FINALLY! Someone’s actually talking about the hidden gem that is tozando!

@justinsadler5695

2 жыл бұрын

Right? That's where I got my naginatajutsu gear from.

@jkfang

2 жыл бұрын

Wow I've been buying my gear from there online for years but never considered that they'd have a physical store. Definitely going to stop by if I'm ever in Kyoto.

@patrician3821

2 жыл бұрын

Waiting to go there and buy my bow. It is very difficult to import them

@jacobhartwell91

11 ай бұрын

​@@justinsadler5695 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

@Potassium1402

10 ай бұрын

Dies from cringe

Thanks so much for this video. It answered a lot of questions I've had concerning Katanas for a long time. I live in Washington State, U.S.A, and have had a love of edged weapons as long as I can remember. I am 65 years old, a retired Army Combat Medic. I am going through chemo therapy for pancreatic cancer, and came across your channel. I can't stand watching t.v., so Channels such as yours keep me from going stir crazy. Once again, thanks for your video.

@Moondoggy1941

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you or your service and God bless.

@vitorprocopio6796

2 жыл бұрын

be strong my friend! we will be encouraging you with positive vibrations

@shortstackz1587

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

@houstonperez6400

2 жыл бұрын

A fellow Washingtonian, Thank you for your service

@ARDG89

2 жыл бұрын

Keep up the big fight!

I'm glad you showcased this shop! My great grandfather was from Kyushu and migrated to Malaysia before the war where he started a family here. After the war, his katana, our family heirloom was stolen and I hoped that one day I'd like to gift to our family a new katana. It will never replace soul of the original, but I wanted it as a keepsake for my family here to remember our roots for the new generation. I only wished the import laws weren't so strict here

@AzzySunfire

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a grand destiny, finding the family katana again one day.

@Dr.Wolfstar

2 жыл бұрын

it is very bad karma to steal someones katana... poor poor thieves............

@GenocidalSquid

Жыл бұрын

I swear I could get in trouble for this, but I REALLY wanna own a katana someday.. Problem is I’m in a whole other country.

@Steve757-fl1hd

7 күн бұрын

I lived in Sasebo for 3 years when I was a kid.

I really do admire the reverence Japanese people hold for their Katana. Here in Europe we take a very pragmatic approach towards weaponry, even those of us, like me, who practice martial arts. In Japan, however, each sword seems to be imbued with a real relationship towards its bearer. I think this respect and dignity are mannerisms that carry over into the general way we conduct ourselves. Therein lies a lesson, which the whole martial arts community could learn from.

@jamespike5161

7 ай бұрын

Agreed. The sword I’ve actually practiced with is a dark age European design, but I’ve always believed in the philosophy that if you take care of your things and love them, they’ll return the favour. The Japanese actually have an entire superstition around that, evidently; when an object becomes 100 years old, it gets its own spirit, and it remembers how its owners have treated it and will act accordingly. I’m not Japanese though, that’s just stuff I learned through the internet grapevine and could be bollocks.

@Stray_kidslover789

6 ай бұрын

I have been training with a katana since I was little so now I know different techniques and above all I really admire the era of feudal Japan HI!

Wow. This truly is a gem of a place. I know I’m just one random viewer, but I wanted to say thank you so much for sharing this wonderful place with us. I have never looked much into katana, though I am somewhat enthralled with traditional Japanese culture and history. I am much more familiar with fencing and other Western swords, so I can still completely relate to your feelings being in a place like that. I totally understand that works of such craftsmanship are absolutely breathtaking.

@LetsaskShogo

2 жыл бұрын

I really thank you for taking the time to watching my video and leaving a comment, I appreciate it very much😊

@xtremesqaud347

26 күн бұрын

@@LetsaskShogoHey Shogo maybe make a video when you have time on Samurai Swords that are from older periods of time, just curious cause I found a Katana that had a metal sheath and looks authentic but don’t know too much about it

I remember this place, I visited it in February 2020. I tried on some Armour, got to handle an antique Yari (spear), then purchased a Yumi and some accessories to be shipped to the UK. Thank you for this video, it's bringing back good memories of what I hope won't be my last visit to this city.

