In Osafune-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, which is known as a production area of Japanese swords, the “Dedication Sword Training” was held to make swords to be dedicated to shrines.
The dedicatory sword training was held at Utsubo Shrine in Osafune-cho, Setouchi City, which has long been a place of worship for swordsmiths. It was planned by an executive committee made up of people.
The sword was made by a local swordsmith, Mr. Kazuki Kawashima, who heated the iron "tamahagane" that is the material of the sword in a small furnace called "hidoko" prepared in front of the worship hall of the shrine.
Then, at Mr. Kawashima's signal, the two swordsmiths hit the bright red tamahagane with a large hammer many times to stretch it out.
According to the shrine, it was the first time in 97 years since the 14th year of the Taisho era (1925) that ``Kamimae-uchi'', the process of making swords, was held on the grounds of the shrine. .
It is said that sword making will go through various processes under the supervision of Kawashima swordsmith, and will be completed around autumn next year.
Shigehiko Moritoki, the representative of the executive committee, said, "I am very grateful for the support of sword fans all over the country. I wish for peace in the world and want to dedicate it."