A new disciple started training from April under the guidance of Mitsugu Nakahata, who is known as the only active swordsmith in Aomori Prefecture.

Mr. Nakahata who has a blacksmith in Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture. Sword work history is over 40 years and is now 76 years old. All the steps after the step of forging iron are done. According to Mr. Nakahata, the Japanese swords he has made so far are more than 470 swings.

Shuhei Sudo, who is a disciple of Mr. Nakahata and is currently working hard, is 25 years old living in Tsugaru City. He dropped out of graduate school and chose the path of a blacksmith.

Mr. Sudo said, “I couldn't forget the excitement of holding a short sword that was stored in the warehouse when I was in elementary school. I felt."

He was studying oceanography when he was a university student, but he said that he attended antique shops and exhibitions to see Japanese swords. “When you look at a sword, you'll be fascinated with no reason,” says Sudo. When I thought about finding a job and reconsidered what I wanted to do in the future, I could not forget about the Japanese sword and hit the gate of Mr. Nakahata in July last year.

Mr. Sudo is currently working on a Japanese sword at Mr. Nakahata's smithy on weekdays. For the first month of training, I have been doing "charcoal cutting" work to make charcoal that conveys the high heat required for forging. Mr. Sudo smiles, "The other day, I received a pass from Professor Nakahata."

According to Nakahata, it takes at least five years to become a full-fledged swordsmith. “My teacher was an active craftsman until the age of 80, so I want to stick to the age of 80. Mr. Sudo may be the last disciple,” Nakahata said.

Regarding the appeal of Japanese swords, Mr. Sudo says, "I feel even the vitality of iron." "I'm a fledgler who hasn't made a sword yet, but I want to be a sword master who can make a fine Japanese sword," he shows his motivation.