KUDO, Masashige（工藤将成） 1-4

Turning Point

Kudo swordsmith once ran away from Fujiyasu blacksmith place during his training. It was the 4th year of his training era. He trained his work living with the master’s, Masahira Fujiyasu, family; e.g. a live-in training. It was natural for him to help with various daily housework.  It was true that there was some stress in his relationship with the master’s wife and other family members.

One day, when Kudo was sick in bed with a high fever, he jumped out from the master’s house as his frustration erupted and he went back to his parents’ house. Once a disciple jumps out, he will not usually be able to return again. However, he returned to apologize for his emotional reaction and fortunately he was accepted again to keep his training.

When returned to the master’s blacksmith, there were no other brother apprentices left, and Kudo continued to work alone for a year or two. His training life went back to normal and nothing much changed.  He remembers that he hadn't changed his mind at the interview.  It is just my personal speculation, but I think at that point, his wish to be a swordsmith must have become even stronger.

He graduated from high school in 1995 and became an apprentice of Fujiyasu.  In 2001, he completed the art swordsmith training course and in 2003, he became an official swordsmith certified by the government.

In 2005, he opened his own blacksmith to be independent from the master Fujiyasu which Kudo trained for a total of 10 years under his master living with his family.

There must still be many things I have not been able to hear about his 10 years of training period and I will try to share more stories later after I will talk to him. Meanwhile I will report the background of his independence next time.

#swordsmith #blacksmith #japanesesword #japaneseculture #Masashige Kudo #Masahira Fujiyasu #EnArtEx