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Greetings from the Chairman of the All Japan Swordsmiths Association

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the founding of the All Japan Swordsmith Association. The purpose of the association is to preserve and pass on the art of Japanese sword making, to promote and educate the public about modern Japanese swords, to promote exchange among swordsmiths, and to preserve the status of these swordsmiths. Since its foundation, the organization has been promoting exhibitions and other activities under the auspices of a larger organization.

However, due to various circumstances, the association decided to leave the umbrella of this organization in 2006 and became independent. As a swordsmith, it was difficult to work and manage the organization at the same time, but it was significant that we found new ideas ウwith the philosophy of thinking for ourselves. This event coincided with the Japanese sword boom, and thus our projects in collaboration with animation and video game characters were a great success.

The "Omamori-gatana Exhibition," held annually for the 16th time this year, has become established as a unique exhibition limited to swords known as Omamori-gatana.

For Gallery Tozando, we have decided to form a business alliance with Tozando. The opening of this gallery in the ancient capital of Kyoto will not only be a great encouragement for our swordsmiths, but also a great opportunity for many people, including lovers of new Japanese swords, tourists, and especially foreign visitors, to experience new Japanese swords.

We believe that the most important factor in a smith’s improvement of their skills is above all the result of having our works seen by many people. In addition to the permanent exhibition, we are looking forward to a variety of attractive projects such as solo exhibitions, coterie exhibitions, group exhibitions, and collaborative exhibitions between swordsmiths and other industries.

We at the All Japan Swordsmith Association would like to express our respect for Tozando's passion for the development of new Japanese swords and promise to do our best together.

Chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association

Kei Miyairi

Chairman of All Japan Swordsmith Association, Kozaemon Yukihira Miyairi

FAQ

Can I visit your stores in Kyoto?

Yes. We have three stores in Kyoto where you can see our swords in person. Our Shogoin and Gion-Yasaka stores welcome walk-ins (closed only during Obon in mid-August and the New Year holidays), while Gallery Tozando is by appointment until March 2027. For locations, hours, and maps, see our Visit Our Kyoto Stores page.

Can I order a custom-made sword from a modern swordsmith?

Yes. We arrange custom orders (chumon-uchi) with contemporary swordsmiths. You can place an order directly from our Newly Forged Katana collection, where the options you choose affect the final price. Both the price and the timeline depend on the swordsmith and the specifications, but production typically takes around one year. Feel free to use the form above with any questions.

How soon will you reply to my inquiry?

We usually reply within 3 business days. If you don't hear from us, please check your spam folder, as our reply may occasionally be filtered there.

Can I ask about a specific sword before buying?

Absolutely. If you have questions about a particular blade — its condition, certification, koshirae, or shipping to your country — please use the form above and our specialists will be glad to help.

After I buy a sword, how does it reach me?

Once your order is placed, we obtain the required export permit from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, then carefully package your sword and ship it with tracking and insurance. Because every sword needs an export permit, the full process takes a few weeks. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our article The Anatomy of a Tozando Purchase.

Can you export a sword to my country?

We ship worldwide and have decades of experience with international sword delivery. That said, some countries restrict or prohibit importing swords, so we recommend checking your local regulations first. See our Shipping to the USA and Shipping to Europe pages, and feel free to contact us about your specific country.

I own an antique Japanese sword. Will you buy it from me?

We do purchase Japanese swords, but only those located within Japan. A sword held outside Japan does not carry a Japanese registration certificate (torokusho), so buying it would first require importing the sword into Japan and completing the official registration process — which is complex and time-consuming. If your sword is already in Japan with a valid registration certificate, please contact us with details and photos, and we will be glad to discuss it.