Taro Asano: Traditional Japanese Sword Maker Artwork

Now and Zen Japan

Entertaining and insightful conversations with Japan focused business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Recorded in bars around Tokyo, it’s like eavesdropping on candid conversations with Japan experts who share engaging stories of success, failure, and wisdom gained in Japan. Discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!

All Episodes

Now and Zen Japan

Taro Asano: Traditional Japanese Sword Maker

June 24, 2023 • Andrew Hankinson • Episode 78

0:00 | 38:47

Dive into the world of traditional Japanese sword making with craftsman Taro Asano. He is one of only a handful of practicing "Kajiya" (a person who forges Japanese swords / Katana) still in Japan. He also offers a workshop in English where people come to make their own custom-forged "Samurai knife". It's a unique once in a lifetime experience. We discuss all things Katana, how he became a Kajiya, his future plans - which include taking on a 20-year old American apprentice and creating a You-Tube channel to chronicle their adventures, and why Japanese sword/ blacksmithing is more popular with foreigners than with Japanese. Other topics we cover:

How long and what it takes to become a Kajiya
His thoughts on the Master - Apprentice relationship
Insight on forging steel and the processes he employs
Learn why 70% of his workshop participants come from the same field
The rules and etiquette around handling a Japanese Katana
Why he makes kitchen knives in addition to swords
Is the myth you have to register your Katana with the police true?
Plans for his 20-year old American apprentice
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Asano Kajiya: http://asanokajiya.com/en
Asanokajiya Studio (You Tube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/

More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life