Thanks so much for this video. It answered a lot of questions I've had concerning Katanas for a long time. I live in Washington State, U.S.A, and have had a love of edged weapons as long as I can remember. I am 65 years old, a retired Army Combat Medic. I am going through chemo therapy for pancreatic cancer, and came across your channel. I can't stand watching t.v., so Channels such as yours keep me from going stir crazy. Once again, thanks for your video.
I'm glad you showcased this shop! My great grandfather was from Kyushu and migrated to Malaysia before the war where he started a family here. After the war, his katana, our family heirloom was stolen and I hoped that one day I'd like to gift to our family a new katana. It will never replace soul of the original, but I wanted it as a keepsake for my family here to remember our roots for the new generation. I only wished the import laws weren't so strict here
Wow I've been buying my gear from there online for years but never considered that they'd have a physical store. Definitely going to stop by if I'm ever in Kyoto.
I really do admire the reverence Japanese people hold for their Katana. Here in Europe we take a very pragmatic approach towards weaponry, even those of us, like me, who practice martial arts. In Japan, however, each sword seems to be imbued with a real relationship towards its bearer. I think this respect and dignity are mannerisms that carry over into the general way we conduct ourselves. Therein lies a lesson, which the whole martial arts community could learn from.
Agreed. The sword I’ve actually practiced with is a dark age European design, but I’ve always believed in the philosophy that if you take care of your things and love them, they’ll return the favour. The Japanese actually have an entire superstition around that, evidently; when an object becomes 100 years old, it gets its own spirit, and it remembers how its owners have treated it and will act accordingly. I’m not Japanese though, that’s just stuff I learned through the internet grapevine and could be bollocks.
Wow. This truly is a gem of a place. I know I’m just one random viewer, but I wanted to say thank you so much for sharing this wonderful place with us. I have never looked much into katana, though I am somewhat enthralled with traditional Japanese culture and history. I am much more familiar with fencing and other Western swords, so I can still completely relate to your feelings being in a place like that. I totally understand that works of such craftsmanship are absolutely breathtaking.
@@LetsaskShogoHey Shogo maybe make a video when you have time on Samurai Swords that are from older periods of time, just curious cause I found a Katana that had a metal sheath and looks authentic but don’t know too much about it
I was in this store 2 days ago! It was thx to Shogo that I got there. The young lady that works there is super friendly and very helpful. I bought 6 wooden swords that day and she boxed them up nicely so I can take them on the plane. They do offer shipping as well!
I remember this place, I visited it in February 2020. I tried on some Armour, got to handle an antique Yari (spear), then purchased a Yumi and some accessories to be shipped to the UK. Thank you for this video, it's bringing back good memories of what I hope won't be my last visit to this city.
I received their paper catalogue in the late 90´s. (By mail to France). It was such a treat just seeing the incredible range of their products. I ordered some Aikido and Iaido gear. It was an unforgettable experience.
I worked for a cutlery store for 16 years and handled many replica (stainless as well as hand forged folded steel) katanas. I did Kendo for about a year before a foot injury sidelined me and had a friend who was a sword maker who had a collection of antique katanas. I've always loved swords and katanas are one of my favorite types of sword .
Thank you for the tour 😍. My first exposure to tozondo was I purchased a hemp hakama from them I still have it today and one day if I get a chance to visit Japan Kyoto is the one place I want to visit the most. Plus I love Nintendo and it's their home too. So thank you again for the beautiful videos you have made available for the rest of the world to enjoy your home's beauty. Thank you thank you and many blessings
I can't believe how nice and welcoming they were, so much respect the whole time. I'm planning on visiting Japan in 2023 maybe (in hopes my basic Japanese is better at that time) and maybe I can even visit them myself. I'm from Germany btw
I had a great feeling of awe when we got to view your experience inside of this store. To me this is a great store and its contents and your treatment by the staff was very respectful and impressive. This is a wonderous place, and the online shipping is a big plus. Thank you for posting this video.
My wife and I visited Tozando because of this video on our honeymoon. It was such a memorable experience. The staff were super helpful. On our way here we walked into the Tozando Gallery by accident but got to appreciate the craftmanship and beauty of each piece. Thank you for makibg this video!!!
I would absolutely love to travel there one day and buy some of these items. I was actually surprised by the pricing. Although still quite expensive, they were still in an affordable range. Here I was thinking swords were like almost priceless artworks.
I had a katana in my teens, and trained with martial arts growing up. I used to live in a not great city and ended up having to use it to fight off a burglary. Eventually i had to sell it when I got hurt later and to pay for school but i am forever thankful to have had and been ready when I was with it. For anyone ever considering one, I'd heavily recommend the investment for it could one day save your life!
I do love Tozando's shop. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I was surprised that there are so few budo shops in the cities that I have visited in Japan. There is another lovely sword shop across the road from Nijo-jo. It is more of an antique shop, but they sell beautiful bags and sageo!
My first Navy Blue Aikido Hakama was from Tozando, and it was a good investment, used the same gear for 3+ years, trained very often (4 days per week, 2 hours per day), sustained a lot of high and low falls before the Koshiita (backplate) finally broke. Now that I am doing Iaido, I am planning to get the gears from this store as well. Very good quality gear and highly recommended.
