These are not considered reproductions as they are made by traditional techniques and from traditional materials. Swordsmiths in Japan are licensed; acquiring this license requires a long apprenticeship. Outside Japan there are a couple of smiths working by traditional or mostly traditional techniques, and occasional short courses taught in Japanese swordsmithing.[34] The only Japanese-licensed swordsmith outside Japan was Keith Austin (art-name Nobuhira or Nobuyoshi), who died in 1997.[35]