I received their paper catalogue in the late 90´s. (By mail to France). It was such a treat just seeing the incredible range of their products. I ordered some Aikido and Iaido gear. It was an unforgettable experience.

I can't believe how nice and welcoming they were, so much respect the whole time. I'm planning on visiting Japan in 2023 maybe (in hopes my basic Japanese is better at that time) and maybe I can even visit them myself. I'm from Germany btw

@RockyRackstor

2 жыл бұрын

yah, their tradition is great. unlike western culture. you take your shoes off and being so polite, love it

I would absolutely love to travel there one day and buy some of these items. I was actually surprised by the pricing. Although still quite expensive, they were still in an affordable range. Here I was thinking swords were like almost priceless artworks.

@justiceofbook

2 жыл бұрын

The armor was almost 4,000 usd 😂

I got a part time job almost solely for the purpose of going to Japan and this was already on my ' have to go places'. Thank you for the in depth tour!!!

I worked for a cutlery store for 16 years and handled many replica (stainless as well as hand forged folded steel) katanas. I did Kendo for about a year before a foot injury sidelined me and had a friend who was a sword maker who had a collection of antique katanas. I've always loved swords and katanas are one of my favorite types of sword .

I had a katana in my teens, and trained with martial arts growing up. I used to live in a not great city and ended up having to use it to fight off a burglary. Eventually i had to sell it when I got hurt later and to pay for school but i am forever thankful to have had and been ready when I was with it. For anyone ever considering one, I'd heavily recommend the investment for it could one day save your life!

@kaudsy8589

7 ай бұрын

W

This place looks INCREDIBLE!!!

@LetsaskShogo

2 жыл бұрын

You have to go!😎

Can we just appreciate that he makes the videos that are so entertaining

Thank you so much for taking us along with you to Tozando! It's been a dream of mine to visit the store in Kyoto ever since I began practicing iaijutsu.

I spent a month in Nagoya, Kyoto, and Hiroshima in 2007 as my study abroad in college. I bought a lot of souvenirs for friends and family, but only two for myself-a happi that’s patterned off of the Shinsengumi haori, and a bokuto from this exact shop. I still treasure them both to this day.

My first Navy Blue Aikido Hakama was from Tozando, and it was a good investment, used the same gear for 3+ years, trained very often (4 days per week, 2 hours per day), sustained a lot of high and low falls before the Koshiita (backplate) finally broke. Now that I am doing Iaido, I am planning to get the gears from this store as well. Very good quality gear and highly recommended.

Thank you for the tour 😍. My first exposure to tozondo was I purchased a hemp hakama from them I still have it today and one day if I get a chance to visit Japan Kyoto is the one place I want to visit the most. Plus I love Nintendo and it's their home too. So thank you again for the beautiful videos you have made available for the rest of the world to enjoy your home's beauty. Thank you thank you and many blessings

this video alone made me subscribe. I love the content, the editing, the explaining, the manners you have showed towards the shopworkers and overall a very good 20 mins watch! Keep up the good work!!!

I was in this store 2 days ago! It was thx to Shogo that I got there. The young lady that works there is super friendly and very helpful. I bought 6 wooden swords that day and she boxed them up nicely so I can take them on the plane. They do offer shipping as well!

Shogo san Arigatōgozaimashita for this amazing video, it is truly appreciated when one talks about the craftsmanship, the history and different artistic designs that the architects of these fine blades put forward! I always had a fascination with these works of art as if a yearning of the soul, when I first held one in my hand my whole body began to vibrate almost in a sort of way. Sadly my condition doesn't allow me to practice the style but maybe in another life :)

I do love Tozando's shop. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I was surprised that there are so few budo shops in the cities that I have visited in Japan. There is another lovely sword shop across the road from Nijo-jo. It is more of an antique shop, but they sell beautiful bags and sageo!

I love Tozando! They always have such amazing sales and their free international shipping for large orders is such a steal. I've bought so many kendo supplies from them over the years and now that I've started practicing iaido from my kendo sensei I have just purchased an iaito from them as well. I never managed to swing by their store the times I've been to Kyoto so thank you for making this video!