I spent a month in Nagoya, Kyoto, and Hiroshima in 2007 as my study abroad in college. I bought a lot of souvenirs for friends and family, but only two for myself-a happi that’s patterned off of the Shinsengumi haori, and a bokuto from this exact shop. I still treasure them both to this day.
I got a part time job almost solely for the purpose of going to Japan and this was already on my ' have to go places'. Thank you for the in depth tour!!!
Their so so beautiful! I’m absolutely enthralled with the katana. It’s the amount of work that goes into the instrument. And I love that their always different. The science and craftsmanship is unmatched. Fantastic 👏🏽✊🏽👌🏾
this is awesome and so wholesome, thank you for this video Shogo. Strangers in Japan seem so kind it makes me happy, I wish to visit someday but flying is my biggest fear. I will have to face my greatest fear in order to go to Japan one day.
Thank you so much for this video, I myself practice Iaido at my Karate school and have a katana (I’m referring to real, usable ones that are sharp and durable when I talk about katanas) but also plan on learning how to make them myself, I plan on going to Japan to train with the head masters of Karate for a couple years or so, I’m the meantime I have been looking for a reliable katana shop as I plan on getting a nicer one soon, this shop seems wonderful! Thanks very much for making the video, I would have probably missed this in my visit to Japan had it not been for you making this video. You’re doing great! This was a very enjoyable video, keep up the great work!
I went there myself awhile ago, and the shop keeper is still the same person here in the video who is really informative and helpful. He even invited me to go upstairs when he acknowledged my interest in iaido.
To get to see the hada, and all the characteristics of the hamon in person would be amazing! I've done some hamons on different knives I've made, and the beauty that comes out in the polish is always wonderful. Each one is a surprise. What always floors me, is the control that the masters get in their hamon.
Thanks for showing the Tozando Shop in Kyoto, Shogo - I have been to the shop myself, where I got my Montsuki. I also have an custom iaito from Tozando, which I have been using for the past 8 years, and it still looks and feels great :-)
I happen to see this store one day when I was having a random stroll in Kyoto so I went in. Very nice (& expensive) samurai stuff inside. Spent almost an hour there & ended up buying a couple of katanas.
Hi Shogo, I had the opportunity to visit Japan three years ago with my family. During our trip, we stopped to explore many cities, including Kyoto. I wish I had seen this video before my trip because I would have loved to visit that store. As a fan of Japanese culture (in particular the history of the Samurai class), I would have greatly enjoyed seeing the genuine katanas and the replica Samurai armor. Who knows I might have even bought a katana right there and then, which likely would have made my wife unhappy with the expensive purchase. However, it's good to know that there's a store website and that they ship overseas. So, a potential purchase of a genuine katana is still a possibility. :) Once again...great video!
It's really nice to see the Tozando shop through your channel and I see they have a display store in Tokyo too. I'm fond of Katanas too although my knowledge is nowhere near as yours and I would probably spend a good few hours in there so I can relate with your excitement! Thank you again for this opportunity!
Shogo san Arigatōgozaimashita for this amazing video, it is truly appreciated when one talks about the craftsmanship, the history and different artistic designs that the architects of these fine blades put forward! I always had a fascination with these works of art as if a yearning of the soul, when I first held one in my hand my whole body began to vibrate almost in a sort of way. Sadly my condition doesn't allow me to practice the style but maybe in another life :)
Damn I would be like small child in toy store here :D (literally speaking of course). When I visit Japan some day I must visit it. I already own two katanas but I think that none of them can compete with this. I think it's a perfect souvenir from this beautiful country full of rich history and tradition :)
i understand half of what they say. I was actually able to listen to their convo's without reading the subtitles and understanding most of what they were saying. I'm happy that my learning of Japanese is going really well ^^
Oh wow, I remember visiting this store when I visited Kyoto back in 2014. I went past it on the bus and my eyes lit up when I saw all the Katana on display in the window. I got off at the next stop and walked back to have a look. Spent about an hour in there looking at everything, it was such a great experience. Thanks for the great video.
I'd love to visit Tozando if I was ever in Japan. I bought a few items from them, including my Dotanuki around 2007 when I was training Nakamura Ryu. Was great cause you could choose different furnishings to make minor customisations. I haven't trained in 9 yrs but I still love everything Samurai related. I have 1 Nihonto from the ShinShinto period but my grail would be to have a sword from Yoshindo Yoshihara.
Wow those armours looks soooo heavy. And all the swords look so interesting. I would love to see them in close up. 🤩 Lol exactly my thought. Wanted to say that Shogo is like a little kiddo let into the candy shop. 😂 with sparkle in the eyes and so happy. 🤩👏
I have subscribed after seeing this video. The first one I saw on your youtube. I appreciated the good vibes, respect you do have for your culture. I can’t wait to see more of them.
If I had the means, Shogo. I'd come here to find the one true sword I'd need in my lifetime; however, I think I may have it already in the form of a blade given to me by my friend after he passed two years ago.
I only see it in anime, manga, and the blind swordsman movies. Seeing it up close (that sword at 7:15) must have been awe-inspiring. Just a quick question Shogo-san, if a customer buys one or two at the store, would it be easy for him to pass through the Japanese airport and bring it back home as a souvenir?
Idk about the Japanese airport but when I got back from Japan to the airport in San Francisco, they confiscated almost every really cool thing I bought and left me with touristy knickknacks. Four years later and I'm still kinda mad about that.
