Japanese diplomacy in Europe has long leveraged cultural exchange to strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding. As the Japan Foundation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MOFA) send cultural ambassadors across Europe, this blade art becomes a bridge between samurai tradition and modern audiences.
Initiated by Mr. Etsuro Ninomiya (Financial Counsellor of The Embassy of Japan in Belgium) a few months ago, the founder of the Japan Art Fair (JAF) Henk Milius and Luc Taelman from the Japan Armor Society (JAS) traveled to Paris to meet with a Japanese delegation. One of delegates was the Mayor of Setouchi City Mr. Akinari Takehisa intending to discuss collaboration and opportunities with the JAF in Utrecht. During this visit Henk, Luc and the Japanese delegation also attended a cutting test demonstration, where a master swordsman demonstrated several different cutting tests. Among these he perfectly sliced through a bunch of rolled tatami mats with a katana. After this the Mayor expressed his desire to partner on behalf of Setouchi City. He also mentioned a keen interest in introducing newly forged swords by today’s smiths to European collectors, signaling a push to revive sword smithing traditions on an international stage.
But what exactly is a cutting test? Known in Japanese as tameshigiri (literally “test cut”), this practice emerged in the Edo period (17th century) as a method for samurai to verify a sword’s sharpness and craftsmanship. Initially, targets ranged from rice straw bundles (wara) and rolled tatami mats (tatami-omote) to, more grimly, cadavers or convicted criminals—ensuring only the finest blades earned their reputation. Over time, tameshigiri evolved into a martial art that tests both weapon quality and the swordsman’s skill, requiring precise posture, grip, and angle. Today’s demonstrations, often using water-soaked goza (tatami mat layers) and bamboo, honor that heritage while spotlighting modern smiths’ work.
Samurai Blades in the European Spotlight
Forging connections between artisans, diplomatic channels, and European enthusiasts exemplifies how cultural diplomacy can extend beyond tea ceremonies. As the cutting test in Paris illustrated, living martial traditions like tameshigiri continue to captivate audiences, offering a visceral link to Japan’s samurai past. With the support of the Mayor of Setouchi City Mr. Akenari Takehisa, there is a real opportunity to bring contemporary Japanese swordsmiths into the European spotlight.
Whether you’re a collector, martial-arts devotee, or simply curious about the clang of steel meeting woven mat, Europe may soon witness a renaissance of Japanese sword culture—backed by diplomatic outreach, rooted in centuries-old tradition, and sharpened by the artistry of today’s smiths.
