Meiji Sword Reform — The Sword Abolishment Edict and Smiths' Hardship

The Haitorei (Sword Abolishment Edict) of 1876 was the greatest turning point in Japanese sword history.

Impact of the edict: Wearing swords was banned except during formal court dress and for military and police. Combined with the dissolution of the samurai class, smiths lost their livelihood.

Smiths' hardship: Many were forced to close shop, turning to making kitchen knives and farm tools. The art of sword-making faced extinction.

Gassan Sadakazu's challenge: Appointed Imperial Art Craftsman, Gassan advocated for the artistic value of swords and worked to preserve traditional techniques.

The fukko-to movement: The revivalist movement initiated by Suishinshi Masahide continued into Meiji and beyond, playing a crucial role in researching and reviving classical techniques.

Legacy for today: After postwar GHQ sword confiscation, the legal status of swords as "art objects" was established in 1958, forming the foundation of today's sword culture.

DATEKATANA carries the mission of delivering to the next generation swords that have survived these historical hardships.