I believe some of Musashi’s lethal “matches” were with just a wooden sword. No steel needed. 😉 Nice video of a nice shop. Thanks. Kyoto was my favorite city in Japan when I visited long ago.
This is the first video I watch from your channel. and it was enough to make me subscribe. I love japanese culture and this is truly the type of japanese content I love to watch. I can´t wait to discover more exciting content on your videos.
I am amazed to see your video appear in my suggestions. I visited Tozando while in Kyoto and excperienced the same sense of awe speaking with the great staff and inspecting the different Iaito and the displays. I purchased an iaito and brought it back to Australia on the plane. Airport staff in Japan tested the blade with magnets to ensure it was a zinc alloy and inspected to make sure it was not a registered Katana and then wrapped everything with care back in it's box. Australian customs were not so pleasant and the box was a mess of tape and tears by the time they were through with it. From the first moment off the plane where I couldn't find it at the baggage claim (they had put it with all the prams etc for just anyone to come and take) to finally bundling up the torn, demolished box after they decided there was nothing to rough me up over it was all an experience to remember. The Iaito is an amazing piece of work, really solid and beautiful.
I think he explained in a video that training katana are fine, and can be bought no problem. Real ones are not illegal and don't require a license, but they required some documents. The video was 5 commin katana questions answered by a katana trainee, if I remember correctly, you might want to check it out
No, luckily you really don't. There are a ton of stupid rules made to have people "feel" safe, but at the end of the day they are just useless showmanship (depending on where you are, and if you are taking into account export to other countries.... the list grows loooooooooong). I understand the appeal of having an edged katana, because it is COMPLETE (full work and all), but what these lawmakers seem to forget is that if the problem was "bad sword bad thing protect people"..... a ugly lump of sharpened steel of better quality, with a welded handguard, costs about 30 dollars from a blacksmith. Or, you know, a steel bar. Just as deadly. The only thing that doesn't outlaw kitchen knives is that they don't have a handguard of any kind. Yeah, I don't like stupid rules for stupid people, I would prefer not having stupid people giving the choice. Having said that.... there could be versions that are just as good, from the same hands (meaning same manufacturing down to the T)..... but not sharpened. Incomplete, you might say. But if geographically rules are made to suit the stupidest people of the group (china, California, Uk, etc.) you MIGHT consider that option. It's going to save you a LOT of headhaches.
@@maxlopolo2415 nah, I think there's value in knowing where most of the purpose made dangerous weapons are, I understand that there's a gradient of blades between kitchen knives and swords, a whole spectrum of tools and weaponry that makes drawing a specific line of acceptable danger near impossible but in principle the illusion of safety that keeps society running (the unspoken understanding that your neighbors aren't going to stab or shoot you if you annoy them) is more easily maintained when someone at least keeps track of these things.
That was incredible my friend ! Thank you so much for the tour What cozy shop Japanese culture just fascinates me I would love to visit Japan The swords were breath taking! Thank you so much Stay safe stay healthy my friend What a cozy little shop Especially the end floor
I like your content. Very interesting! I like visiting Japan and have always enjoyed my trips there! Just a side note, it is true that "武" is made up of "止" and "戈". However, "止" in this case was derived from "趾" and during ancient times, "趾" actually means "foot". So "武" actually symbolises "moving out with a weapon for war". :)
I may have made an inhuman squeak when we went upstairs. One day, one day. Edit: I’ve never heard the matchlocks from the Sengoku called hinawaju before; only ever tanegashima. What is the difference? I would love to learn!
In Japan, the matchlock gun of the Sengoku era is taught at school as “火縄銃 hinawaju.” 種子島 Tanegashima is the name of the island, where they first imported these guns! So in Japanese if you say this name, we usually are referring to the island, and not the gun!
@@LetsaskShogo The series "Age of the Samurai: Battle for Japan" is currently on Netflix. The first episode--which details Nobunaga, Oda's rise to power--mentions this fact!
●Tozando Shogoin Store Website: tozando-japanesesword.com/ ●Tozando online shop: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo 〈Google Map〉 goo.gl/maps/PbcgAw7oxjnWyUsn9 [Payment options] Cash / Credit cards / E-money [Parkings] None *The information is as of the time of the shooting of this video. Please check the official website for the latest information. ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ ua-cam.com/video/nhEamHfzyyg/v-deo.html ▼Related videos in this channel▼ ・What are the differences between Iaido & Kendo? The history of the two katana martial arts of Japan ua-cam.com/video/_4NYNGUzlUs/v-deo.html ・The 3 differences between iaido/iaijutsu & battodo/battojutsu! Why they have a complex relationship ua-cam.com/video/Q_ZtgMnPsvw/v-deo.html ・What are tsuba ring, tsuka-maki wrapping, and sageo string meant for? Their purposes then and today ua-cam.com/video/MpsL9Apsk2A/v-deo.html ▼MY DREAM▼ ua-cam.com/video/EgowIV_kagA/v-deo.html “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in” I will be using the profit I gain from this channel at restaurants, hotels, and cultural facilities in Kyoto to introduce them. The more you watch the videos on this channel, Kyoto and Japan will become a more exciting place, and you can support your own and others’ dreams in the future even more. ▼Join our Membership▼ ua-cam.com/channels/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.htmljoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos ua-cam.com/play/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.html -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼[Sub-channel] “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ ua-cam.com/channels/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA.html Please subscribe!! The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼[For YOU traveling to Kyoto] "Kyoto Hidden Gems" series▼ ua-cam.com/play/PLpIWoYf9KNFU2YmZtyfKJi9-MCpycAPWy.html ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）
Just recently came across this channel and I gotta say I'm in love already. Guess I know how my UA-cam history is going to look like for the next few days.
