The number of swordsmiths in the Akamori / Inakadate village, Mr. Mitsugu Nakahata, is increasing.

Mr. Nakahata is the only swordsmith in Aomori Prefecture and continues to make Japanese swords in the village even now. Along with the rice field art held in the village, you can see a real Japanese sword every Sunday until October 12th, including a tour of the smithy, explanation of the production process, and Mr. Nakahata's explanation. "I wanted to focus on Japanese swords as an art, not as a weapon, in an initiative I started 10 years ago," says Nakahata.

Mr. Nakahata was born in 1941 (Showa 16). After graduating from junior high school, he studied under a master in Tokyo and became a disciple at the age of 23 with Hirosaki's swordsmith Nikarokutoshi. Independent after 5 years of training. It has been 45 years since I started my career as a swordsman. The number of swords I have made so far is 470. “You can tell when you make a work by looking at the sword,” says Nakahata.

Mr. Nakahata's greatest feature is that Mr. Nakahata performs all the steps after the forging of iron. Having gained experience as a master, he said, "In general, polishing is outsourced. I am the only sword master in Japan who even polishes the sword I made." I have also studied the handle and collar part for 45 years and made it myself.

The number of visitors is increasing this year. "We had around 250 people a year, but we already have 400 visitors this year," Nakahata reveals. It is said that many young women visit. Mr. Takatoshi Asari of the planning and tourism section of the village said, "There may be an influence of the game" Touken Ranbu "." Mr. Nakahata smiles, "I'm happy that young people are interested."

The tour time is from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00. It takes about 30 minutes. The charge is 500 yen (free for minors).