We are honored to introduce Honto Nihonto, a singular and deeply personal project born from a lifelong passion for the world of Japanese samurai swords. Behind this initiative stands a European collector whose journey into the heart of Japan’s sword culture began with a childhood fascination for chivalry and evolved—over decades—into profound engagement with the ideals of bushidō.

What began as a quest to simply see an authentic katana led to a remarkable transformation. After years of fruitless searching in Europe, fate offered the rare opportunity to live in Japan. There, through dedication, timing, and a deep respect for tradition, doors opened that are rarely accessible to outsiders. From exclusive auction circles to private encounters with swordsmiths in Seki and Bizen, Honto Nihonto was shaped by first-hand experience and trusted relationships within Japan’s sword community.

Today, the founder is an active member of the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords), licensed to trade in antique swords within Japan—an honor achieved by very few foreigners. With hundreds of swords held, studied, and passed through his hands, his knowledge has grown not just through reading, but through direct connection to the craft, the culture, and the people who preserve it.

Through Honto Nihonto, this knowledge is shared. The platform is not a commercial outlet, but an invitation—to discover, to understand, and to appreciate the profound beauty and cultural significance of true Japanese swords. Exhibitions, museum tours, lectures, and written works such as Puderzucker Japans offer a deeper glimpse into a world where ritual, skill, and artistry converge.

We invite you to explore Honto Nihonto with curiosity and wonder. Within these pages lies not only the story of one man’s journey, but also the enduring spirit of the samurai—reflected in steel, tradition, and reverence.