I had goosebumps on the 1st floor section. This whole store is awesome! My dream, since I was a kid, is to have a real katana and a samurai armor. Thanks for making this video!
I used to order my kendo gear here, brings back good memories. Thank you for the virtual tour. It's making me want to go back and practice kendo again. Thank you and I have subscribed. Ganbatte kudasai 1M subs
Will have to put this place on my places to visit in kyoto when i take my trip to Japan. The japanese culture has always fascinated me since i was a little kid, I still have the same excitement seeing stuff like this even to this day.
Thank you for the video, I watched it when you first released it. I made a trip out there last week, it was an amazing experience. The staff is incredible and I was finally able fulfilled my childhood dream of purchasing a real katakana. I will definitely return if I can make the time to actually get into the martial art. Or when I'm ready to move back to the states, they will help with sending it back home.
Thanks for showing us this gem of a place in Kyoto. I visited Japan a couple of years ago and excited to return again. I would definitely visit and buy some products from this merchant. I am a new subscriber to your channel.
I actually have two Iaito from Tozando that I got in the early 2000's so it's really cool to see their shop like this. The quality and customization was really nice. Thank you for the treat!
I'm a martial arts lover and my biggest dream is to get to know japan in person one day. I didn't know your channel, by chance this video came up as a recommendation and I really liked the content! Thanks for showing such a beautiful piece of Japan! You won another subscriber on your channel! Cheers from Brasil!!!! Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu!
This looks like a wonderful store. I could be enthralled by the Jo and Bo I saw there. Seeing the katana in the full polish was very nice I am sure. Thank you for sharing this!
I'm hoping some day I can visit Japan I would love to have someone like this for me to learn more about the culture and everything I think it would be life changing.
I love Tozando! They always have such amazing sales and their free international shipping for large orders is such a steal. I've bought so many kendo supplies from them over the years and now that I've started practicing iaido from my kendo sensei I have just purchased an iaito from them as well. I never managed to swing by their store the times I've been to Kyoto so thank you for making this video!
How funny, I went to Kyoto back in 2019 and actually bought my first Katana at Tozando. While me and my friend only went in to have a look, we were greeted by a man, who were very obviously not japanese, but turned out to be danish like ourselves. He'd moved to Japan for practicing Aikido, and now had a japanese wife and kid. With us being able to talk in our own language, we quickly ended up settling on an Iaido sword and shipping to Denmark. Great experience, and professional staff, both japanese and non-japanese.
I literally "found" my katana in the old kominka house I bought in Hiroshima. This week, I'm taking it to the Board of Education where they will examine it in person and I'll undergo the registration process. It is a WWII officer's katana, over 80 years old, and in great condition. Such a lovely blade and I am so happy to have it!
Thanks so much for this video. It answered a lot of questions I've had concerning Katanas for a long time.
I live in Washington State, U.S.A, and have had a love of edged weapons as long as I can remember. I am 65 years old, a retired Army Combat Medic.
I am going through chemo therapy for pancreatic cancer, and came across your channel. I can't stand watching t.v., so Channels such as yours keep me from going stir crazy.
Once again, thanks for your video.
Thank you or your service and God bless.
be strong my friend! we will be encouraging you with positive vibrations
Thank you for your service!
A fellow Washingtonian, Thank you for your service
Keep up the big fight!
I'm glad you showcased this shop! My great grandfather was from Kyushu and migrated to Malaysia before the war where he started a family here. After the war, his katana, our family heirloom was stolen and I hoped that one day I'd like to gift to our family a new katana. It will never replace soul of the original, but I wanted it as a keepsake for my family here to remember our roots for the new generation.
I only wished the import laws weren't so strict here
That sounds like a grand destiny, finding the family katana again one day.
it is very bad karma to steal someones katana... poor poor thieves............
I swear I could get in trouble for this, but I REALLY wanna own a katana someday..
Problem is I’m in a whole other country.
I lived in Sasebo for 3 years when I was a kid.
FINALLY! Someone’s actually talking about the hidden gem that is tozando!
Right? That's where I got my naginatajutsu gear from.
Wow I've been buying my gear from there online for years but never considered that they'd have a physical store. Definitely going to stop by if I'm ever in Kyoto.
Waiting to go there and buy my bow. It is very difficult to import them
@@justinsadler5695 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Dies from cringe
I really do admire the reverence Japanese people hold for their Katana. Here in Europe we take a very pragmatic approach towards weaponry, even those of us, like me, who practice martial arts. In Japan, however, each sword seems to be imbued with a real relationship towards its bearer. I think this respect and dignity are mannerisms that carry over into the general way we conduct ourselves. Therein lies a lesson, which the whole martial arts community could learn from.
Agreed. The sword I’ve actually practiced with is a dark age European design, but I’ve always believed in the philosophy that if you take care of your things and love them, they’ll return the favour.
