18年前、地元で開かれた東洋の異国に伝わる刀剣の展示会を訪れたスイス人の青年は一目で魅入られた。
　「日本刀の美しさ、鉄を自由自在に操る職人の技術に心を奪われました」
　スイス南部バレー州出身の刀鍛冶、ジョハン・ロイトヴィラーさん（35）は、淀みのない日本語でそう振り返った。
　当時、鉄工所で働いていたジョハンさん。「いつか自分もあんなに美しい刀を作ってみたい」。展示会で目にして以来、日本刀のことが頭から離れなくなっていた。まもなく居合道と剣道を始め、やがて独学で日本語を勉強するようになった。
　２３歳の時、旅行で念願の初来日を果たす。「長い歴史や伝統を持つ日本の文化に衝撃を受けました。ここが自分の居場所なんだと思いました」
　しかし、外国人が刀鍛冶になった前例はなく、憧れるのが精一杯だった。転機は、母国での兵役を終え日本への移住を決意した令和元年。全日本刀匠会が開いた入門希望者の研修会で刀匠の久保善博さんと出会い、弟子入りが決まったのだ。
　刀鍛冶になるには、刀匠の下で５年以上修業し、文化庁の研修会を修了しなければならない。ジョハンさんは２つの条件を満たし、外国人として初めて刀鍛冶として独立した。
　今は、広島県庄原市の国営公園内にある工房で、刀鍛冶として一作目となる日本刀の制作に全力を注いでいる。
　「刀に詳しくない人の心をも動かす一振りが作りたい」
　その決意は、鋼を熱する火床の炎のように強く高く燃えている。

Eighteen years ago, a young Swiss man visited an exhibition of swords from foreign lands in the Orient held in his hometown and was captivated at first sight.

“The beauty of the Japanese sword and the craftsmanship of the artisans who manipulate steel so freely stole my heart,” reflects swordsmith Johan Reutwiler (35), from Valais, in the southern part of Switzerland, in fluent Japanese.

At the time, Johan was working in a steel factory. “One day, I want to create such a beautiful sword myself.” Ever since he saw that exhibition, the thought of Japanese swords never left his mind. Soon after, he began practicing Iaido and Kendo, and eventually started studying Japanese on his own.

At the age of 23, he fulfilled his long-held dream of visiting Japan for the first time. “I was shocked by the long history and tradition of Japanese culture. I felt like this was where I truly belonged.”

However, there were no precedents for foreigners becoming swordsmiths, so all he could do was admire from afar. The turning point came in 2019, after he finished his military service in Switzerland and decided to move to Japan. At a training seminar held by the All Japan Swordsmith Association for aspiring swordsmiths, he met master swordsmith Yoshihiro Kubo, and was accepted as his apprentice.

To become a swordsmith, one must train under a master for more than five years and complete a training course with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Johan fulfilled both conditions and became the first foreigner to become an independent swordsmith.

Now, he is fully committed to creating his first Japanese sword at his workshop located in a national park in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture.

“I want to create a sword that moves the hearts of even those unfamiliar with swords.”

His determination burns as high and strong as the flames of the forge where he heats the steel.

I hope this captures the essence of the original passage for you!