It's really nice to see the Tozando shop through your channel and I see they have a display store in Tokyo too. I'm fond of Katanas too although my knowledge is nowhere near as yours and I would probably spend a good few hours in there so I can relate with your excitement! Thank you again for this opportunity!

I love this place, and I still have my original iaito from them when I started training over 8 years ago... They are amazing and I can't speak enough praises of them

I love this video, thank you so much Shogo! Here in Italy everyone's know that if you want great stuff about Katori and Iaito you have to buy from Tozando. ...and I love the Bokken I bought from them! I wasn't expecting to virtually visit the shop, it was quite an experience and absolutely amazing! Domo arigato gozaimashita 🙏🏻

That blue handled real one is gorgeous, weapons can be art and appreciated as such!

I actually have two Iaito from Tozando that I got in the early 2000's so it's really cool to see their shop like this. The quality and customization was really nice. Thank you for the treat!

I had a great feeling of awe when we got to view your experience inside of this store. To me this is a great store and its contents and your treatment by the staff was very respectful and impressive. This is a wonderous place, and the online shipping is a big plus. Thank you for posting this video.

Thanks for showing the Tozando Shop in Kyoto, Shogo - I have been to the shop myself, where I got my Montsuki. I also have an custom iaito from Tozando, which I have been using for the past 8 years, and it still looks and feels great :-)

Thank you for making this video, Shogo! I’ll add Tozando to my list of places to visit when I hopefully visit Kyoto in the future.

Thank you so much for taking us along to this beautiful shop. And domo arigato gozaimas for all your videos, they are great.

Yes! Tozando is my favorite place to visit when in Kyoto! This video is a nice introduction to the store!

Everybody gangsta until the Japanese kid brings this to school.

@ayush885

2 жыл бұрын

In the US, he'd just be bringing a long knife to a gunfight.

@Old_Hickory_Jackson

2 жыл бұрын

@@ayush885 the battle of century

@fourthaeon9418

2 жыл бұрын

can not be sheathed until it tastes blood

@ShivamKumar-wf5db

Жыл бұрын

Are they allowed to carry it in school???

@dumbman2107

Жыл бұрын

Yeah but the only one he killing his himself ha

Their so so beautiful! I’m absolutely enthralled with the katana. It’s the amount of work that goes into the instrument. And I love that their always different. The science and craftsmanship is unmatched. Fantastic 👏🏽✊🏽👌🏾

I was in Kyoto back in the early 2000s and even went down to Nara to visit a friend. It's really cool to find your channel brings back some great memories of my time in Japan. I am looking forward in the near future returning to Japan to see how it changed in 20 years.

It's almost as exciting to see Shogo visit Tozando as it would be to visit myself! Thanks, Shogo. If I ever come to Kyoto, Tozando will definitely be one of my stops.

Such a beautiful shop! It was very exciting to see everything up close!

I happen to see this store one day when I was having a random stroll in Kyoto so I went in. Very nice (& expensive) samurai stuff inside. Spent almost an hour there & ended up buying a couple of katanas.

this video honestly resparked my desire to train with katana and staff again and aquire some of these gems from kyoto, thanks shogo

this is awesome and so wholesome, thank you for this video Shogo. Strangers in Japan seem so kind it makes me happy, I wish to visit someday but flying is my biggest fear. I will have to face my greatest fear in order to go to Japan one day.

Hi Shogo, I had the opportunity to visit Japan three years ago with my family. During our trip, we stopped to explore many cities, including Kyoto. I wish I had seen this video before my trip because I would have loved to visit that store. As a fan of Japanese culture (in particular the history of the Samurai class), I would have greatly enjoyed seeing the genuine katanas and the replica Samurai armor. Who knows I might have even bought a katana right there and then, which likely would have made my wife unhappy with the expensive purchase. However, it's good to know that there's a store website and that they ship overseas. So, a potential purchase of a genuine katana is still a possibility. :) Once again...great video!

This is an amazing video and thank you for your time and explanation! I look forward to returning to Japan with my wife and making our way to Kyoto to visit Tozando Shogoin.

This is my new favorite video on your channel, thank you! I'll have to go there someday.

Shogo showed us his happy place. I could stay there for a whole day, the place looks amazing. Definitely adding to my go to places, what I can afford to bring home may be a bokken tho.

