{"id":106024,"date":"2025-03-08T02:16:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-08T07:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=106024"},"modified":"2025-03-08T02:16:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T07:16:54","slug":"togishi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/togishi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Role and Craft of the Togishi in Japanese Swords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-does-the-togishi-do\">What Does the Togishi Do?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-polishing-process\">The Polishing Process<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#togishi-were-always-necessary\">Togishi Were Always Necessary?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sword-polishing-schools-in-japan\">Sword Polishing Schools in Japan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>togishi<\/em> (\u7814\u5e2b), or sword polisher, has held a vital role in Japan for centuries, dedicating their meticulous craft to refining and preserving Japanese swords.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the sword\u2019s condition, their labor-intensive process can take several days or even weeks to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, the art of Japanese sword polishing has gained widespread recognition, showcasing the <em>togishi\u2019s<\/em> expertise and its importance in maintaining the beauty and functionality of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-the-togishi-do\">What Does the <em>Togishi<\/em> Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As implied, a sword polisher polishes the sword. However, this is much more complex in Japanese swords as a <em>togishi<\/em> continues to sharpen and clean the blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using their tools, they make the details of the swordsmith\u2019s metalwork stand out &#8211; resulting in an attractive blade. This means that they define the lines on the blade by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bringing the <em>hamon<\/em> (temper line) to life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhancing the <em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/jihada\/\">jihada<\/a><\/em> (grain of the steel)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accentuate the <em>jitetsu<\/em> (color and texture)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burnish the top and back to give it a mirror finish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japanese literature, polishing is akin to \u201cexpressing the true character of the sword\u201d or to \u201cexpose its heart\u201d. Due to their specialty, they also played a role in sword appraisal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-polishing-process\">The Polishing Process<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Japanese-sword-polishing-stones-in-Tokyo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106413 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 675px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 675\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Polishing stones in a shop in Tokyo &#8211; Credits: The Art of the Japanese Sword\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The forging and hardening process leaves a mark on the blade. These marks would be easily visible if the surface is smooth. However, the polishing stones used leave some scratches on the surface.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that the <em>togishi<\/em> will use a gradual series of stones, from the coarsest to the finest so the scratches left by the last stone is smaller than the structural variations in the steel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-Polishing&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the polishing process begins, the <em>togishi<\/em> must observe the sword and surmise what period an antique sword is from or in a new sword, the tradition it represents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They must consider what sword they are dealing with by answering the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who the sword maker was<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Characteristics of the maker and their school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <em>hamon <\/em>(pattern) design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shape of the blade point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality of the metal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In old swords, the <em>togishi<\/em> has to develop a feel for the metal of different periods. The difficulty in removing scratches is an indicator of how hard the steel is, its quality, and origin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, 16th century swords from the <em>Bungo Takada<\/em> region remain cloudy even after polishing. This may seem inferior to the inexperienced eye and further attempts to bring out its details can ruin the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>togishi<\/em> also has to learn when a blade has had enough. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An old sword where further polishing will remove the <em>hamon<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A nick in a sword\u2019s edge where removing will destroy the <em>hamon<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The <em>Togishi\u2019s<\/em> Working Position<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"482\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Setsuo-Takaiwa-a-mukansa-level-polisher.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106414 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 482px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 482\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Setsuo Takaiwa, a mukansa-level polisher who holds the title of Tokyo-to-Mukei Bunkazai (Living Cultural Property of Tokyo) &#8211; Credits: The Art of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For anyone unused to it, the working position of a <em>togishi<\/em> is immensely uncomfortable. Sitting on a low stool and hunched forward, they push the blade across the polishing stone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essential is a <em>fumaegi<\/em>, a curved piece of wood with one hooked end to clamp the polishing stone to the work block. This clamp is easily removed by lifting the right foot when polishing stones need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right heel pressing down on the <em>fumaegi<\/em>, the right knee is wedged into the right shoulder. Meanwhile, the left foot is curled under the body to prevent the <em>fumaegi<\/em> from moving.