Is This Discrimination? #longsword

When I made videos with Seki Sensei having him try out fighting with replicas of Western swords, I explained that we can’t the real ones in Japan because it’s against the laws. But then there were tons of comments saying that it’s discriminative because you’re allowed to have real katana in Japan. The 銃刀法 restricts the owning of weapons in Japan without special permisson, and any blade longer than ** is against the law. Then why are katana ok? Because katana are considered art in Japan that has shaped a great part of our culture and history. Each katana is submitted with a registration card to prove its authenticity, that it was made using traditional steel and methods. In other words, a random blade shaped like a katana wouldn’t be considered a katana either. Do you think this is discrimination? Please let me know in the comments.

*The content of this video is based on personal studies and experience. There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects.

⚔️Learn Katana Martial Arts from Anywhere Worldwide with Let’s ask Shogo⚔️
I provide the perfect online lessons for anyone worldwide who wishes to dive into the world of katana martial arts through my style, Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu. I, Shogo, a student myself, will also participate in every lesson and interpret everything in English.
1. No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime
2. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime
3. You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style
4. You can receive official Dan ranks by taking exams online

👺Learn More About Noh Theatre from an Active Professional👺
We operate the best online community for a deeper understanding of the mysterious and enigmatic world of Noh theatre. You can learn about Japanese history and religion while regularly watching Isumi Sensei’s performances with my, Shogo's English interpretation.
Sign up here: (Coming Soon)

🗡️Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi🗡️
A 120-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi. I, Shogo, will be your interpreter and lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts!

⭐️Instagram⭐️
*Please ask me questions through the DM here

💰Please support me through Ko-fi💰

🗡️The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando🗡️
Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape!

🥷The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana🥷
*Get 15% OFF all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link

⭐️Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?⭐️

⭐️MY DREAM⭐️
“To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in.”

♪Music♪
♪Sound effects♪
♪Pictures♪

[Totally-Not-A-Robot]

It's not discrimination against western swords, it's an exception made for something for cultural significance. There's a difference.

[feral_shade]

Yes and no

In terms of ownership and presentation, it's absolutely NOT discrimination...especially considering its modern non-combative value _(as covered in several previous videos)_

However, in terms of comparing the functional merit of any two types of swords...it would be inaccurate if one of the swords was of a lesser quality/condition (ie, a replica) than the other.
Like, if you're comparing spaghetti to ramen, you wouldn't get the spaghetti from a Michelen star Sicilian restaurant and compare it to instant ramen from 7 Eleven, right?

In terms of sparring, i think the most accurate comparison, in this case, would be for both the katana and western sword to both be replicas 😊

[meyer]

A key question may be wether an artisanally made western sword could be imported as a work of art or historic artifact

[Pinkywiththebrain]

Bladesmithing is also considered an art for many westerners but it is not regulated or ingrained as deeply as in Japanese culture. Both a katana and western sword are weapons and an art form.

[diteamiciedentrate]

it's a shame to common sense that you had to answer to such nonsense

[Jameslawz]

This is a mix of artisan and culture, traditional Katana's are made of a weaker steel (or refined iron sand) called Tamahagane. Modern day steel is far superior to Tamahagane but that's not the point, the fact that Japan is an island with poor natural resources such Coal, iron ore, zinc, lead, copper, sulfur, gold, and silver. Blacksmith artisans managed to find a way to turn iron sand into an ore which they then went onto fold to distribute the iron content to cover for its weaknesses.

This was actually such an ingenious idea and shows the level of creativity the Japanese had with limited resources.

Because of how long the process took to make the blade, there was an emotional attachment to the process, as if injecting your soul into the craft. They were functional and deadly, which looked like a piece of art when fully assembled, the curve alone is really iconic.

Because of this continued practice and tradition of Blacksmithing, you can understand why patriotic Japanese people will say a non-Tamahagane is not considered a real Katana despite being structurally weaker than modern day steel with less flex too.

The funny thing is most sword wielding practitioners in Japan don't actually care and will comment how modern day steel is better than the old method of making them but there's something about the "feel" of the old ways that just give it more personality and soul (which ofc is all subjective).

Keep tradition alive I say and no, this isn't discrimination. Japanese smiths made it so they get to create the rules on what is classed as authentic Katana's and what are not.

[JosephHarris-lt]

Honestly the technicality of discrimination or not feels a bit divisive and silly. A sword used for training purposes and history/fact finding vs someone carrying one on a public street has vastly differing effects

[CarlosCeli]

Absolutely not discrimination. Shogo, I was in Kyoto recently and missed your class while I was there and feel terrible. Your videos ARE fantastic!

[crustaceanking]

same loophole as guns in the US
You can have a revolver shipped to your door in the States without restrictions, as long as it's an old blackpowder design and not fitted for modern ammo.
This is because blackpowder revolvers aren't considered firearms in legal terms, and are classed as antiques.

Also fun fact: you can get a little kit for this revolver to make it able to fire cased ammo, with similarly few restrictions.

[seththeace]

From what little ive seen, modern japan bakes a lot of discrimination into its social and cultural rules, and this is just one more example. There is clear age discrimination, unhealthy work culture, discrimination against immigrants, women, and non japanese people in almost all areas of japan.

[retyc]

Even if it is - it’s not a problem. Your country - your rules

[capitainemmhenri]

As a HEMA trainee living in japan, me and my club are really sad that's it's illegal for us to train like we did abroad

[HeavyHardDrive]

Seki Sensei is a professional the way he handled the long western swords.

[thegatorhator]

It's not discrimination but it's a shame you aren't able to explore other cultures as deeply without leaving the country.

[cidcarter]

I'd have to say yes, the low is discriminatory because no other sort can be considered artwork. Even if it passes all the other tests, it's made traditionally or it is a rapier pass down for generations

[BoboMagroto]

People don’t know of laws, but discrimination card usage is easy than learning the truth

[Trippp]

I think saying “western swords” was a misleading statement. Because it’s not just “western swords” that is not allowed in Japan. It’s all swords other than an authentic, authenticated, and registered Japanese katana.

[orionable]

It would be an absolute madness to not allow such a precious and important piece of art in society.
I one day would be in awe to be in the presence of one of those legendary swords.
Its the craftsmanship skill that make them truely masterpieces.

[misse]

Oh, the history being preserved is so beautiful ❤❤❤

[brianvogelsong]

If that’s the rule in your country, that’s the rule, no exceptions, but I’m glad you clarified it and I didn’t know katanas were that cool?