Thank you so much for this video, I myself practice Iaido at my Karate school and have a katana (I’m referring to real, usable ones that are sharp and durable when I talk about katanas) but also plan on learning how to make them myself, I plan on going to Japan to train with the head masters of Karate for a couple years or so, I’m the meantime I have been looking for a reliable katana shop as I plan on getting a nicer one soon, this shop seems wonderful! Thanks very much for making the video, I would have probably missed this in my visit to Japan had it not been for you making this video. You’re doing great! This was a very enjoyable video, keep up the great work!

@KaptainCanuck

2 жыл бұрын

A couple of years? I understand it takes upwards of seven to become adequate at making a good katana.

Thank you so much for making us discover this shop and share one of the most beautiful part of your culture.

subscribed only after 2 videos. Hope you reach your goals next year! Thank you for uploading this

To get to see the hada, and all the characteristics of the hamon in person would be amazing! I've done some hamons on different knives I've made, and the beauty that comes out in the polish is always wonderful. Each one is a surprise. What always floors me, is the control that the masters get in their hamon.

@edwardschmitt5710

2 жыл бұрын

I like Hamon cheese sandwiches...

Damn I would be like small child in toy store here :D (literally speaking of course). When I visit Japan some day I must visit it. I already own two katanas but I think that none of them can compete with this. I think it's a perfect souvenir from this beautiful country full of rich history and tradition :)

This is the first video I watch from your channel. and it was enough to make me subscribe. I love japanese culture and this is truly the type of japanese content I love to watch. I can´t wait to discover more exciting content on your videos.

I have subscribed after seeing this video. The first one I saw on your youtube. I appreciated the good vibes, respect you do have for your culture. I can’t wait to see more of them.

So cool! Especially them being able to ship it to you.

Wow those armours looks soooo heavy. And all the swords look so interesting. I would love to see them in close up. 🤩 Lol exactly my thought. Wanted to say that Shogo is like a little kiddo let into the candy shop. 😂 with sparkle in the eyes and so happy. 🤩👏

Thank you Shogo, I was so excited as if I were there with you. I am smiling so much now!

This video was in my recommendations, so I watched the whole thing, subbed and now I want to go there/on the the website and buy some stuff! Great video!

If I had the means, Shogo. I'd come here to find the one true sword I'd need in my lifetime; however, I think I may have it already in the form of a blade given to me by my friend after he passed two years ago.

I'd love to visit Tozando if I was ever in Japan. I bought a few items from them, including my Dotanuki around 2007 when I was training Nakamura Ryu. Was great cause you could choose different furnishings to make minor customisations. I haven't trained in 9 yrs but I still love everything Samurai related. I have 1 Nihonto from the ShinShinto period but my grail would be to have a sword from Yoshindo Yoshihara.

Awesome! thanks to u and Kazu to take us with to see this amazing shop!! thanks to Tozanto staff to allow too! (hugs from Brazil, luv ur channel!)

Woah, the designs are so beautiful. I felt like a kid In a toy store when I watched this video, love your content and it really helps since I'm soon moving to Japan for studying

You could bargain for a katana by challenging the seller in a fight.

Anyone got this recommended after watching the season finale of Shogun? xD

Your video popped up on my feed and I just subscribed. Very enjoyable video with you and the shop owner telling us some history or information about swords. I've been to Kyoto once before and did an internship in Japan years ago. Your video gives me the feeling like I am there with you haha. Great content.

Oh wow, I remember visiting this store when I visited Kyoto back in 2014. I went past it on the bus and my eyes lit up when I saw all the Katana on display in the window. I got off at the next stop and walked back to have a look. Spent about an hour in there looking at everything, it was such a great experience. Thanks for the great video.

I only see it in anime, manga, and the blind swordsman movies. Seeing it up close (that sword at 7:15) must have been awe-inspiring. Just a quick question Shogo-san, if a customer buys one or two at the store, would it be easy for him to pass through the Japanese airport and bring it back home as a souvenir?

@seanyoung9014

2 жыл бұрын

Idk about the Japanese airport but when I got back from Japan to the airport in San Francisco, they confiscated almost every really cool thing I bought and left me with touristy knickknacks. Four years later and I'm still kinda mad about that.

