Modern Sword Smith Apprenticeships

[Guest Rayhan]

Hi all

 

Just wondering, as i have little understanding of how the process works in Japan, how do sword smiths choose their apprentices these days?

 

Does the government or any other cultural institute subsidise the smiths school?

[Fuuten]

I recall from a documentary that basically they just show up and ask the smith to become their apprentice. I don't think that case had any institute appointing the trainee or licensed the thing.

 

I don't think there are that many people that actually finish the 10 year study.. Then again since some do there must be quite a few more starters.

[BIG]

Hard times did not end when only four disciples passed...

 

http://www.osahune.com/english.pdf

 

Best

[Ken-Hawaii]

Great sword-making facility, Peter. Everyone should go at least once to see how shinsakuto are made, from tamahagane to the final finished blade in koshirae.

[Guest Rayhan]

Peter thank you for the link, that is a good insight

 

So no subsidies then to the forges?

[Baka Gaijin]

Maybe if you are the designated intangible cultural asset.

 

I suspect Guido would know more about this area.

[Guido]

I only know about stipends for so called "living national treasures", they receive an annual grant of 2 million Yen, which is meant for making it easier to take in apprentices - everybody else has to scramble for himself.

[SAS]

I  will just add in a word about the idea that an apprentice makes life easier for the master smith; this is generally not so until they have been around long enough to be useful. Prior to that they are in the way, ruining tools, eating all the food, and generally being pests

[Ken-Hawaii]

Sounds like you might have some experience, Steve!