
Modern technology intertwines with 400 years of swordsmithing skills.
In Japan, there’s a tradition that when a master artisan or craftsman retires, he passes on his name to his most talented apprentice. So while it was some 400 years ago that the original Kawachinokami Kunisuke was hammering out katana in the Osaka/Nara area, there’s still a swordsmith who goes by the same name today. Kunihira Kawachi is the current, 15th-generation Kawachinokami Kunisuke, channeling four centuries’ worth of tradition and technique into his blades.
▼ Kunihira Kawachi

That devotion to historical culture doesn’t mean Kawachi is incapable of doing modern things, though, and his latest blade looks like something that came from the future.

In addition to its high-tech look, the swords has a high-tech backstory. Kawachi is the one who physically made the sword, but he didn’t design it. In fact, it wasn’t even designed by a human, but by an A.I. program.

The sword, called Tachi, is a joint project between Kawachi, U.S./Japan Web3 design company Final Aim, and Tokyo art organization Studio Shikumi. Tachi’s design was created using a generative design A.I. 3-D modeling system and Web3 technology, with parameters oriented towards maximizing the strength of the blade and comfort of the grip while minimizing the amount of materials used. The end result is a design unlike any other, imbuing the sword with techno-biological aura.

The name Tachi was chosen because, depending on the kanji characters used, the word tachi can mean either “sword” or “stand up/rise” in Japanese, both of which feel appropriate for such an innovative blade.


The sword was displayed briefly last month in New Orleans, and the creators intend to exhibit it in the near future in Japan and elsewhere. Multiple units will eventually be offered for sale through Studio Shikumi, and while there’s no announced timetable yet, it’s a safe bet that whenever it becomes available for purchase, the Tachi won’t look outdated.
Source, images: PR Times
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
B:Conte Asakusa: A Kitchen-Equipped Hotel Perfect for Tokyo Sightseeing, Family Trips, and Long Stays
by: Mayumi Kawai
-
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone (Review): Soak in the View of Mt. Fuji from an Open-Air Hot Spring
by: Mayumi Kawai
-
Ramen vending machine brings a new noodle stand experience to Tokyo station
-
Temple in tiny town in Japan transforms into otherworldly beauty on special summer nights
-
Hello Kitty theme park to be overrun by zombies this summer, young children barred from entering
-
Angry Japanese mayor wants off-season Mt. Fuji hikers to pay costs of their rescue operations
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Stay Near the Cherry Blossoms! Hotels for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store!
by: Teni Wada
-
How Expensive is Tokyo Really? Busting the Myth Before You Visit Tokyo!
-
Quirky, Cute & More: Top 10 Items at Sanrio World Ginza!
-
10 Winter Essentials from MUJI We Can't Wait to Get!
by: Teni Wada
-
Easy Day Trip from Tokyo! Ultimate Sightseeing Guide for Hakone & Lake Ashinoko!
-
5 Best Pokemon Centers and Pokemon Stores in Tokyo: Catch Them All!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks