This article reveals imitation Japanese swords, often mass-produced overseas. Learn to distinguish them from authentic *nihonto* and *katana* via production insights. You'll grasp why genuine craftsmanship is vital. 1. What Defines an Authentic Japanese Sword? Simply put, Japanese swords or...

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What is Kanteisho? Kanteisho for Japanese swords is a proof of the sword's authenticity. There are various sword appraisal organizations in Japan, each of which has its own appraisal standards and methods, and their certification is based on a thorough...

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What are Japanese swords? Simply put, Japanese swords or katana are made by a unique Japanese blacksmithing method and are assumed to have been crafted in Japan, but a Japanese sword cannot merely be characterized as a weapon. It has...

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Fake swords apparently started being made around the Kamakura period. In the Muromachi period there was already a “certificate of authenticity” which included an inscription on the tang of the words and a description of the blade. In the Edo...

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