The Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum preserves the techniques and traditions of Seki swordsmiths, whose craftsmanship spans more than 700 years. Through a variety of exhibits and historical materials, visitors can learn about the process of making a Japanese sword, from start to finish.
The museum also has a Japanese sword forging workshop and a demonstration area where visitors can observe traditional techniques. These facilities are opened to the public on special occasions, including the Seki Cutlery Festival.
Seki swords have long been renowned for being “unbreakable, unbendable, and exceptionally sharp.” Their quality was recognized by many famous military commanders, including Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The museum also displays masterpieces by the second-generation swordsmith Kanemoto, known as Seki no Magoroku. On November 8, Japan’s Cutlery Day, a special ceremony is held to honor and express gratitude for cutting tools.
This gallery displays swords crafted by swordsmiths active during the era of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Visitors can also explore videos demonstrating master craftsmanship, the history of the development of Seki swordsmithing, and valuable historical materials, including sword fittings and decorative accessories.
This exhibition room features works by contemporary knife makers and regularly hosts special exhibitions. Through videos, historical documents, and displays, visitors can discover the history and techniques of Seki’s swordsmiths.
Exhibits include Japanese swords by the renowned Seki swordsmiths Kanemoto and Kanesada, custom-made knives, and works by knife makers from Japan and around the world.
Once a month, the museum opens its traditional Japanese sword forging demonstrations to the public. Modern swordsmiths who carry on Seki’s outstanding techniques, developed over more than 700 years, demonstrate the traditional forging process.
The rhythmic “ton-ten-kan” sounds of hammering, accompanied by sparks flying from the glowing metal, create a powerful and memorable spectacle.
On the same day, visitors can also watch demonstrations of specialized sword-finishing techniques, including polishing and scabbard-making, performed by skilled craftspeople who work on the finishing and mounting of Japanese swords.
In addition to its permanent displays, the museum regularly holds special exhibitions designed to appeal to everyone from beginners to dedicated Japanese sword enthusiasts.
Some exhibitions are collaborations with manga, anime, and films, introducing Japanese sword culture and the appeal of Seki swordsmithing to younger generations. Past collaborations have included Evangelion, The Boy and the Beast, and Star Wars.