@SmEiF-

2 жыл бұрын

no you mail everything back otherwise you end up with nothing like sean here

@yaboi347

Жыл бұрын

@@SmEiF- You can definitely transport katana out of Japan through normal customs. As long as its sheathed, it falls under the same classification as knives do. However, you cannot bring Katana into Japan.

I always imagined finding my one and only katana by going to a swordsmith and the sword magically choosing me like Ollivander's in Harry Potter 😅

I know I'm a bit late to the comments, but I just want to say thank you for your amazingly entertaining and informative videos. This one I have enjoyed especially as I have always been captivated by traditional Japanese culture and as a fencer, it was just amazing to see real katanas up close (even though it was virtually). Definitely a place I would love to visit when and if I visit Japan :)

Im so happy I’ve watched this video !! Thank you so much sir. 100% i will go to this shop and buy there!! I feel like a good energy and peaceful atmosphere there

I believe some of Musashi’s lethal “matches” were with just a wooden sword. No steel needed. 😉 Nice video of a nice shop. Thanks. Kyoto was my favorite city in Japan when I visited long ago.

@ianhairston5258

2 жыл бұрын

That man was a different BREED

@edwardschmitt5710

2 жыл бұрын

He was known to just carry a wooden sword in his later "career" as sword fighting was not enough of as challenge, he handicapped himself.

@chrisw8417

2 жыл бұрын

@@edwardschmitt5710 also known as “hardcore “ mode.

I like your content. Very interesting! I like visiting Japan and have always enjoyed my trips there! Just a side note, it is true that "武" is made up of "止" and "戈". However, "止" in this case was derived from "趾" and during ancient times, "趾" actually means "foot". So "武" actually symbolises "moving out with a weapon for war". :)

@aw2031zap

2 жыл бұрын

I was surprised by this, since in Mandarin I learned that radical meant foot? But maybe they don't teach radicals the same in Japan

@tchsramblings575

2 жыл бұрын

@@aw2031zap Interesting point! However I know too little about the Japanese and their language to comment on this matter. :)

Guy in suit mastered the art of respect. Impeccable

Thanks for showing us this gem of a place in Kyoto. I visited Japan a couple of years ago and excited to return again. I would definitely visit and buy some products from this merchant. I am a new subscriber to your channel.

Do we need a license of some kind to buy training katana and the real katana in Japan? I don’t even know

@Hadras7094

2 жыл бұрын

I think he explained in a video that training katana are fine, and can be bought no problem. Real ones are not illegal and don't require a license, but they required some documents. The video was 5 commin katana questions answered by a katana trainee, if I remember correctly, you might want to check it out

@LetsaskShogo

2 жыл бұрын

No, you do not need a license to own a katana, but each katana will need a certificate submitted by the government, as you can see in the video!

@maxlopolo2415

2 жыл бұрын

No, luckily you really don't. There are a ton of stupid rules made to have people "feel" safe, but at the end of the day they are just useless showmanship (depending on where you are, and if you are taking into account export to other countries.... the list grows loooooooooong). I understand the appeal of having an edged katana, because it is COMPLETE (full work and all), but what these lawmakers seem to forget is that if the problem was "bad sword bad thing protect people"..... a ugly lump of sharpened steel of better quality, with a welded handguard, costs about 30 dollars from a blacksmith. Or, you know, a steel bar. Just as deadly. The only thing that doesn't outlaw kitchen knives is that they don't have a handguard of any kind. Yeah, I don't like stupid rules for stupid people, I would prefer not having stupid people giving the choice. Having said that.... there could be versions that are just as good, from the same hands (meaning same manufacturing down to the T)..... but not sharpened. Incomplete, you might say. But if geographically rules are made to suit the stupidest people of the group (china, California, Uk, etc.) you MIGHT consider that option. It's going to save you a LOT of headhaches.

@seekingabsolution1907

2 жыл бұрын

@@maxlopolo2415 nah, I think there's value in knowing where most of the purpose made dangerous weapons are, I understand that there's a gradient of blades between kitchen knives and swords, a whole spectrum of tools and weaponry that makes drawing a specific line of acceptable danger near impossible but in principle the illusion of safety that keeps society running (the unspoken understanding that your neighbors aren't going to stab or shoot you if you annoy them) is more easily maintained when someone at least keeps track of these things.

