Visit to Fusahiro Shimojima's forge

Experiencing the art of japanese swordsmithing first-hand

At Supein Nihonto, we believe that understanding a Japanese sword begins long before the blade is polished, mounted, or certified. It begins in the forge, where steel, fire, tradition, and spirituality come together through centuries-old techniques passed down from master to apprentice.

To better understand this extraordinary craft, we travelled to Japan to visit the forge and workshop of renowned swordsmith Fusahiro Shimojima (房宙), one of the contemporary Japanese masters dedicated to preserving the ancient art of traditional sword making.

The purpose of our visit was not only to commission a custom-made Japanese sword, but also to witness first-hand the entire forging process and gain a deeper appreciation of the dedication, discipline, and spiritual commitment required to create a true Japanese blade.

The forge: where tradition meets the sacred

Unlike modern industrial manufacturing, traditional Japanese swordsmithing remains deeply connected to spiritual beliefs and centuries-old rituals.

Upon entering the forge, one immediately notices the white ceremonial ropes, protective amulets, and Shinto symbols surrounding the workshop. These are not decorative elements but expressions of a philosophy that sees sword making as a sacred act.

For Fusahiro Shimojima, forging a sword is not simply the shaping of steel. It is a union between earth and heaven, between human craftsmanship and divine inspiration. As he explained during our visit, the swordsmith seeks perfection through discipline, humility, and respect for the blessings of the gods.

This spiritual approach is reflected even in the immaculate white garments traditionally worn inside the forge, symbolising purity and dedication to the craft.

The forging process

One of the greatest honours of our visit was being invited to participate directly in the forging process.

Standing before the roaring charcoal furnace, surrounded by intense heat and glowing steel, provides a perspective impossible to obtain through books or videos. The experience offers a profound understanding of the physical effort, concentration, and technical mastery required to transform raw tamahagane steel into a Japanese sword.

As Fusahiro Shimojima remarked, working at the forge brings a person closer to the divine. After witnessing the process first-hand, it is easy to understand why generations of swordsmiths have viewed their profession not merely as a trade, but as a lifelong calling.

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The creation of a japanese sword

Every traditionally made Japanese sword is the result of countless hours of labour and collaboration between highly specialised craftsmen.

The process begins with the forging and folding of tamahagane steel, followed by shaping, differential hardening, polishing, mounting, and finishing. Each stage requires years of training and specialised knowledge.

A completed sword may take well over a year to produce from start to finish.

Furthermore, a master swordsmith is legally restricted in the number of blades he may create each year. Most active smiths produce only six to eight swords annually, ensuring that each blade receives the attention and care required to meet the highest standards of Japanese craftsmanship.

A completed sword may take well over a year to produce from start to finish.

Meeting master swordsmith Fusahiro Shimojima

During our visit, Fusahiro Shimojima generously shared examples of his work and explained the philosophy behind his craft.

His blades display a remarkable balance of elegance, activity, and precision, characteristics that place them firmly within the tradition of the great historical masters. While each sword remains unique, the quality of workmanship demonstrates why contemporary Japanese swordsmiths continue to be highly respected by collectors around the world.

The opportunity to discuss the details of blade construction, forging techniques, and aesthetic choices directly with the smith offered invaluable insight into the world of modern Japanese sword making.

Preserving a living tradition

Today there are approximately three hundred licensed swordsmiths in Japan. However, many have already retired, and the number of actively forging masters is considerably lower.

This makes every traditionally forged Japanese sword increasingly significant as both a work of art and a cultural artefact.

The preservation of this craft depends on the dedication of masters such as Fusahiro Shimojima, who continue to uphold centuries of knowledge while passing their expertise to future generations.

What our customers say

SupeinNihonto was born from years of dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts such as Aikido, Kendo, and Iaido, and a deep passion for collecting authentic samurai weapons and armor.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 26 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Stephan S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dealer of Japanese antiques. Absolutely trustworthy with a superb selection.
  
 
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   Meixia l 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 我是一名常驻中国的室内设计师。当时我正在为一位客户的办公室寻找正宗的日本藏品，偶然了解到了Supein Nihonto。我们当时专门想找两套武士铠甲，将其作为空间的视觉核心。
整个合作过程中，埃里克提供了极大的帮助。他解答了我关于铠甲的各类疑问，包括铠甲的历史背景、尺寸规格、陈列方式以及物流运输等问题。尽管我们身处不同国家，他把所有事宜都处理得清晰明了。
铠甲如期送达，摆放在完工后的办公室里效果十分惊艳。最重要的是，我的客户对最终效果非常满意。
这次合作体验极佳。今后如果有室内设计项目需要采购正宗日本古董，我一定会再次选择这家。
  
 
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   May G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great atention from the stuff, all the question was nicelly answered and the armor was very decorative and real gorgeous piece of art. Very happy with everything! Many thanks Supein nihonto!
  
