About Us

Tetsugendo has been involved with Japanese swords for over 42 years. The owner, Mike Yamasaki is an All-Japan National Champion for appraisals in the field of Japanese swords and is currently the only non-Japanese citizen to hold the title. He has done extensive work on the popular television show "Pawn Stars" as their primary Japanese artifact expert. His other work includes multiple exhibitions in museums around the nation, ranging from LACMA (Los Angeles County of Art) to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. Our goal is to provide collectors with high quality pieces and offer quality information about the world of Japanese samurai art.

 

Mike studying at the NBTHK. 

 

Tameshigiri opening for Naka sensei seminar.

 

Pawn Stars with Corey 

 

Mike teaching Chum how to cut for a Pawn Stars episode.

 

NBTHKAB lecture at the Chicago show on Kantei

 

Mike with Yoshindo Yoshihara for an episode for Japan's history channel.