A Fusion of Tradition and Technology
Opening the event, Miraikan Executive Director Yoichi Ito explained the museum’s commitment to using science and technology as platforms for understanding the future. This exhibition exemplifies this mission, intertwining Japan’s historic sword craftsmanship with digital innovation to inspire appreciation and preservation of cultural heritage.
Through interactive displays, the exhibition dives deep into the history and significance of Japanese swords. Visitors are introduced to the artistry and symbolism embedded in each blade, learning not just about their function as weapons but about their deeper connection to Japanese spirituality and aesthetics.
The Role of Touken Ranbu in Reviving Interest
Touken Ranbu, an online game launched in 2015, has captivated over 13 million users by personifying famous Japanese swords as characters known as Touken Danshi. At the exhibition, Dejitaro, the art producer of Touken Ranbu, emphasized that these swords hold a beauty that resonates with Japanese culture. By incorporating these digital characters into the exhibition, Touken Ranbu bridges the past and present, transforming Japanese swords into a living part of contemporary culture.
Masakazu Ito, the game’s producer, highlighted how Touken Ranbu has played a key role in rekindling interest in Japanese swords, especially among younger generations. He remarked, “This exhibition offers visitors a chance to see, learn, and even handle sword replicas, making history accessible and engaging.”
Interactive and Educational Displays
The exhibition is designed to be hands-on, offering various interactive sections:
- Sword-Making Process: Through staged presentations with sound and imagery, visitors can explore the five stages of sword-making, from forging to polishing, along with the chemical transformations that occur in each phase.
- Japanese Sword Appreciation Dojo: Here, visitors can handle replica swords, learn the names of their parts, and observe proper care techniques. Motion capture technology also allows guests to practice traditional sword techniques, simulating the art of sword fighting through body movements.
- Imanotsurugi Display: The exhibition features a digitally rendered version of Imanotsurugi, the guardian sword of legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, shown for the first time to the public.
Guided Experience with Kyunosuke
Guided by Kyunosuke, a character from Touken Ranbu who aspires to become a sword scholar, visitors journey through the exhibit’s five sections. Each area is designed to gradually enhance understanding, making the experience engaging for visitors of all ages. The exhibit even includes an original pamphlet for visitors to fill out, enhancing the educational experience.
A Passion for Preservation
Special guest Funassyi, the energetic mascot from Funabashi City, shared his enthusiasm for Japanese swords, highlighting their historical “romance” and the importance of preserving them for future generations. Funassyi’s collection of nearly 70 swords reflects a deep appreciation for the artistry and legacy of Japanese swords, and he urged visitors to explore the exhibit with a similar passion.
Reflections on Legacy
The exhibition concludes by inviting visitors to reflect on their experiences and share what they wish to preserve for future generations. Miraikan hopes that this event will inspire visitors to think about cultural preservation in a modern context, blending the timeless appeal of Japanese swords with the possibilities of digital technology.
Running for the next three months, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity for visitors to interact with Japanese swords in a contemporary setting, fostering an appreciation that transcends generations. As Executive Director Ito aptly stated, the exhibition’s purpose is to help visitors “think about what we want to pass on and preserve for the future.” Through this unique blend of tradition and innovation, the exhibition truly brings history to life.
