Yoshindo Yoshihara is generally regarded as the best katana smith of our time. He was born on 21 February 1943 and lives in Takasago, Japan. He began his training as a swordsmith at the tender age of 12 with his grandfather, the founder of the "Yoshihara Mon" school.
His father Kuniie Masahiro and his older brother Kuniie Shoji are also famous swordsmiths. Yoshindo Yoshihara is the 10th generation to continue swordsmithing. At the age of 22, Yoshindo Yoshihara received his licence as the official swordsmith of Japan.
He currently runs his smithy together with his son Yoshikazu, who will take over as the 11th generation once his father has retired.
Characteristics of Yoshindo Yoshihara's swords
The swords forged by Yoshindo Yoshihara always consist of Tamahagane steel from Tatara production in Shimane Prefecture. This is the most original sword steel, which has been used for forging for centuries.
This is of course entirely in keeping with the tradition in which Nihonto forged.
Due to the fact that it is not industrially produced steel, it has different impurities. Based on his knowledge and experience, Yoshihara then combines these different Tamagahane steels to produce the best possible blade.
„The combination of "bad" and "good" steel and an excellent forging technique give a blade its beauty and personality, just like a person. A perfect blade has no personality."
- Yoshindo Yoshihara
He has won numerous awards with revivals of antique swords. His swords are generally recognised as Shinsakuto, i.e. classified as contemporary swords.
His awards & achievements
- Awarded the title of "Mukansa", which means that his swords are exhibited "without judgement" at the annual swordsmith exhibition. They are of such high quality that they cannot win any further prizes because they are far superior to the competition.
- 7x first prize, 2x second prize and 5x third prize at the National Japanese Swordsmith Competition
- Successful completion of a cutting test by the famous sword tester Terutaka Kawabata
- Visit by the Swedish King Carl Gustaf XVI to his workshop in Japan
- Co-author of the famous book "The Craft of the Japanese Sword"
"Dhe Japanese sword is a symbol of Bushido and characterises the spirit of Japan"
- Yoshindo Yoshihara
Can I buy a Yoshindo Yoshihara sword & how much does it cost?
Yes, it is indeed possible to buy a sword from the master blacksmith. On the one hand, swords that he has forged are occasionally auctioned off.
There is also the option of having a customised sword forged by him. However, this requires a personal meeting, as he only makes swords for people he has met in person.
Prices for Yoshindo Yoshihara swords at auction start at just under €10,000. Individual swords are available from around €50,000. The outstanding quality therefore demands a corresponding price.
