ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
The Japanese Sword:
How It Shaped Japan's Spirit and Culture
The Japanese sword possesses a noble and enigmatic beauty that represents the soul of the samurai and is revered as a treasure of the world from Japan that resonates in the hearts of people today.
The creation of a Japanese sword, which is a comprehensive work of art, requires the exceptional skills of many artisans, including swordsmiths. These artisans, driven by their passion and spirit of exploration, strive to preserve their tradition, but passing on their skills is a challenging task.
The culture of the traditional Japanese sword represents the pinnacle ofJapanese craftsmanship that we want to preserve and pass on to the future. Through tourism and beyond, we will bring the “heart” of the Japanese sword to everyone.
OUR LOGO
We superimposed Japanese swords in the center of a red circle, representing the Japanese flag (the sun) and the heart of Japan. The decoration on the upper left represents the hearts of the Japanese people, symbolizing their collective spirit and unity, as well as the delicate petals of a cherry blossom, signifying beauty and cultural significance.
The Japanese sword is the heart of Japan and its people. We aim to share its beauty with the world, as it embodies the essence of Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship. We want to make this beautiful tradition of swordmaking a sustainable culture of Japan preserving its skills and heritage.
This logo mark represents the thoughts we have put into Our Mission.
TEAM MEMBERS
Yusaku Hotta
Team Operations Director
Spreading the beauty of Japanese swords to the world! The encounter with the culture and tradition of Japanese swords left a strong impression on me. I would like to take you into the world of this remarkable traditional craftsmanship, often considered one of the treasures of Japan.
Born and raised in Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, I spent my high school years in other prefectures. After working for a JR Group advertising company for 6 and a half years, I returned to my hometown and met a specialist in Japanese swords.
Jonah Oshio
Cultural Advisor and On-Demand Guide
I am Jonah, a newbie with a growing fascination for swords. Since childhood, swords have fascinated me more than the average classmate. When I moved to the US for school, I discovered the revered status of Japanese swords as the finest blades in the world. Despite my interest, I struggled to explain the cultural significance of these weapons/artifacts to my friends.
Fast forward a few decades, and I unexpectedly had the opportunity to meet one of Japan’s most renowned swordsmiths. It was a life-changing encounter that continues to shape my journey. I’d love to connect with katana enthusiasts around the world. I’m excited to learn from your passions and experiences, and I’m eager to join you in our collective appreciation of Japanese swords!
Akira Tagawa
Communication and Innovation Developer
I have been living in Oasa for 6 years. Currently, I work for Oasa Bus Company and am mainly in charge of the Cycling Business Department. In addition to guiding sport type e-bikes in the local area, I am also involved in planning tour routes and creating travel products and tourism content.
Last year, in collaboration with Sadanao Mikami, a master swordsmith who lives in Kitahiroshima, I was able to create experience content for making knives from tamahagane, the raw material of Japanese swords. I am making efforts to promote the local history and appeal of Japanese swords.
Takahiro Hotta
Senior Consultant
I was born in Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, and have lived in this area for 50 years. The picturesque scenery of the countryside changes with the seasons, providing enjoyment throughout the year. Nature here can be gentle at times and harsh at others, but the traditions that have grown from it are unique to the region and form its own distinct culture.
Our project offers one of the few tours where you can experience the history of Japanese swords and traditional Tatara steel making, as well as explore the heritage and lifestyle of the Japanese people. Many thoughtful touches have been incorporated to allow everyone to experience Japanese culture up close.
Representative Director Oasa Bus Company & Hope Bus Cooperative
Rie Matsuoka
Tourism Operations Coordinator
My mother hails from a family of sea warriors, the samurai on the sea, which has existed for 850 years, while my grandfather also owned two Japanese swords before he passed away. Although the culture of the samurai on the sea is slightly different from that of the samurai on land, there are still many scenes and episodes in which I felt the spirit of bushido within the rules of my family.
On a personal note, I myself have lived in Hong Kong and have many friends from all over the world. I have had many opportunities for them to interact with Japanese people not only in business but also in private. I will provide you with attentive support to ensure that you will have fond memories when you come on our Japanese sword tours!