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For safety reasons, the edge of the blade always faces away from the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although awkward, this positions the <em>toshigi<\/em> directly over the stone to precisely control the direction, pressure, and angle of the blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bucket of water is always nearby as a lubricant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Polishing Stages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese sword polishing is divided into two stages: <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/guide-to-shitaji-togi\/\">Shitaji togi<\/a><\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em>(foundation polishing) and <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/guide-to-shiage-togi\/\">Shiage togi<\/a><\/em> <\/strong>(finish polishing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Shitaji Togi<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most important stage in blade restoration and repair. Before any polishing begins, the <em>togishi<\/em> inspects the sword to see if it is straight. If not, it must be corrected using wooden jigs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this stage, coarser polishing stones are used, making precise control of the blade essential to prevent deep scratches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any <em>bohi<\/em> (fullers) will be polished using smaller stones as well. Note that the blade is moving during the polishing process at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Shiage Togi<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the second stage, the stones used are much thinner and backed with paper and lacquer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These stones held in the hand are moved over the blade to create a mirror-like finish. Differentiating Between A Good and Bad Polish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good polishing reveals all the features of the blade clearly. This is essential so the sword can be fairly appraised. In contrast, a poor polish may produce a clean blade, but with details that are cloudy. This makes appraisal of the sword much more difficult and can bring down its value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"togishi-were-always-necessary\">Togishi Were Always Necessary?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"407\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Togishi-Tazaemon.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106416 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 407px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 407\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A print art of Togishi Tazaemon by Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u00a0&#8211; Credits: WikiMedia<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sword polishing was already in practice when <em>chokuto<\/em> were being used. However, the evolution of sword polishing in Japan is difficult to trace as steel always rusts. The general rule is that a good polish lasts no more than a hundred years. For this reason, no one really knows what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/life\/2008\/04\/27\/general\/bestowing-beauty-on-a-fearful-blade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sword polishing in the Kamakura<\/a> or Muromachi Period was like as they have been polished in more recent times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is believed that swordsmiths originally did the rough polishing to complete the blade\u2019s final edge and shape using the roughest stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kamakura Period: <\/strong>Polishers work separately from smiths using most of the stones today.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Momoyama Period: <\/strong>Polishers also serve as appraisers due to their knowledge of styles and quality. The most prominent being the <em>Hon\u2019ami <\/em>family established by the warlord <em>Hideyoshi<\/em> in the 16th century.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Meiji Era: <\/strong>People were not allowed to wear swords, but permitted to own them as works of art. This resulted in an increase of sword owners and thus, improvement in polishing techniques. The invention of the electric light bulb also allowed <em>togishi<\/em> to work more hours, accelerating the development of the <em>hadori<\/em> style as the <em>hamon<\/em> is more visible with light.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sword-polishing-schools-in-japan\">Sword Polishing Schools in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, there are two main sword polishing schools in Japan. One being the Hon\u2019ami family mentioned above and the other, the Fujishiro family. Both schools differ in training and finishing techniques:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ErCluj5jhyQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Hon\u2019ami<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>&#8211; Known for their 18th century compilation of Japan\u2019s finest swords (<em>Kyoho meibutsu cho), t<\/em>hey are more strict about form and discipline. This includes how the student sits, holds the blade, and the pace one masters the stones\u2019 progression. Students spend two years on foundation polishing and another two years on finish polishing before they are permitted to polish a blade from start to end.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nihonto-museum.com\/blog\/fujishiro-matsuo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Fujishiro<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; They are far more relaxed and allow their students to progress rapidly from one stage to the next. This is based on the belief that asking students to spend too much time on basics may be discouraging. Since errors in polishing do not show till the later stages, students are asked to work on a blade from start to finish to learn where their mistakes occur.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are about 50 <em>togishi<\/em> in Japan today. Although there is no standard qualification system, one must apprentice under a master or attend class to gain advanced skills.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bonway J. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militaria.co.za\/articles\/Polishing%20Essays.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The world of the togishi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp L, Kapp H, Yoshihara Y. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+craft+of+the+Japanese+sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiklImR-PmLAxVck1YBHe1QF2IQ6AF6BAgKEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The craft of the Japanese sword<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International Ltd. 1987; pages 103 &#8211; 128.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schiller CUG. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militaria.co.za\/articles\/polishing_cleaning.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polishing and conservation of the Japanese sword. <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Kapp L, Kapp H, Yoshihara Y. <a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+craft+of+the+Japanese+sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiklImR-PmLAxVck1YBHe1QF2IQ6AF6BAgNEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The art of the Japanese sword<\/span><\/a><span>. Tuttle Publishing. 2012; pages 209 &#8211; 225.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The togishi (\u7814\u5e2b), or sword polisher, has held a vital role in Japan for centuries, dedicating their meticulous craft to refining and preserving Japanese swords.&nbsp; Depending on the sword\u2019s condition, their labor-intensive process can take several days or even weeks to complete. Over time, the art of Japanese sword polishing has gained widespread recognition, showcasing&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":106415,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106024"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":114202,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106024\/revisions\/114202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=106024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=106024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}