The Japanese actually have an entire superstition around that, evidently; when an object becomes 100 years old, it gets its own spirit, and it remembers how its owners have treated it and will act accordingly.
I’m not Japanese though, that’s just stuff I learned through the internet grapevine and could be bollocks.
I have been training with a katana since I was little so now I know different techniques and above all I really admire the era of feudal Japan HI!
Wow. This truly is a gem of a place. I know I’m just one random viewer, but I wanted to say thank you so much for sharing this wonderful place with us. I have never looked much into katana, though I am somewhat enthralled with traditional Japanese culture and history.
I am much more familiar with fencing and other Western swords, so I can still completely relate to your feelings being in a place like that. I totally understand that works of such craftsmanship are absolutely breathtaking.
I really thank you for taking the time to watching my video and leaving a comment, I appreciate it very much😊
@@LetsaskShogoHey Shogo maybe make a video when you have time on Samurai Swords that are from older periods of time, just curious cause I found a Katana that had a metal sheath and looks authentic but don’t know too much about it
I was in this store 2 days ago! It was thx to Shogo that I got there. The young lady that works there is super friendly and very helpful. I bought 6 wooden swords that day and she boxed them up nicely so I can take them on the plane.
They do offer shipping as well!
I remember this place, I visited it in February 2020. I tried on some Armour, got to handle an antique Yari (spear), then purchased a Yumi and some accessories to be shipped to the UK. Thank you for this video, it's bringing back good memories of what I hope won't be my last visit to this city.
I received their paper catalogue in the late 90´s. (By mail to France). It was such a treat just seeing the incredible range of their products.
I ordered some Aikido and Iaido gear. It was an unforgettable experience.
I worked for a cutlery store for 16 years and handled many replica (stainless as well as hand forged folded steel) katanas. I did Kendo for about a year before a foot injury sidelined me and had a friend who was a sword maker who had a collection of antique katanas. I've always loved swords and katanas are one of my favorite types of sword .
Thank you for the tour 😍. My first exposure to tozondo was I purchased a hemp hakama from them I still have it today and one day if I get a chance to visit Japan Kyoto is the one place I want to visit the most. Plus I love Nintendo and it's their home too. So thank you again for the beautiful videos you have made available for the rest of the world to enjoy your home's beauty. Thank you thank you and many blessings
I can't believe how nice and welcoming they were, so much respect the whole time. I'm planning on visiting Japan in 2023 maybe (in hopes my basic Japanese is better at that time) and maybe I can even visit them myself. I'm from Germany btw
yah, their tradition is great. unlike western culture. you take your shoes off and being so polite, love it
I had a great feeling of awe when we got to view your experience inside of this store. To me this is a great store and its contents and your treatment by the staff was very respectful and impressive. This is a wonderous place, and the online shipping is a big plus.
Thank you for posting this video.
Can we just appreciate that he makes the videos that are so entertaining
My wife and I visited Tozando because of this video on our honeymoon. It was such a memorable experience. The staff were super helpful. On our way here we walked into the Tozando Gallery by accident but got to appreciate the craftmanship and beauty of each piece. Thank you for makibg this video!!!
I would absolutely love to travel there one day and buy some of these items. I was actually surprised by the pricing. Although still quite expensive, they were still in an affordable range. Here I was thinking swords were like almost priceless artworks.
The armor was almost 4,000 usd 😂
They are blunt training Katana, not 'real' nihonto .
I bought my first katana in that store! The people was so kind! I will always recommend Tozando !
I had a katana in my teens, and trained with martial arts growing up. I used to live in a not great city and ended up having to use it to fight off a burglary. Eventually i had to sell it when I got hurt later and to pay for school but i am forever thankful to have had and been ready when I was with it. For anyone ever considering one, I'd heavily recommend the investment for it could one day save your life!
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I do love Tozando's shop. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I was surprised that there are so few budo shops in the cities that I have visited in Japan. There is another lovely sword shop across the road from Nijo-jo. It is more of an antique shop, but they sell beautiful bags and sageo!
My first Navy Blue Aikido Hakama was from Tozando, and it was a good investment, used the same gear for 3+ years, trained very often (4 days per week, 2 hours per day), sustained a lot of high and low falls before the Koshiita (backplate) finally broke. Now that I am doing Iaido, I am planning to get the gears from this store as well. Very good quality gear and highly recommended.
I spent a month in Nagoya, Kyoto, and Hiroshima in 2007 as my study abroad in college. I bought a lot of souvenirs for friends and family, but only two for myself-a happi that’s patterned off of the Shinsengumi haori, and a bokuto from this exact shop. I still treasure them both to this day.
I got a part time job almost solely for the purpose of going to Japan and this was already on my ' have to go places'. Thank you for the in depth tour!!!
this video honestly resparked my desire to train with katana and staff again and aquire some of these gems from kyoto, thanks shogo
Their so so beautiful! I’m absolutely enthralled with the katana. It’s the amount of work that goes into the instrument. And I love that their always different. The science and craftsmanship is unmatched. Fantastic 👏🏽✊🏽👌🏾
The people who work in the shop are so nice and friendly! If I ever visit Kyoto I will definitely visit this place
this is awesome and so wholesome, thank you for this video Shogo. Strangers in Japan seem so kind it makes me happy, I wish to visit someday but flying is my biggest fear. I will have to face my greatest fear in order to go to Japan one day.
