Setouchi City has been witness to a thousand years of Japanese sword-making history and is the birthplace of half of the swords designated as Japanese National Treasures. For centuries this region was, and still continues to be, home to some of the greatest master swordsmiths of Japan.
The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum was established in 1983 with the aim of honouring, preserving and conveying this important historical and cultural legacy. At this unique museum, it is possible to not only admire many beautiful swords but also to watch all the various artisans working hard in their respective studios to create the numerous special components of this singular art-form, from the swordsmith to the handle-maker.