Hiroshi Kojima, known by his professional name Keiun Naohiro, introduced those present to the philosophy and history of Japanese arms. Using a multimedia presentation, he explained how a katana—the traditional weapon of the samurai—is made. This process has not changed for centuries and remains the same to this day. Making Japanese swords requires extraordinary precision, technological knowledge and perseverance. Every stage is extremely important. A single sword takes about a month to make, while under Japanese law a licensed swordsmith may produce only 24 swords per year. Throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, there are approximately 40 swordsmiths engaged in this craft. The traditional technique of making bladed weapons is passed down from generation to generation. There is no school where this knowledge can be studied in depth. The skill of making a katana can only be acquired by learning from masters and completing apprenticeships in their workshops.
With great interest, the residents of Bolesławiec admired the collection of bladed weapons brought by the guest from Japan. They could see samurai swords dating from the 16th century, as well as much later examples, including a World War II sword belonging to an unknown soldier who fell in battle. Swords from the World War II era are now banned in Japan and are available only on foreign markets—mainly in the United States. In addition to the swords, Hiroshi Kojima presented a flag featuring the rising sun, which every soldier carried during the war. The flag bore the signatures of all the members of the unit, as well as wishes for a safe return from their parents.
The meeting concluded with a discussion panel during which the licensed swordsmith answered many questions.
This very interesting meeting at BOK-MCC was held thanks to the courtesy of Paweł Nowaczek, a longtime friend of Hiroshi Kojima.