Tozando is like the go to premium shop in my Aikido organization. I really enjoyed this video.
This place looks INCREDIBLE!!!
You have to go!😎
Thank you so much for making us discover this shop and share one of the most beautiful part of your culture.
Thank you so much for this video, I myself practice Iaido at my Karate school and have a katana (I’m referring to real, usable ones that are sharp and durable when I talk about katanas) but also plan on learning how to make them myself, I plan on going to Japan to train with the head masters of Karate for a couple years or so, I’m the meantime I have been looking for a reliable katana shop as I plan on getting a nicer one soon, this shop seems wonderful! Thanks very much for making the video, I would have probably missed this in my visit to Japan had it not been for you making this video.
You’re doing great! This was a very enjoyable video, keep up the great work!
A couple of years? I understand it takes upwards of seven to become adequate at making a good katana.
I went there myself awhile ago, and the shop keeper is still the same person here in the video who is really informative and helpful. He even invited me to go upstairs when he acknowledged my interest in iaido.
To get to see the hada, and all the characteristics of the hamon in person would be amazing! I've done some hamons on different knives I've made, and the beauty that comes out in the polish is always wonderful. Each one is a surprise. What always floors me, is the control that the masters get in their hamon.
I like Hamon cheese sandwiches...
Thank you this video is exactly what I need. I’ve wanted a Katana since I was 6 so that’s 30 years I’ve been wanting one . Now I know where to go.
Thanks for showing the Tozando Shop in Kyoto, Shogo - I have been to the shop myself, where I got my Montsuki.
I also have an custom iaito from Tozando, which I have been using for the past 8 years, and it still looks and feels great :-)
I happen to see this store one day when I was having a random stroll in Kyoto so I went in. Very nice (& expensive) samurai stuff inside. Spent almost an hour there & ended up buying a couple of katanas.
Hi Shogo,
I had the opportunity to visit Japan three years ago with my family. During our trip, we stopped to explore many cities, including Kyoto. I wish I had seen this video before my trip because I would have loved to visit that store. As a fan of Japanese culture (in particular the history of the Samurai class), I would have greatly enjoyed seeing the genuine katanas and the replica Samurai armor. Who knows I might have even bought a katana right there and then, which likely would have made my wife unhappy with the expensive purchase. However, it's good to know that there's a store website and that they ship overseas. So, a potential purchase of a genuine katana is still a possibility. :) Once again...great video!
It's really nice to see the Tozando shop through your channel and I see they have a display store in Tokyo too. I'm fond of Katanas too although my knowledge is nowhere near as yours and I would probably spend a good few hours in there so I can relate with your excitement! Thank you again for this opportunity!
Shogo san Arigatōgozaimashita for this amazing video, it is truly appreciated when one talks about the craftsmanship, the history and different artistic designs that the architects of these fine blades put forward! I always had a fascination with these works of art as if a yearning of the soul, when I first held one in my hand my whole body began to vibrate almost in a sort of way. Sadly my condition doesn't allow me to practice the style but maybe in another life :)
That blue handled real one is gorgeous, weapons can be art and appreciated as such!
Damn I would be like small child in toy store here :D (literally speaking of course). When I visit Japan some day I must visit it. I already own two katanas but I think that none of them can compete with this. I think it's a perfect souvenir from this beautiful country full of rich history and tradition :)
i understand half of what they say. I was actually able to listen to their convo's without reading the subtitles and understanding most of what they were saying. I'm happy that my learning of Japanese is going really well ^^
So cool! Especially them being able to ship it to you.
Oh wow, I remember visiting this store when I visited Kyoto back in 2014. I went past it on the bus and my eyes lit up when I saw all the Katana on display in the window. I got off at the next stop and walked back to have a look. Spent about an hour in there looking at everything, it was such a great experience. Thanks for the great video.
I'd love to visit Tozando if I was ever in Japan. I bought a few items from them, including my Dotanuki around 2007 when I was training Nakamura Ryu. Was great cause you could choose different furnishings to make minor customisations. I haven't trained in 9 yrs but I still love everything Samurai related. I have 1 Nihonto from the ShinShinto period but my grail would be to have a sword from Yoshindo Yoshihara.
both of you are perfect in explaining and asking things
Wow those armours looks soooo heavy. And all the swords look so interesting. I would love to see them in close up. 🤩 Lol exactly my thought. Wanted to say that Shogo is like a little kiddo let into the candy shop. 😂 with sparkle in the eyes and so happy. 🤩👏
I have subscribed after seeing this video. The first one I saw on your youtube. I appreciated the good vibes, respect you do have for your culture. I can’t wait to see more of them.
If I had the means, Shogo. I'd come here to find the one true sword I'd need in my lifetime; however, I think I may have it already in the form of a blade given to me by my friend after he passed two years ago.
I'm really happy to see you promoting a company that clearly has EARNED your repeat business.
I only see it in anime, manga, and the blind swordsman movies. Seeing it up close (that sword at 7:15) must have been awe-inspiring. Just a quick question Shogo-san, if a customer buys one or two at the store, would it be easy for him to pass through the Japanese airport and bring it back home as a souvenir?
