Swordsmith vs. togishi - years of apprenticeship?

[Marius]

Short question - how many years does a smith have to work as an apprentice in Japan to get an official sword smithlicence? And how many years of apprenticeship is required to become a polisher?

[Jamie]

From My understanding

Swordsmith 5 Years with a test at the end

Togishi- 10 years

[sanjuro]

5 to 6 years for Swordsmith with a test at the end. Togishi up to ten years. Both work 6 days a week, 10 hours a day.

 

Damn.... I sound like an echo. :D

[lonely panet]

It may sound like a lot, but if i had the chance and a way to suport my self i would be there in a second.

Regards Hamish

[sanjuro]

The apprentices often live in the house of the swordsmith or togishi he is apprenticed to. All meals provided and a place to sleep. What more does a man need? :D

[Stephen]

just be ready to cut charcoal for a year, teaches you patience, maybe thats how i should end my life....who was that great smith who started when he was 64?

[cabowen]

The system was set up so that the deshi would receive room and board as well as a little pocket money. These days, most can not support a deshi and I have heard of smiths charging for the opportunity to learn the craft....The training period was set up so that the last few years the deshi was actually producing income for the smith/togi. Now, I have also heard of a shortened period so that the deshi can get out on his own faster....

 

Who knows how much longer this system can survive, especially in light of the economic situation that has gripped Japan the last 17 or so years....