Anyone considering buying this should also invest in "Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths" by Leon & Hiroko Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara, which I prefer slightly over this book. Here, more of the interviews are with sword polishers rather than the actual smiths, and between the two books there are redundant interviews with Sasaki Takushi, Ogawa Kanekuni, Yoshihara Yoshikazu, Seto Yoshihiro, Enju Nobutsugu, Okubo Kazuhiro, and Hiroki hirokuni.
For myself, in no way does this detract from either book as there are only so many master smiths, and the interviews are different in many ways so we get to know them that much better. In the Kapp book you will find more photos if that is what you're looking for. In Tsuchiko's book there is a map, and some good drawings illustrating the parts of a sword; there is also a better collection of examples of hamon (temper lines) and boshi (hamon on the kissaki or tip).
Throughout the interviews there are many fine b/w photos of examples of their blades and craftsmanship. Another interesting thing about this book is that many of the interviews are conducted by sword polishers, who add a nice dimension. I highly recommend this book.