Idk about the Japanese airport but when I got back from Japan to the airport in San Francisco, they confiscated almost every really cool thing I bought and left me with touristy knickknacks. Four years later and I'm still kinda mad about that.
no you mail everything back otherwise you end up with nothing like sean here
Made the mistake of watching this at work and drew a drooling crowd. This is an amazing looking store!
Everybody gangsta until the Japanese kid brings this to school.
In the US, he'd just be bringing a long knife to a gunfight.
@@ayush885 the battle of century
can not be sheathed until it tastes blood
Are they allowed to carry it in school???
Yeah but the only one he killing his himself ha
You're sure a well learned and polite gentleman, and I enjoy learning from you
I believe some of Musashi’s lethal “matches” were with just a wooden sword.
No steel needed. 😉
Nice video of a nice shop. Thanks.
Kyoto was my favorite city in Japan when I visited long ago.
That man was a different BREED
He was known to just carry a wooden sword in his later "career" as sword fighting was not enough of as challenge, he handicapped himself.
@@edwardschmitt5710 also known as “hardcore “ mode.
This is the first video I watch from your channel. and it was enough to make me subscribe. I love japanese culture and this is truly the type of japanese content I love to watch. I can´t wait to discover more exciting content on your videos.
Anyone got this recommended after watching the season finale of Shogun? xD
Nah, I think it is because I watched Family Guy.
Yes last night great show!
No
No. But a badass show.
I did even though I already had 4 katana😊
I am amazed to see your video appear in my suggestions. I visited Tozando while in Kyoto and excperienced the same sense of awe speaking with the great staff and inspecting the different Iaito and the displays. I purchased an iaito and brought it back to Australia on the plane. Airport staff in Japan tested the blade with magnets to ensure it was a zinc alloy and inspected to make sure it was not a registered Katana and then wrapped everything with care back in it's box. Australian customs were not so pleasant and the box was a mess of tape and tears by the time they were through with it. From the first moment off the plane where I couldn't find it at the baggage claim (they had put it with all the prams etc for just anyone to come and take) to finally bundling up the torn, demolished box after they decided there was nothing to rough me up over it was all an experience to remember. The Iaito is an amazing piece of work, really solid and beautiful.
You could bargain for a katana by challenging the seller in a fight.
😂
Fantastic.,Beautiful Katana..Thank you for the tour ..Thanks all the way from New Zealand
Do we need a license of some kind to buy training katana and the real katana in Japan? I don’t even know
I think he explained in a video that training katana are fine, and can be bought no problem. Real ones are not illegal and don't require a license, but they required some documents. The video was 5 commin katana questions answered by a katana trainee, if I remember correctly, you might want to check it out
No, you do not need a license to own a katana, but each katana will need a certificate submitted by the government, as you can see in the video!
No, luckily you really don't.
There are a ton of stupid rules made to have people "feel" safe, but at the end of the day they are just useless showmanship (depending on where you are, and if you are taking into account export to other countries.... the list grows loooooooooong).
I understand the appeal of having an edged katana, because it is COMPLETE (full work and all), but what these lawmakers seem to forget is that if the problem was "bad sword bad thing protect people"..... a ugly lump of sharpened steel of better quality, with a welded handguard, costs about 30 dollars from a blacksmith. Or, you know, a steel bar.
Just as deadly. The only thing that doesn't outlaw kitchen knives is that they don't have a handguard of any kind.
Yeah, I don't like stupid rules for stupid people, I would prefer not having stupid people giving the choice.
Having said that.... there could be versions that are just as good, from the same hands (meaning same manufacturing down to the T)..... but not sharpened. Incomplete, you might say. But if geographically rules are made to suit the stupidest people of the group (china, California, Uk, etc.) you MIGHT consider that option. It's going to save you a LOT of headhaches.
@@maxlopolo2415 nah, I think there's value in knowing where most of the purpose made dangerous weapons are, I understand that there's a gradient of blades between kitchen knives and swords, a whole spectrum of tools and weaponry that makes drawing a specific line of acceptable danger near impossible but in principle the illusion of safety that keeps society running (the unspoken understanding that your neighbors aren't going to stab or shoot you if you annoy them) is more easily maintained when someone at least keeps track of these things.
When it comes to owning these in the UK, anyone over 18 can have a real sharp sword as long as it is traditionally made
That was incredible my friend ! Thank you so much for the tour What cozy shop Japanese culture just fascinates me I would love to visit Japan The swords were breath taking! Thank you so much Stay safe stay healthy my friend What a cozy little shop Especially the end floor
I always imagined finding my one and only katana by going to a swordsmith and the sword magically choosing me like Ollivander's in Harry Potter 😅
I wouldn’t know where to start in a shop like that! Thank you for taking us in a tour!
I like your content. Very interesting! I like visiting Japan and have always enjoyed my trips there!
Just a side note, it is true that "武" is made up of "止" and "戈". However, "止" in this case was derived from "趾" and during ancient times, "趾" actually means "foot". So "武" actually symbolises "moving out with a weapon for war". :)
I was surprised by this, since in Mandarin I learned that radical meant foot? But maybe they don't teach radicals the same in Japan
@@aw2031zap Interesting point! However I know too little about the Japanese and their language to comment on this matter. :)
That is a dream shop for me, wonderful of you to share this
I may have made an inhuman squeak when we went upstairs. One day, one day.
