Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, Setouchi City
Japan
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, Setouchi City
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
966 Osafunecho Osafune, Setouchi,
Okayama 701-4271, Japan
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, Setouchi City
Company History and Description
Famous for its olives, oysters, and Mediterranean climate, Setouchi City sits on what has come to be known as ‘the Aegean of Japan’. Tucked away in this idyllic port city, the Osafune region is home to a sword-making tradition that has stood head and shoulders above all others in Japan for 800 years, its blades considered masterpieces of artistic achievement by the greatest names in Japanese samurai history. Although Japan’s sword artists face economic and societal headwinds, putting this unique art at risk of disappearing, Osafune’s master craftsmen continue to persevere today, preserving their ancient techniques for future generations.
Founded in 2004, the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum strives to share this culture, and the work of Setouchi’s local master sword craftsmen, with the world. Since 2023, Setouchi has been developing experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it be exclusive access to the artists who bring these pieces to life, or a tailor-made, immersive journey through this undiscovered corner of Japan, be among the very few to witness this hidden side of Japan’s culture and traditions.
Date of creation
2023
Company’s language and culture friendliness
Members of our small but dedicated team specialise in Japanese, English, and French, combining language and cultural insights with a deep knowledge of the area’s unique culture.
Positioning
A center of Japanese craft since time immemorial, Setouchi City is home to two of the nation’s most influential and prized artistic traditions, Bizen swords and Bizen pottery, with the former accounting for almost half of Japan’s National Treasure blades.
Today, artisans in Setouchi preserve this tradition, bringing to it their own modern perspective, with each blade a collaborative work of art combining decades of experience, a host of individual dedicated artistic specialists, and over 2 years of labor.
Until now inaccessible to all but a niche group of international connoisseurs, our aim is to bring these unparalleled masterpieces to the broader luxury market.
Our bespoke modern art sword experiences include private workshop tours, sword appreciation sessions, and opportunities to have your dream art sword custom-made through direct conversation with local craftsmen. Engage in the craft, build genuine, lasting connections with some of Japan’s best traditional artists, and help support one of Japan’s most important intangible cultural properties.
Schedule/Season
Though we can facilitate bookings throughout the year, please note:
• Offices are closed over the new year between December 28th – January 5th.
• The museum has semi-regular closures for exhibition changeover. Please check with us in advance for dates. This only effects museum visits and has no impact on any of our other experiences.
Dedicated services & experiences
Providing a comprehensive experience that includes both educational and experiential activities, we are also uniquely able to facilitate and enhance clients’ buying and export of tailor-made art-swords and exceptional Bizen ware anywhere in the world, thanks to our dedicated specialist staff.
Sword Appreciation
Allow our experts to guide you through the process of sword appraisal, from the rules of etiquette, to the finer points of artistic appreciation, and dive into a new world of cultural expression in these intimate, hands-on sessions. From the gleaming blades themselves, to their intricately carved and lacquered scabbards and fittings, discover the secrets behind these exquisite, timeless masterpieces.
After learning everything you need to understand these unique works of art, visit the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum and put your new-found knowledge to the test, viewing the displays with the help of a specialist guide.
Demonstration of Traditional Sword Forging Techniques
Experience intense heat, sounds, and sparks as you watch Japanese swordsmiths up close in a private demonstration of ancient sword forging techniques. You will even have the chance to try striking the white-hot steel for yourself, giving you a sense of what it is to be a Japanese swordsmith.
Artisan Workshop Tours
Crystallizing a plethora of Japan’s renowned traditional crafts in a single stunning object, each Japanese sword represents a collaboration between numerous specialist artisans and the result of hundreds of hours of delicate work. Visit their workshops, speak to the artists themselves, and discover what goes into making a single sword.
Be Involved in the Sword-Making Process
For those inspired to commission their own one-of-a-kind work of art, we provide the unique opportunity for you to leave your own mark on the blade. Discuss your preferences with our team of craftsmen, then strike the first ceremonial blows on the ‘jewel steel’ to mark the start of the months-long creation process.
Private Battōjutsu Demonstration
A private live demonstration of armoured battōjutsu test cutting by master martial artist Kanzaki Masaru gives you a window onto the world of the samurai, with style practiced by his 400 year-old school of swordsmanship directly drawing on the techniques used on the battlefields of Japan’s warring states period.
Bizen Ware
Home to a dynamic Bizen pottery tradition, renowned artisans can be found dotted across the city. Clients with an interest in Japanese ceramics can visit their studios and impressive kilns, order one-of-a-kind pieces, and even learn to make it themselves.
F&B Outlets
• Overlooking the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, sample a variety of Greek and Japanese dishes that highlight the region’s high-quality produce and seafood at Hotel Limani’s restaurant The Terrace.
• Prepared by hand before your eyes, savor specialty udon from Ichimonji, whose dedication to sustainability and focus on locally-sourced ingredients saw them awarded a Michelin Plate and ‘Green Star’ in 2020.
• Have the freshest seafood of your life as you join a local fishing crew, then have whatever you catch prepared for you for lunch.
• ※We can organise dedicated catering, including a private chef by request.
Awards
Grand Prize at the JLAA ‘9th Regional Revitalization Awards’ (Setouchi Tourism Association)
