The virtual Japanese sword museum Touken World gives a variety of information related to artistically important Japanese swords and armor. Like a textbook, it presents comprehensive information on Japanese swords and armor. Its contents are intended not only to be read; it also has images, illustrations, and videos intended for viewing. We believe everyone will find it easy to learn from this site.
The site covers a great deal of material including basic information about Japanese swords and armor, the history and knowledge about Japanese swords, battles and important historical figures connected with Japanese swords, and information about master swordsmiths who created swords of note. We have also included lots of fun stuff related to Japanese swords, such as applet games, senryu satirical verse, and four-character idiomatic phrases.
We especially recommend the search function for finding information about extant Japanese swords and armor. This function allows you not only to find data on various swords, but also to learn about the history of individual swords - how they were made, and how they have been handed down. In addition, by watching the images and videos on this site, you can appreciate various artifacts as if you were in an actual museum.
Also, we offer the Japan-wide information on museums exhibiting Japanese swords, and Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples where have been dedicated Japanese swords. Information of swords exhibition is must-see.
Thus in this virtual world you can enjoy a variety of information on Japanese swords and armor from every angle.
Please enjoy the photos and videos of outstanding Japanese swords in the collection of the Touken World Foundation (Token Corporation).
Japanese swords photo
Seven Ways to Search Information on Japanese SwordsView photos of rare sword mountings (koshirae), including Important Mountings, Special Preservation Mountings and other certified mountings.
Koshirae(sword mountings)photo
Search for photos of sword mountings, such as the scabbard (saya) that covers the blade, or the hilt (tsuka) that fits over the tang.
Koshirae(sword mountings)photo
Search for photos of sword mountings, such as the scabbard (saya) that covers the blade, or the hilt (tsuka) that fits over the tang.
Search for photos of handguards (tsuba), and some are very valuable works of art.
Photos of accessory knives and hair arrangers (kougai)
Search for photos of the small utility knives (kozuka) and hair arrangers (kougai) that accompany some swords.
For further enjoyment of Japanese sword lore, a collection of comic haiku poems (senryu) that touch on swords.
Senryu poems about Japanese swords, armor, crests, castles and other Japanese military history.
A selection of information and columns from the newsletter (Toukenkai Shinbun) of the Japanese Sword Traders Association (Zentosho).
Four-frame cartoons of Japanese sword-related proverbs
A calendar of historical scenes and wallpaper of beautiful Japanese swords. Download for free.
Download your free copy of the Touken World calendar, an original compilation.
An illustrated glossary of Japanese sword terms
An illustrated selection of Japanese proverbs about Japanese swords
An illustrated selection of Japanese idiomatic phrases about swords
A glossary with illustrations, explaining Japanese armor terminology
A guide to Japanese armor, for beginners and others.
Information about Japanese sword museums and Japanese swords kept at shrines and temples in Japan, providing a taste of the excitement of actually going to view the Japanese swords.
Museums of history or fine art with Japanese sword exhibits.
Japanese Swords at Shrines and Temples
Important Japanese sword exhibits at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples where the swords were accepted as offerings.
Associations for Japanese Sword and Armor Appreciation
Organizations supporting the appreciation of Japanese swords and armor.
Japanese Sword Events and Exhibitions in Japan
A calendar of Japanese sword exhibitions and public events.
Prefectural Boards of Education
The purchase, transfer, or inheritance of a sword in Japan must be registered with the local prefectural Board of Education. The boards are listed here.
Permanent Japanese Sword Exhibits
Institutions with permanent exhibits of Japanese swords
If a found or inherited weapon is without a registration certificate, it must be reported to the police.
Japanese Sword Dealers in Japan
A list of dealers of Japanese swords.
Japanese swords collection NAGOYA MARUNOUCHI(TOKEN head office)
Details of Japanese swords collection NAGOYA MARUNOUCHI(TOKEN head office)
Japanese swords collection KUWANA TADO (Hotel TADO ONSEN)
Details of Japanese swords collection KUWANA TADO (Hotel TADO ONSEN)