Edit: I’ve never heard the matchlocks from the Sengoku called hinawaju before; only ever tanegashima. What is the difference? I would love to learn!
In Japan, the matchlock gun of the Sengoku era is taught at school as “火縄銃 hinawaju.”
種子島 Tanegashima is the name of the island, where they first imported these guns! So in Japanese if you say this name, we usually are referring to the island, and not the gun!
Ah I see; that makes sense! Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me, Shogo-san.
@@LetsaskShogo The series "Age of the Samurai: Battle for Japan" is currently on Netflix. The first episode--which details Nobunaga, Oda's rise to power--mentions this fact!
im happy to actually see things like this
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We Brazilians loves you guys ! 100 % Respect.
Been twice to Kyoto and didn’t even know this place existed! Definitely will visit next time.
Just recently came across this channel and I gotta say I'm in love already. Guess I know how my UA-cam history is going to look like for the next few days.
Thank you for making this video, Shogo! I’ll add Tozando to my list of places to visit when I hopefully visit Kyoto in the future.
You lighted back the flame inside my heart. Thank you for sharing your passion. I'm going back to the dojo.
I've been a Martial Artist since 7 and I've been looking for something that may help me hone my Kenjutsu.
Thank you for this video
Awesome! thanks to u and Kazu to take us with to see this amazing shop!! thanks to Tozanto staff to allow too! (hugs from Brazil, luv ur channel!)
Thank you Shogo, I was so excited as if I were there with you. I am smiling so much now!
I had goosebumps on the 1st floor section. This whole store is awesome!
My dream, since I was a kid, is to have a real katana and a samurai armor.
Thanks for making this video!
I used to order my kendo gear here, brings back good memories. Thank you for the virtual tour. It's making me want to go back and practice kendo again. Thank you and I have subscribed. Ganbatte kudasai 1M subs
The level of respect shown by both parties is really something special.
Love how much you admire the katana! Whether or not it’s an iaito or shinken, I love how you appreciate the sword.
Will have to put this place on my places to visit in kyoto when i take my trip to Japan. The japanese culture has always fascinated me since i was a little kid, I still have the same excitement seeing stuff like this even to this day.
Thank you for the video, I watched it when you first released it. I made a trip out there last week, it was an amazing experience. The staff is incredible and I was finally able fulfilled my childhood dream of purchasing a real katakana. I will definitely return if I can make the time to actually get into the martial art. Or when I'm ready to move back to the states, they will help with sending it back home.
Thanks for showing us this gem of a place in Kyoto. I visited Japan a couple of years ago and excited to return again. I would definitely visit and buy some products from this merchant. I am a new subscriber to your channel.
I actually have two Iaito from Tozando that I got in the early 2000's so it's really cool to see their shop like this. The quality and customization was really nice. Thank you for the treat!
man even in the vid you can see the clear difference between the katanas downstairs and the real ones upstairs,such beautifull craftmanship
I went there today and it was an incredible experience. Bought a few souvenirs to take home to Australia.
I am very grateful for this video you have made, and bringing awareness of this shop to other countries.
I just found this channel today and I've got to say. Mighty fine job sir!
So glad I just found this channel. Thank you 🙏
This feels like heaven for katana lovers ❤️❤️
I'm a martial arts lover and my biggest dream is to get to know japan in person one day. I didn't know your channel, by chance this video came up as a recommendation and I really liked the content! Thanks for showing such a beautiful piece of Japan! You won another subscriber on your channel! Cheers from Brasil!!!! Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu!
This looks like a wonderful store. I could be enthralled by the Jo and Bo I saw there. Seeing the katana in the full polish was very nice I am sure.
Thank you for sharing this!
18:30 it's incredible how many times they thanks each other, japan colture is amazing and very respectful.
I could spend all day in that shop, incredible selection and collection, I always felt that the katana was the deadliest piece of ark work👍
I'm hoping some day I can visit Japan I would love to have someone like this for me to learn more about the culture and everything I think it would be life changing.
Tozando!! They are the best! I love the bogy and shinais I bought from them a few years ago.
Katana are really wholesome to look at. They’re just beautiful. If I had the Chance too take a look at a real one I would definitely enjoy it.
I love Tozando! They always have such amazing sales and their free international shipping for large orders is such a steal. I've bought so many kendo supplies from them over the years and now that I've started practicing iaido from my kendo sensei I have just purchased an iaito from them as well. I never managed to swing by their store the times I've been to Kyoto so thank you for making this video!
How funny, I went to Kyoto back in 2019 and actually bought my first Katana at Tozando.
While me and my friend only went in to have a look, we were greeted by a man, who were very obviously not japanese, but turned out to be danish like ourselves.
He'd moved to Japan for practicing Aikido, and now had a japanese wife and kid.
With us being able to talk in our own language, we quickly ended up settling on an Iaido sword and shipping to Denmark.
Great experience, and professional staff, both japanese and non-japanese.
Thank you so much for taking us along to this beautiful shop. And domo arigato gozaimas for all your videos, they are great.
I literally "found" my katana in the old kominka house I bought in Hiroshima. This week, I'm taking it to the Board of Education where they will examine it in person and I'll undergo the registration process. It is a WWII officer's katana, over 80 years old, and in great condition. Such a lovely blade and I am so happy to have it!