Johan Leutwiler: Japan's first foreign-born swordsmith

[thomas]

Swiss-born Johan Leutwiler is Japan's first foreign swordsmith. At 17, he encountered his first Japanese sword (a replica!) in his home country. He fell in love with the craft and embarked on a 15-year journey, at the end of which he is about to open his own word workshop in Shobara, in rural Hiroshima. NHK's Peter Barakat visited Johan.

Watch the video here:

Japanophiles: Johan Leutwiler - Japanology Plus | NHK WORLD-JAPAN

*First broadcast on February 13, 2025. Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

www3.nhk.or.jp

Japanophiles: Johan Leutwiler
*First broadcast on February 13, 2025.
Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

Links:

Swiss Pavilion | Johan, Trial by fire

Hailing from Monthey in the south-western canton of Valais, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Johan Leutwiler discovered his passion for Japanese swords …

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Forging Dreams: A Swiss Journey into the Art of Swordsmithing - japanophilia

Hi how are you? Today’s topic is about Swordsmith from Switzerland. In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefectur […]

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