"The Japanese sword is a cultural symbol of Japan, and known throughout the world. Even though they are fundamentally weapons, the high level of skills involved to produce such a beautiful and effective sword raises their value greatly making them sacred objects and a symbols of authority. About a thousand years have passed since the birth of the Japanese sword. During this long history the shape has changed many times according to era of manufacture, but the light of Japanese sword still shines brightly in the hearts of the Japanese people today.