Tameshigiri – Test Cutting History and Techniques

Tameshigiri History and Techniques Tameshigiri means test cutting, for the benefit of improving the swordsmen’s sense of Maai in Kendo, as well as their sword cutting skills. However, it does[... ]

Buying a Shinken Sword

Shinken Sword As a collector or martial arts practitioner, buying a Shinken sword will be necessary. The Shinken is a term that translates to a real sword. It is a[... ]

Kogarasu Maru – Double Edge Katana

The Kogarasu Maru The Kogarasu Maru – a double-edged Katana – is also called the Little Crow. It is a distinct Japanese Katana believed to have been crafted by Amakuni.[... ]

What is Tamahagane?

Tamahagane There are various Japanese swords made of Tamahagane steel, but what is Tamahagane? It is a kind of steel that originated from Japan for producing classic Nihonto. In a[... ]

How the Japanese Sword Evolved Into Today’s Modern Katana

Japanese Sword Evolution The Japanese sword went through a lot of changes before it evolved into today’s modern Katana. It is the product of centuries of refinement. It changed based[... ]

Katana in the Era of Peace

The Katana in the era of peace is a valuable symbol for a Samurai’s identity. It is the ‘Soul of the Samurai.’ The Samurai in the military class obtains[... ]

The Imjin War of 1592 and 1597 (The Japanese Invasions of Korea)

The Imjin War of 1592 and 1597 The Japanese Invasions of Korea or the Imjin war is separated into two linked operations: the first one that happened in 1592, and[... ]

The New Bakufu – A Beginning of Change in the Edo Period

The New Bakufu – The Edo Period The Edo period was one of the known eras in Japanese history. Some refer to it as the Tokugawa period. It lasted from[... ]

Minatogawa: The Final Battlefield of Kusunoki Masashige

Minatogawa: The Last Stand Minatogawa is the Final Battlefield of Kusunoki Masashige. The battle showed why Kusunoki Masashige is one of the most commendable warriors in Japanese history. He is[... ]

Shinsengumi: Tokugawa Shogunate’s Warriors

The Shinsengumi The Shinsengumi, the warriors of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is a group of individuals recruited by the Bakufu. They were to safeguard Kyoto from the radical loyalists of the[... ]