@seemslegit6203

2 жыл бұрын

When it comes to owning these in the UK, anyone over 18 can have a real sharp sword as long as it is traditionally made

Thanks for admitting how nervous you were to be handling the katana at the end this episode. You did much better than I would’ve ever done but it was cute to see. I enjoyed seeing how your face look up walk in the store. I definitely am going to go visit Kyoto the next time I’m in Japan

Thank you for this very informative video. It is heartening to see someone passionate about their discipline in such a wonderful place as Tozando. I wish you a long and happy life. 😃

i understand half of what they say. I was actually able to listen to their convo's without reading the subtitles and understanding most of what they were saying. I'm happy that my learning of Japanese is going really well ^^

I may have made an inhuman squeak when we went upstairs. One day, one day. Edit: I’ve never heard the matchlocks from the Sengoku called hinawaju before; only ever tanegashima. What is the difference? I would love to learn!

@LetsaskShogo

2 жыл бұрын

In Japan, the matchlock gun of the Sengoku era is taught at school as “火縄銃 hinawaju.” 種子島 Tanegashima is the name of the island, where they first imported these guns! So in Japanese if you say this name, we usually are referring to the island, and not the gun!

@taz2906

2 жыл бұрын

Ah I see; that makes sense! Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me, Shogo-san.

@divinesoul23

2 жыл бұрын

@@LetsaskShogo The series "Age of the Samurai: Battle for Japan" is currently on Netflix. The first episode--which details Nobunaga, Oda's rise to power--mentions this fact!

You lighted back the flame inside my heart. Thank you for sharing your passion. I'm going back to the dojo.

The people who work in the shop are so nice and friendly! If I ever visit Kyoto I will definitely visit this place

That was incredible my friend ! Thank you so much for the tour What cozy shop Japanese culture just fascinates me I would love to visit Japan The swords were breath taking! Thank you so much Stay safe stay healthy my friend What a cozy little shop Especially the end floor

So glad I just found this channel. Thank you 🙏

I bought my first katana in that store! The people was so kind! I will always recommend Tozando !

Love how much you admire the katana! Whether or not it’s an iaito or shinken, I love how you appreciate the sword.

I am very grateful for this video you have made, and bringing awareness of this shop to other countries.

Amazing video! One day I would love to visit the store! Would make my training in Iaido even more special! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

You're sure a well learned and polite gentleman, and I enjoy learning from you

I went there myself awhile ago, and the shop keeper is still the same person here in the video who is really informative and helpful. He even invited me to go upstairs when he acknowledged my interest in iaido.

Thank you! I’ll be in Kyoto this week will definitely visit this shop 🗡️

The information you provide us is very useful especially for those who love Sumarai swords keep sharing your knowledge with us. Thanks and regards

I wouldn’t know where to start in a shop like that! Thank you for taking us in a tour!

My wife and I stopped in there when we went home to visit her parents. She had no clue it was there. As a martial artist, I was quick to find this awesome shop!

@12:22 as a former student of Gumdo we were told training swords were supposed to be heavier, so that the muscles could get used to the weight, that way when you used a real sword it felt lighter and could theoretically be used faster. Generally speaking I think training with heavier is better, as if you train with lighter and then try to switch to a heavier medium you are more likely to hurt your muscles.

Loved it ! Really interresting and well made lil gem from u, thanks!

Just recently came across this channel and I gotta say I'm in love already. Guess I know how my KZread history is going to look like for the next few days.

This looks like a wonderful store. I could be enthralled by the Jo and Bo I saw there. Seeing the katana in the full polish was very nice I am sure. Thank you for sharing this!

man even in the vid you can see the clear difference between the katanas downstairs and the real ones upstairs,such beautifull craftmanship

Thank you this video is exactly what I need. I’ve wanted a Katana since I was 6 so that’s 30 years I’ve been wanting one . Now I know where to go.

This is truly stunning..thank you for this.

Great video, that was amazing.

Tozando is like the go to premium shop in my Aikido organization. I really enjoyed this video.