Swordsmith Craftsman, Akihira Kawasaki

著者：株式会社ミラック光学　代表取締役 村松 洋明

A friend of mine from college, Mr. Hitoshi Kawasaki is now a swordsmith. The inscription reads “Akihira”.
We were classmates in the boxing club together and I have one strong memory from my school days. At the end of the boxing club’s practice, we do road work for about 7 to 8 km along the Kanda River behind the Meiji University Izumi campus. It was a daily routine for us but when I was unable to run due to a torn muscle in my right leg, he carried me in severe pain on his back to the clubroom over 1km.
When I talked to him about it the other day, he said, “Did something like that happen to you?” I’m sure because I who was injured remember it vividly. He is a kind man.
I received the news that Shohei Kawasaki would be holding a solo exhibition in Tokyo so I headed to the exhibition venue over the weekend.
When I met him again after a long time, I found him to be more muscular than when he was a student and in addition to his same gentle smile, he was surrounded by the personality and aura of a swordsmith.

I highly recommend you read his book, “Tenouchi, Munenouchi” to know the story of his fierce and difficult days as an apprentice and the hard work that led him to become independent after a difficult period of junior training and it is worthy of praise to build a firm position and reputation as a modern swordsmith.

As a friend and a person, I was impressed by his attitude as a craftsman who continues to win numerous awards and his always thinking, “Maybe I can make an even better piece next time.” every time he creates a sword.

I know very little about Japanese swords, but the moment I held one of his works in my hands at a solo exhibition, I felt that this sword had a soul with the weight of it. I had the illusion of being some sort of living thing that had come to life.

Nowadays, I only dream of purchasing a piece by Shohei Kawasaki, who is now one of Japan’s leading swordsmiths however, it was also a moment when I felt like I had failed to become the person of choice for swords.

I want Shohei Kawasaki to become a “Living National Treasure.”
In order to compete with him, who continues to create such works, I must continue to create products that are appreciated by end users in my job of industrial manufacturing.
As things stand now, there just isn’t enough effort.
I feel like Shohei Kawasaki held a Japanese sword filled with incredible energy to my throat and I suddenly realized how naïve I am now.

It was a very inspiring day for me to see the work of my friend, Shohei Kawasaki, who is pursuing his own path and how his work and humanity are both honed.

On the way home, I bought Shohei Kawasaki’s book and had it autographed and he wrote these words for me, “There is treasure in waste”.
I will keep this in mind and do my best.

Thank you !