Swordsmith Forges Sacred Blade for Shrine Deity

Overview

In August, a shrine in Okayama Prefecture held an event showcasing the quenching process of a Japanese sword, which produced a "hamon" pattern along the edge of the blade. The item will be dedicated to the shrine's deity in December. Follow along as we listen to the story and learn expressions related to "katana" (sword). In the second half we spotlight Japanese kitchen knives, which adapt traditional sword-making techniques. We also hear from international visitors interested in Japanese knives.