The Retired Emperor Gotoba established Gotoba-in smithery, where he summoned sword craftsmen each month and had them forge swords, also involved himself in Yakiba (cutting edge), and positively encouraged the making of swords.
後鳥羽上皇は後鳥羽院番鍛冶を設置し、月ごとに刀工を召して鍛刀させ、上皇自らも焼刃を施したといわれ、積極的に作刀を奨励した。