Abstract
Bokuto (wooden katanas) are used in the practice of kendo and other martial arts and mostly made in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan. They are ordinarily made of oak, and the process of their production has been investigated in the past. To reveal the current situation and issues surrounding production and distribution of bokuto, we built upon our investigations of 2019 and 2020 on bokuto makers, sellers, lumberers, log marketers, and makers of kan’na and wooden handles, for which oak is also used. Our results unveiled the critical situation of technical succession caused by the shortage of youth. One of the causes of the shortage is low wages. Bokuto makers are under severe financial stress. To increase bokuto prices, it is necessary for makers and sellers to have access to accurate information. There is also the problem of materials. Methods for planting forests and material substitutions must be researched. On the other hand, the demand for bokuto in overseas markets is increasing, indicating that the market will grow in the future.
