Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.

Today's headline is: Swordsmith Forges Sacred Blade for Shrine Deity.

This is a "Nihon-too,"
a Japanese sword.

Wow... is it OK to have that in the studio?

Don't worry, this one isn't real.

In today's story, "Nihon-too"
refers to a katana,

which is traditionally associated
with samurai.

- But I think these days its more common to see manga and anime characters using them.
- Right.

Now, before we listen to the story in Japanese, let's go over some key terms.

"ro."

hearth or furnace.

"soru."

to warp or curve.

"togu."

to sharpen.

OK, try to follow along.

In Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture,

swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki is making
a Japanese swords for shrine deity.

In August, he showcased the technique

for creating a beautiful pattern
on the katana blade at a shrine.

Kawashima placed an 80-cm-long katana
into a fiery hearth.

He then kept a close eye on
the reddish color of the sword

as he heated it up to about 760℃.

And then, when he placed the sword
in cold water,

it warped, and a beautiful pattern
was created on the blade.

The people watching were clapping.

He plans to deliver it to the shrine
in December after he sharpens it.

Oh, that wavy pattern is such a beautiful touch.

Right.

Swordsmiths who make katana
are called "katana-kaji."

Today there are not many left.

But they're keeping Japanese
sword-making techniques alive.

As in Japanese swords are highly valued not just for their craftsmanship, but as works of art.

Some have been designated national treasures.

And beauty is just one factor.

They are often notable works
by master swordsmiths.

You can see why they're considered legendary.

The steel just seems to glow.

OK, now let's review the following sentence from the story.

When he placed the sword in cold water, it warped,

and a beautiful pattern was created on the blade.

Now read along with me.

"katana o tsumetai mizu ni ireru to

katana wa sotta katachi ni natte

ha ni wa utsukushii moyoo ga tsukimashita."

Today I'd like to teach you some
katana-related words and expressions.

We heard the phrase
"katana wa sotta katachi."

"Sotta" means "not straight."

It describes something that's curved,
like a bow.

The curvature of a katana
is called "sori."

Now, using the word "sori,"

how would you say you don't
get along with someone?

I know this one.

This is "sori ga awanai."

Correct.

A katana is sheathed in a "saya."

Each "saya" is made to match
a particular sword.

If the curvature doesn't match,
that is, if their "sori" isn't the same,

then the sword won't fit.

That's why when we don't get along
with someone, we say "sori ga awanai."

So let's say you don't get along with a classmate.

You might say,

"kurasumeeto to sori ga awanai."
(my classmate and I don't get along.)

- Right?
- Yeah, so like a sword and scabbard that don't match.

Now that is a very interesting metaphor for human relationships.

Exactly.

Moving on,

between the handle and the blade
are spacers called "seppa."

If a "seppa" gets caught in your "saya,"
you can't draw your katana.

That's a problem if you have
an opponent in front of you.

That gave rise to the expression
"seppa-tsumaru."

We use it when we feel backed
into a corner.

Yes, so let's say you have some work due tomorrow, but you're not making good progress, and you feel like you're in trouble.

You might say,

"seppa-tsumateiru."
(I'm in a tight spot.)

OK, last one.

Long ago, the samurai of old
would commit "seppuku"

to atone for their mistakes.

We have a modern expression
that's said to stem from "seppuku."

Any guesses?

Hmm. Oh, I don't know.

It's when something can't be put on
the company expense account,

and we have to pay for it ourselves.

Oh, that's "jibara o kiru." Right?

So you literally "cut your own abdomen." Oh my.

Correct.

One theory is that the expression
comes from having to pay

in a situation where normally
it's not your responsibility.

That seems a very... dramatic turn of phrase.

Yes.

There are many other katana-related
expressions.

It's a topic worth looking into!

OK, Tokunaga-sensee, thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Inside Japan.

So today you're not likely to see any samurai walking around,

but the techniques that were used to craft their swords live on in the making of items like -

"hoochoo" (kichen knife), "hasami" (scissors), and "noogu"(farm tools).

Japanese kitchen knives in particular have become very popular overseas because of their high quality.

Yes, definitely.

Check this out.

This cutlery maker is located in Asakusa.

They sell a wide array of knives created by craftspeople across Japan.

That includes Japanese-style kitchen knives made with the sword-making techniques of the "katana-kaji."

Katana were being forged in various regions.

So, craftspeople here have long been quenching
and processing metal with a high level of skill.

Japanese cuisine involves very delicate knifework.
So you need that sharp edge.

This shop gets many customers from overseas looking to get their hands on one of their handcrafted blades.

Japanese knives tend to be lighter steel.

They tend to be more beautiful, more designed.

You know, you can get custom engraving since it lasts longer.

OK, so here we have a "wa-boochoo"(Japanese-style kitchen knife) made from carbon steel.

Let's test its sharpness using a tomato.

Chiara, would you do the honors?

With pleasure.

OK, so how does it feel in your hand?

That feels really well-balanced and less heavy than I thought it would be.

Oh really.

OK, here we go.

Oh, wow!

Oh wow!

How is the "kireaji"?

I mean, look at that.

That cut's so clean, it was so easy.

Like, effortless.

That's amazing.

That's so cool.

One last note.

There are rules when it comes to carrying around knives in public.

Japanese law prohibits carrying around knives that have a blade longer than 6 centimeters

except for a lawful purpose - for example, you need it for work.

And even then, you need to keep the knife properly wrapped or sheathed and tucked away in your belongings.

Exactly.

OK. And that's it for today.

We'll see you next time.

See you soon.