In Japan, sword fighting is a common feature of period dramas. But Japanese swords, katana, were more than weapons. They were used in rituals, and held as status symbols. Today, they're viewed as works of art. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is swords. Our main guest is manga artist Kimiko Kamata, author of a katana-themed manga. She explains why the blades have attracted a new audience of young, female fans. And in Plus One, Matt Alt learns how to properly maintain a Japanese sword.

For years, David Atkinson from the United Kingdom worked in Japan as a respected financial analyst. His career took an unexpected turn when he became the CEO of one of the country's oldest restoration companies. For hundreds of years, this firm has worked on cultural properties across Japan. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, Atkinson introduces examples of the painstaking effort involved. He also speaks about Japanese lacquer, and how he has been trying to revive the industry.