful and well written. I wish there were about another 20 pages to cover the Tsuka,Tsuba, Saya, and other koshirae better. But I admit they are covered in many other books and are subjects in themselves.
Buy this book . You won't be disappointed.
10 people found this helpful
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Edward Vela
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
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A really good read for those who are interested in the art and history of forging these well known swords.
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mike leyva
5.0 out of 5 stars The art of the Japanese sword
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
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I love this book
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kanikaG
5.0 out of 5 stars Super pleased !
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2021
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Ordered for my kid who is a great fan of Samurai history and the Japanese culture in general. It turned out to be such a fantastic looking book - large and heavy - could be used as coffee table book too.
Apart from looks more importantly it’s a well written and illustrated book.
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James Tangredi
4.0 out of 5 stars The book has great photos that are also learning guides
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2016
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The book has great photos that are also learning guides. Is well suited for anyone who wants to learn the history of the katana and also has some information for the beginning forger.
One person found this helpful
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Edward Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars Learn your Japanese swords!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2023
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As a brand new sword maker in the world of Japanese swords this was a must have book for me! It’s awesome!
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Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2022
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If you are familiar with master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara, perhaps from one of the NHK World specials, then you will enjoy this beautiful book. The book can certainly stand on its on, but it is a lovely adjunct to one of the several videos about this amazing craftsman and his art.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Jean
5.0 out of 5 stars Alles ist in Ordnung
Reviewed in Germany on November 6, 2023
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Alles ist in Ordnung
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Alan Gibbs
5.0 out of 5 stars Most enlighten read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2022
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Nice hardback book full of information on the design and making of the Japanese Samurai Sword.
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Alan Gibbs
5.0 out of 5 stars Most enlighten read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2022
Nice hardback book full of information on the design and making of the Japanese Samurai Sword.
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Jona_B
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen libro para entusiastas
Reviewed in Mexico on May 10, 2020
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Si eres una persona que sabe poco y quiere conocer mas los procesos de elaboración e historia, este libro es para ti, si ya tienes conocimiento y experiencia, podrías mirar otros libros, la mayoría de la información esta en internet, pero las fotografias son buenas y la estructura de los temas te ayuda a entender todo mejor.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Eccellente per un primo dettagliato approfondimento sul tema
Reviewed in Italy on April 6, 2021
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Se vi appassiona la spada giapponese e volete sapere tutto sulle sue peculiarità questo è un libro da avere assolutamente! Il libro è pieno zeppo di immagini di alta qualità che inizialmente descrivono forme e tipologie della spada e degli accessori per poi descrivere tutte le fasi del processo di produzione. E' stampato tutto su carta fotografica a colori (su fondo nero, testo in bianco). Ogni fase del processo di produzione della spada viene trattato attentamente sia dal punto di vista fotografico che nel testo. Anche i piccoli particolari della produzione vengono spiegati dettagliatamente insieme ai motivi per cui quel particolare passo del processo produttivo è necessario. Il libro elenca anche tutta la terminologia giapponese che descrive ogni parte della spada e delle fasi di lavorazione (essenziale se si intende proseguire nello studio su altri testi). Non mancano anche capitoli sulla creazione della shirasaya (custodia in bambu) nella quale viene consegnata la spada nuda perché venga successivamente affilata ed ornata.
Molto utili e fatti con cura gli schemi riassuntivi delle varie parti della spada, delle fasi di forgiatura e di qualche tipologia di hamon (disegno caratteristico che corre sul bordo della lama delle spade giapponesi) che è uno dei principali oggetti di apprezzamento delle stesse per il collezionista.
E' un libro introduttivo, ma è fatto molto (molto) bene. Dice tutto quel che c'è da sapere per avere una più che approfondita conoscenza sull'argomento e rappresenta una solidissima base se si vuole continuare nello studio della spada giapponese.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Reviewed in Canada on November 24, 2017
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This book far exceeded my expectations! Not only was it much larger than anticipated (which lends itself nicely to the pictures) the level of detail and the artwork therein are absolutely spectacular. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the subject of Japanese swords, you will not regret the purchase.
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