Uchizome (打ち初め), or ‘the first hit of the hammer’, is a unique shinto ritual held in the swordsmith’s forge in early January to pray for a fruitful year with no accident. On this day, a shinto priest officiates the ceremony in the forge of the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword museum followed by a traditional tempering demonstration given by the master swordsmiths of the museum.
Guests are more than welcome to join the ceremony and even have a go at swinging the hammer! Once all the excitement is over, onlookers, swordsmiths and priest are all invited to enjoy a warm and delicious winter beverage such as zenzai (warm sweet red bean soup with mochi) or amazake(sweet, low-alcohol Japanese drink).
This event is great for anyone looking for an authentic and unusual Japanese experience!
