Japanese sword maker.
To increase the audience interaction, any of those watching were invited to try the hammering, but they will be using 3.5kg hammers, instead of 7 kg.
Yuko was the first to volunteer, and the sword maker drew a circle on the anvil with chalk, and then asked her to hit the circle, in time with his tapping.
Yuko couldn't match the apprentice's full power swing, though...
She did hit the target, though!
The next up was this kimono wearing lady. Yuko observed that this lady wasn't swinging the hammer as far as she did, so I started taking pictures at the top of everyone's swing.
Next up, another kimono, and another short swing. I presume the iron is not super hot, as they don't want sparks lighting up toes and kimono...
Then Marion gave it a try, and the sword maker using no English was able to let her know what to do. The junior apprentice is pumping the bellows for his busy boss.
The top of her swing: Marion managed a bit more height than the previous two.
And the circle was struck!
Next up: John. He chose a short swing, similar to Marion's.
Of course, he could power down harder even with a short swing.
Both John and I have welding experience, and were interested in the process. Why didn't Don try it, too? "Me ga warui." My eyes are not good. I'm highly likely to miss the chalk circle.
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