 
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   Erika L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compré una armadura Gusoku y todo muy bien, tenía algunas preguntas y Eric ha sido capaz de contestar todo lo que no sabía, llegó todo muy bien embalado y bastante rápido. El Kabuto es muy bonito y está muy bien conservado.
  
 
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   Eric T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. J'ai pu échanger de visu avec Eric. C'est un vrai passionné, qui maîtrise son sujet. Je le recommande vivement, surtout dans ce milieu ou le meilleur se mélange avec les pires escrocs
  
 
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   Daniel L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hervorragende Dienstleistung, Qualität und persönliche Betreuung! Ich habe bereits drei Stücke von Supein Nihonto gekauft und hatte nie Probleme. Nach schlechten Erfahrungen mit anderen japanischen Händlern – lange Lieferzeiten und sogar ein verlorenes Paket – bin ich zu dieser Firma gewechselt. Ich werde ihnen treu bleiben und meine bereits beeindruckende Sammlung weiter ausbauen.
  
 
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   Mik B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ho acquistato da Eric un’armatura samurai di grande fascino e qualità, e l’esperienza è stata eccellente sotto ogni aspetto.

Fin dal primo contatto si è dimostrato estremamente professionale, competente e disponibile nel fornire tutte le informazioni richieste, accompagnandomi con trasparenza durante l’intero processo di acquisto. L’oggetto ricevuto corrisponde perfettamente alla descrizione e alle aspettative, con una cura nei dettagli che testimonia una profonda conoscenza del settore.

Ho particolarmente apprezzato la serietà, la correttezza commerciale e l’attenzione riservata al cliente, qualità oggi sempre più rare da trovare. La spedizione è stata accurata e l’armatura è arrivata in perfette condizioni.

Consiglio vivamente Eric a collezionisti, appassionati di arte e cultura giapponese e a chiunque sia alla ricerca di oggetti autentici e di alto livello.

Grazie ancora per questa splendida acquisizione che rappresenta uno dei pezzi più interessanti della mia collezione.

Mik – Roma, Italia
  
 
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   Emanuele S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Supein Nihoto. I purchased a katana and a wakizashi, and both pieces are truly beautiful — carefully selected and of remarkable quality. You can immediately see the attention to detail and the seller’s passion for what he offers.

The packaging was also exceptional: all the documentation was perfectly arranged in a refined envelope, which added a very elegant touch to the whole experience.

As a thoughtful gesture, he even included a small katana kake stand as a gift, which I greatly appreciated.

Beyond the objects themselves, the seller was very helpful, responsive, and clearly knowledgeable. His selection is outstanding, and you can tell he deals in genuinely fine items.

Highly recommended — I would definitely purchase from Supein Nihoto again
  
 
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   Dimitrios K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Legit dealer of Japanese treasures ! This man loves his work is not just reselling items, at first he is a collector and does this out of true passion.
  
 
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   Burke J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received a beautiful tokubetsu hozon nihonto for Christmas from Supein.  Actually my wife purchased the sword after receiving some helpful hints and recommendations lol.  She knows absolutely nothing about nihonto but Supein walked her through everything honestly and I ended up with something beyond my dreams and expectations, honestly.  The packing was exceptional, shipping fast and the sword itself a literal work of art.  Supein has a lifetime customer now as my collection grows. Thank you!
  
 
  
  
 
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Supein Cart

Samurai Art & Arms

Japanese Art & Culture

Visit to Fusahiro Shimojima's forge

Experiencing the art of japanese swordsmithing first-hand

The forge: where tradition meets the sacred

The forging process

The creation of a japanese sword

Meeting master swordsmith Fusahiro Shimojima

Preserving a living tradition

What our customers say

Samurai Art & Arms

Nihonto

Tosogu

Armor

Japanese Art & Culture

Ukiyo-e

Inro

Netsuke

Noh Masks

Visit to Fusahiro Shimojima's forge

Experiencing the art of japanese swordsmithing first-hand

The forge: where tradition meets the sacred

The forging process

The creation of a japanese sword

Meeting master swordsmith Fusahiro Shimojima

Preserving a living tradition

What our customers say