Essential Books on Japanese Swords and Culture

Here is a GROWING LIST of books on Japanese sword and Japanese culture that are recommended reads. These links lead to pages on Amazon that provide a small referral fee to Unique Japan.

The Craft of the Japanese Sword

Author: Leon Kapp with Hiroko Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara
This books gives the reader a great understanding on the more technical aspects of making Japanese swords. Particularly interesting is the section on the making of the hamon (temper line).
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Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords: A Collector’s Guide

Author: Nobuo Nakahara with Paul Martin
A valuable resource that addresses all major factors when collecting Japanese swords. Interesting thoughts and discussion on mumei (unsigned) swords. Definitely worth the investment, shop around for new and used options.
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BUSHIDO: The Soul of Japan

Author: Dr. Inazo Nitobe
BUSHIDO’s literal translation is “Military-Knight-Ways”. It is an unwritten code of moral principles which the knights (Samurai) were required or instructed to observe. This book provides a glorious insight to these principles, and as such, is a must read for anyone who has come into contact with the people of Japan.

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The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: Kanzan Sato
Written from a Japanese perspective, this book provides an excellent introduction for those hungry to learn about the Japanese sword.
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The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

Author: Nakayama Kokan. Translated by Kenji Mishina.
This book was originally written in Japanese as “To-Ken Kantei Dokuhon”. It dives deep into the major smiths and schools; complete with hundreds of drawings. For those serious in their studies of the Japanese sword, this book simply needs to be on the shelf.
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Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum

Author: Victor Harris
Appealing to both the newcomer and the more advanced collector, the historical and technical information is well-written and a pleasure to read. Possibly the best photography ever compiled of Japanese swords.
Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum