The Complete Guide to Sword Shops in Ginza: In-Depth Explanation of History, Conservation, and Culture

July 10, 2025

The sword culture that lives and breathes in Ginza is more than just a place to sell swords. This article looks at the full picture: the transmission of historical value that has continued since the end of World War II, the preservation techniques of expert craftsmen, and the expansion of a diverse customer base due to the "sword boom.

What this article will tell you

History and list of sword stores in Ginza
Ginza Choshuya's central role in the industry
Traditional techniques used in the conservation and restoration of swords
Enlightenment of sword culture and its social impact
Diversified customer base, including young people and foreigners

Ginza Sword Shop Group: From the Beginning in 1975 to the Present

It all started in 1975The origin of the company was "Katana Shibata" which moved from Nihonbashi to Ginza 5-chome. The founder, Mitsuo Shibata, appealed to GHQ for the cultural value of Japanese swords, laying the foundation for the company's postwar survival.
7 stores are located in Ginza (neighborhood)

Ginza Sword Shop Basic Information

name of a store	Location	Phone number	Official site URL
Kushikendo (theatre in Kyoto)	6-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo	03-3499-8080	https://www.sokendo.jp/
Ginza Seiyudo	Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan 1F, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo	03-3558-8001	https://www.seiyudo.com/
Taibundo	Iwatsuki Building 2F, 6-7-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo	03-3289-1366	https://www.taibundo.com/
Shibata sword	5-6-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo	03-3573-2801	http://www.tokensibata.co.jp/
temple hall commemorating its founding or its founder	Seikodo Building, 8-11-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo	03-3569-2251	https://ginzaseikodo.com/
Maruei sword	Tomono Bldg. 1F, 7-13-22 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo	03-6264-0739	https://katanahanbai.com/
Ginza Choshuya	3-10-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo	03-3541-8371	http://www.choshuya.co.jp

The largest of these is Ginza Choshuya.

The Complete Story of Ginza Choshuya: Expansion and History of a Cultural Center

Building and Exhibition Scale

5-story building of its ownMuseum-grade exhibits on the 1st through 3rd floors.
Number of exhibitsMore than 300 swords and 500 tsubas and small handles are on permanent display. Shoes are removed to prevent dust.

Images of Leaders and the History They Carry

Representative, Mr. Nobuhiko Fukami(78 years old at the time, from Yamaguchi):
- Opened Ginza 2-chome branch in 1986
- Moved to Ginza 3-chome in 1998 and built own building
- Established National Sword Commercial Cooperative Association in 1982 (currently Chairman of the Board)

Multifaceted protection and transmission of the cultural value of swords

Education and Awareness Activities

From "sword girls" to foreign customersThe number of Japanese sword enthusiasts among young people and those living abroad has been increasing in recent years.
Study Groups and International Exchanges:
- Ginza Seiyudo holds regular study sessions for foreign students.
- Ginza Choshuya has cooperated with many major media programs such as NHK, BBC, and Fuji Television (e.g., "Choice of Heroes," "Beauty in a Pot," "Osamu Hayashi's Nippon Drill").

Conservation/Restoration Techniques

Specialist Craftsmen GroupJapanese sword craftsmen specializing in Japanese swords are on staff, including: polishers, sheath makers, and silversmiths.
Preservation Environment: Shoe removal system for dust control, appropriate display cases and storage facilities.

Organizational and legal structure

Industry Association (National Sword Commercial Cooperative Association): Established as a commercial job for more than 40 years since its creation.
Cooperation with Public OrganizationsIn cooperation with the Association for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (established in 1948), approved by the Minister of Education, the company participated in the appraisal and ledger management of swords.
Compliance with the Cultural Properties Protection LawSupport for the proper handling of swords designated as Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.

Visible Results and Social Impact

Historical rededication

Rediscovery of Tachi Sword Dedicated to Hideki Tojo and Return of Atsuta ShrineThe item was taken away by the Occupation Forces, but Ginza Choshuya discovered it and rededicated it.

Visits from celebrities

Many cultural figures and celebrities have visited the store: Actor Junichi Okada, former Ozeki Baruto, WBC manager Koji Yamamoto, and others have visited the store, bringing the Japanese sword culture into the spotlight.

Expansion of customer base

In addition to Japanese collectors, an increasing number of wealthy individuals are purchasing Japanese swords from overseas for one million yen each. Female fans in their 20s and 30s, known as "sword girls," have also become prominent.

Summary of the current status of the Ginza sword shop in data

indicator	Numerical values and contents
Number of stores	Approximately 7 stores
Number of exhibits	Swords: more than 300 swords / Tsubas and small handles: more than 500 items
Establishment of a union	1982 (Chairman: Nobuhiko Fukami)
Choshuya relocation and opening year	Building relocated in 1986 and 1998
Media Appearances	NHK, BBC, Fuji system, and many others.
Re-dedication Achievements	Tachi sword dedicated to Hideki Tojo
customer base	Multi-layered, including young women, overseas wealthy people, celebrities, etc.

What is the role of the Ginza sword store?

It is not just a retailer, but a "mission to preserve history," "a base to pass on craftsmanship," and "a place to disseminate culture overseas. Ginza Choshuya, in particular, has a strong presence as a "comprehensive center of sword culture," from organizational management, restoration techniques, media cooperation, and legal compliance.

Recommended for

1. People interested in traditional Japanese culture and history

　→This is ideal for those who want to learn deeply about Japanese aesthetics, bushido, and historical background through the Japanese sword. Stores such as Ginza Choshuya offer a museum-like experience with their extensive displays and explanations.

2. Collectors and art lovers

　→For those who wish to collect authentic Japanese swords, tsuba (bridges), and armor, Ginza's sword stores are a reliable market with excellent products that are guaranteed to be authentic. High-quality swords in the several million to tens of millions of yen range are also distributed.

3. "Sword girls" and novice fans

　→A friendly atmosphere for young female fans in their 20s and 30s, who have been increasing recently. Seiyu-do offers a variety of learning opportunities for beginners, such as study sessions.

4. Overseas wealthy people and foreign tourists

　→The museum also caters to visitors from overseas who wish to purchase or collect Japanese swords as souvenirs or cultural assets. With English-speaking staff and displays, the museum is a place for international cultural exchange.

5. People interested in craftsmanship and manufacturing

　→This exhibition allows visitors to see the skills of the craftsmen behind traditional Japanese techniques such as sword sharpening, scabbard making, and white and silver work. More than just an exhibition, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the background of production.

Article Supervisor

Yuya Hachimine, CEO

Representative Director of ZENNO GROUP, Inc. known as a leader in the night work industry in Ginza. He worked for 14 years as a black-shirted worker in a high-class club in Ginza, and based on his experience, he provides various services for the industry. In order to improve the inefficient work system, he founded ZENNO GROUP Inc. and has contributed to the development of the industry.