At Fusahiro Shimojima’s workshop, in the industrial city of Saitama, fires rage in small pits and an earthen floor absorbs the din of hammering. The Japanese swordsmith pounds the nascent blade of his ...

Sparks illuminate the soot-covered studio of Japanese swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki as his apprentice hammers red-hot steel, showcasing a millennium-old craft enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

Yoshindo Yoshihara was born in Tokyo on February 21, 1943 and first started making Japanese swords in 1965 after learning his art working as an apprentice swordsmith. Since that time he has won awards ...

A traditional swordsmith in Japan says growing pop culture interest is bringing new, younger audiences to the centuries-old art of katana making. In Saitama Prefecture, 57-year-old swordsmith Akihira ...

SETOUCHI, Okayama -- Acrylic keychains featuring swordsmiths are gaining popularity at a sword museum in this western Japan city amid a "touken" blade･･･ ...

It starts with ordinary iron sand — then, through a 1,300-year-old process, it becomes one of the most refined blades ever made. Using fire, charcoal, and repeated folding, Japanese swordsmiths create ...

HARUNAKA Hoshino sits in his garage and slides his finger along a blade wielded by a masterful Samurai centuries ago. The 55-year-old Japanese swordsmith silently looks for any nicks and traces of ...

In Saitama Prefecture, 57-year-old swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki continues a centuries-old tradition of forging katana, as renewed interest in Japanese swords draws a new generation of fans. Popular ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In Saitama Prefecture, 57-year-old swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki continues a centuries-old tradition of forging katana, as renewed ...