Presentation of the First Asian Culture Award to Master Craftsman Akira Kihara from the Eastern Culture Foundation

The only remaining master craftsman of the art of “tatara” — the traditional method of forging the Japanese sword,
Akira Kihara (84), received the "ASIAN CULTURE AWARD” directly from the Representative Director of our foundation, Yoshihisa Nakano (Tokyo), at a presentation ceremony held at "Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum" (Shimoyokota, Okuizumo) on August 29. Mr. Kihara is from the same town in which the presentation was held.

The foundation was established in August last year. The award is an expression of gratitude given to those individuals
who support art and culture and whose vision transcends national borders and regions; after the final selection in February, Mr. Kihara was one of three people selected for the first time. Mr. Kihara oversees the training and trainees in the art of "tatara". The word “tatara” refers to both the the overall method, and the traditional furnace used, in the forging of the Japanese sword made from “tamahagane” (literally, “jewel steel” — a type of steel made in the Japanese tradition).
The art has a history of more than 1,000 years, and Mr. Kihara has played an indispensable role in passing along the ancient techniques and traditions to future generations. At the presentation ceremony, our Representative Director, Nakano (75), handed the award and a prize of 1 million yen to Mr. Kihara, saying, "I can feel the power and artistry emanating from your shoulders.” Mr. Kihara responded by saying, "It is a great honor to receive this award and I am humbled and very grateful.”

Two other recipients were also selected for the award: Ms. Fukuyo Hirao, the only remaining creator of the traditional craft "Ondako" (or “demon kites” which have an ancient tradition on Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture; and Mr. Kenji Yoshii,
the Representative Director and President of Yoshii Shoten in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture which provides metal powders for maki-e (a technique that involves the application of precious metal powders to lacquerware).

Mr. Kihara (right) holding the “ASIAN CULTURE AWARD" and Yoshihisa Nakano, Representative Director of the Eastern Culture Foundation — August 29th, Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum.