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Exhibition Item Captions
更新日：2025年7月26日更新
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Caption notes:
1st Floor｜How to Appreciate Japanese Swords
1
Katana, attributed to Ganmaku School
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attrib. Ganmaku School)
Edge length 69.7cm
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Mino Province (Gifu Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Mino Province (Gifu Pref.)
The first I ever owned, I stumbled upon this sword after searching for ‘Muramasa’ online &, despite a total lack of knowledge, mindlessly bidding on, & accidentally winning, an auction.
When I got it appraised, it turned out to be by a Ganmaku School smith, not Muramasa.
With notable members such as Ujinobu, a smith to warlord Inaba Ittetsu, Ganmaku blades were reputed to be very sharp, earning them the nickname ‘stone cleavers’.
It was the catalyst for everything that followed, including this exhibition.
When I got it appraised, it turned out to be by a Ganmaku School smith, not Muramasa.
With notable members such as Ujinobu, a smith to warlord Inaba Ittetsu, Ganmaku blades were reputed to be very sharp, earning them the nickname ‘stone cleavers’.
It was the catalyst for everything that followed, including this exhibition.
2
Wakizashi, by Muramasa (Sengo School)
Blade Signature: Muramasa
Edge length 33.3cm
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Ise Province (Mie Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Ise Province (Mie Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Typical ‘box-shaped’ Muramasa hamon, which looks like the head of the bodhisattva ‘Jizō’ in the point.
•It has a very thick, ‘Sōshū Tradition’-like hamon border.
•A fish belly-shaped tang (part that goes in the hilt).
•Typical ‘box-shaped’ Muramasa hamon, which looks like the head of the bodhisattva ‘Jizō’ in the point.
•It has a very thick, ‘Sōshū Tradition’-like hamon border.
•A fish belly-shaped tang (part that goes in the hilt).
Having become interested in swords due to Muramasa, I knew I definitely wanted a blade by him &, after a long search in various sword shops, I finally found one I liked – this one.
Hamon = Temper line Sōshū Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered near Kamakura in the 14th C.
3
Tantō, by Masashige (Sengo School)
Blade Signature: Masashige
Edge length 29.4cm
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Ise Province (Mie Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Ise Province (Mie Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Typical ‘box-shaped’ Muramasa hamon, which looks like the head of the bodhisattva ‘Jizō’ in the point.
•The border of the hamon fluctuates in thickness.
•A fish belly-shaped tang (part that goes in the hilt).
•Typical ‘box-shaped’ Muramasa hamon, which looks like the head of the bodhisattva ‘Jizō’ in the point.
•The border of the hamon fluctuates in thickness.
•A fish belly-shaped tang (part that goes in the hilt).
Muramasa’s brightest student, swords by Masashige often feature prototypical versions of the various characteristics for which the Sengo School is known.
The menuki seen on this sword’s hilt has a very stylish rabbit & crescent moon design.
The menuki seen on this sword’s hilt has a very stylish rabbit & crescent moon design.
Hamon = temper line
4
Katana, attributed to Hirosuke (Shimada School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Shimada Hirosuke)
Edge length 65.9cm
Curvature Depth 2.8cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Suruga Province (Shizuoka Pref.)
Curvature Depth 2.8cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Suruga Province (Shizuoka Pref.)
I spotted this one on the website of a sword shop but, when I went into the store to see it for myself, it was even more imposing in person than I could have imagined.
The Shimada School was a particular favourite of the Imagawa & Takeda clans, & there is even a katana, now a designated Important Art Object, that was made by Shimada Hirosuke & bears an inscription with the name of its owner, Hara Toratane, a vassal of the Takeda.
The Shimada School was a particular favourite of the Imagawa & Takeda clans, & there is even a katana, now a designated Important Art Object, that was made by Shimada Hirosuke & bears an inscription with the name of its owner, Hara Toratane, a vassal of the Takeda.
5
Wakizashi, by Hirosuke (Shimada School)
Blade Signature: Hirosuke
Edge length 32.6cm
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Suruga Province (Shizuoka Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Late Muromachi (16th C.)
Suruga Province (Shizuoka Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Fine lines of sparkling chikei in the area above the hamon.
•Fine lines of sparkling chikei in the area above the hamon.
Unlike previous sword, this wakizashi by Hirosuke is actually signed.
See how beautifully the abundant crystals of nie glitter in the light.
Said to have had ties to the Muramasa smiths of the day, the Shimada School were clearly deeply religious, as is clear from the engravings on many of their blades.
I love how the Shimada School embody the spirit of the Sengoku Period so much.
See how beautifully the abundant crystals of nie glitter in the light.
Said to have had ties to the Muramasa smiths of the day, the Shimada School were clearly deeply religious, as is clear from the engravings on many of their blades.
I love how the Shimada School embody the spirit of the Sengoku Period so much.
Hamon = Temper line Nie = Coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
Chikei = Dark lines that follow the steel grain in the steel above the hamon
Chikei = Dark lines that follow the steel grain in the steel above the hamon
6
Katana, by Izumi no Kami Kunisada
Blade Signature: Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada
Edge length 70.0cm
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
Appraisal features
•This sword combines the coarse grain seen on many Kunihiro group blades, with a beautiful, tight koitame grain.
•This sword combines the coarse grain seen on many Kunihiro group blades, with a beautiful, tight koitame grain.
Moving to Ōsaka to learn from Horikawa Kunihiro, the mastersmith Kunisada is renowned for later founding the Ōsaka Shintō style of swordmaking.
With its fine shape & crisp hamon, this blade gives off an aura of refinement.
As this blade is housed in a WWII-era military scabbard, it was probably carried onto the battlefield as a protective charm.
Thanks for returning home safely.
With its fine shape & crisp hamon, this blade gives off an aura of refinement.
As this blade is housed in a WWII-era military scabbard, it was probably carried onto the battlefield as a protective charm.
Thanks for returning home safely.
Hamon = temper line Koitame = very fine, irregular grain like that on a plain-sawn pine board
Ōsaka Shintō = A style that appeared in Ōsaka in the Shintō period of sword history (~ early 17th C.)
Ōsaka Shintō = A style that appeared in Ōsaka in the Shintō period of sword history (~ early 17th C.)
7
Wakizashi, by Izumi no Kami Kunisada
Blade Signature: Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada/ Made this from 1648-49
Edge length 41.5cm
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
Early Edo (1648/49)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
Early Edo (1648/49)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Classic Edo form (wide, thick, shallow curve, long point)
•Precise nioi-based suguha hamon that transitions to chōji further along.
•Classic Edo form (wide, thick, shallow curve, long point)
•Precise nioi-based suguha hamon that transitions to chōji further along.
Though signed by the same Kunisada as No.6, as it was made in 1649, & he passed away in 1652, it was more than likely made by his son.
Despite using the same trade name, this sword shows us both the difference in their styles, & the close bond between the son & the father whom he was looking after.
Later going by ‘Inoue Shinkai’, the son is seen as the top Kanbun Shintō smith.
With its scabbard & stunning set of matching fittings, I think this blade would have been the pride of any samurai of the time.
Despite using the same trade name, this sword shows us both the difference in their styles, & the close bond between the son & the father whom he was looking after.
Later going by ‘Inoue Shinkai’, the son is seen as the top Kanbun Shintō smith.
With its scabbard & stunning set of matching fittings, I think this blade would have been the pride of any samurai of the time.
Kanbun Shintō = Subdivision of the Shintō period of sword history covering the Kanbun era (1661-1673)
Nioi = fine steel grains indiscernible to the naked eye Suguha = straight hamon Hamon = temper line
Chōji = clove-bud hamon design
Nioi = fine steel grains indiscernible to the naked eye Suguha = straight hamon Hamon = temper line
Chōji = clove-bud hamon design
8
Katana, by Ōmi no Kami Hisamichi
Blade Signature: Ōmi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi
Edge length 75.6cm
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The steel grain transitions from straight masame near the handle, to itame just over halfway up the blade.
•The hamon features much spectacular activity.
•Note the fine shape.
•The steel grain transitions from straight masame near the handle, to itame just over halfway up the blade.
•The hamon features much spectacular activity.
•Note the fine shape.
Recommended to me at a sword shop, the moment I picked it up I was bowled away by the beauty of this blade’s hamon.
Despite knowing nothing about Hisamichi, I still ended up taking it home.
With this one sword, I immediately came to deeply appreciate the Mishina School.
Despite knowing nothing about Hisamichi, I still ended up taking it home.
With this one sword, I immediately came to deeply appreciate the Mishina School.
Itame = irregular grain like that on a plain-sawn pine board Mokume = irregular grain like wood burl
Masame = straight steel grain Hamon = temper line
Masame = straight steel grain Hamon = temper line
9
Wakizashi, by Iga no Kami Kinmichi
Blade Signature: Master blacksmith of Japan Iga no Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi/ [+chrysanthemum sigil] Protection from lightning
Edge length 46.5cm
Curvature Depth 0.7cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.7cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
This sword has a hamon that has been made to look like a dragon god.
If you can find it, it’s sure to bring good luck.
By the way, can you see the face hidden in the hamon in the upper part of the blade?
It’s so fascinating to see a hamon with such a clear, realistic design.
If you can find it, it’s sure to bring good luck.
By the way, can you see the face hidden in the hamon in the upper part of the blade?
It’s so fascinating to see a hamon with such a clear, realistic design.
Hamon = temper line
10
Wakizashi, by Kunihiro
Blade Signature: Fujiwara Kunihiro, who lives in Ōsaka
Edge length 55.8cm
Curvature Depth 0.8cm
Mid-Edo (17th C.)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.8cm
Mid-Edo (17th C.)
Settsu Province (Ōsaka Pref.)
From the signature, we can tell that this smith lived in Ōsaka.
Despite being signed ‘Kunihiro’, it is impossible to know the exact connection between this smith & Horikawa Kunihiro of the Horikawa School.
For some reason, this sword slightly reminds me of Mishina School workmanship.
Despite being signed ‘Kunihiro’, it is impossible to know the exact connection between this smith & Horikawa Kunihiro of the Horikawa School.
For some reason, this sword slightly reminds me of Mishina School workmanship.
11
Wakizashi, attributed to Kuninori (Horikawa School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Horikawa Kuninori)
Edge length 30.9cm
Curvature Depth 0.5cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.5cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Extremely coarse Horikawa School steel grain, thick with sparkling nie crystals.
•The hamon contains significant activity.
•Extremely coarse Horikawa School steel grain, thick with sparkling nie crystals.
•The hamon contains significant activity.
This sword has the odd katakirihazukuri shape of Kuninori, of the Horikawa School.
Though you often see blades with this type of geometry in the Nara Period (710-794), it appears blades in this form started being made again in the Nanbokuchō Period (1336-1392), with wakizashi like this becoming popular in the early Edo (1603–1868).
Though you often see blades with this type of geometry in the Nara Period (710-794), it appears blades in this form started being made again in the Nanbokuchō Period (1336-1392), with wakizashi like this becoming popular in the early Edo (1603–1868).
Hamon = temper line Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
Katakirihazukuri = Swords where one face is flat while the other has a small bevel near the edge
Katakirihazukuri = Swords where one face is flat while the other has a small bevel near the edge
12
Katana, by Kunifusa
Blade Signature: Kunifusa
Edge length 71.0cm
Curvature Depth 1.0cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Iyo Province (Ehime Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.0cm
Early Edo (17th C.)
Iyo Province (Ehime Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Coarse Horikawa School-like steel grain.
•Coarse Horikawa School-like steel grain.
Based on the style of workmanship, as well as the fact that Kuninori (No.11), a student of Kunihiro, also worked in Iyo Province, it is said that Kunifusa probably also had some sort of connection to the Horikawa School.
With its sturdy, typically Shintō construction & long point section, this blade has a powerful appearance.
With its sturdy, typically Shintō construction & long point section, this blade has a powerful appearance.
Shintō = Lit. 'New Sword'. Stylistic period of sword history that covers much of the 17th C.
13
Katana, by Tadahiro
Blade Signature: Fujiwara Tadahiro, who lives in Hizen Province
Edge length 69.8cm
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Early-Edo (17th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Early-Edo (17th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Konukahada steel grain, studded with coarse, shining silver specks, looks almost like the Milky way galaxy.
•The chūsuguha hamon has a fat, belt-like border.
•Konukahada steel grain, studded with coarse, shining silver specks, looks almost like the Milky way galaxy.
•The chūsuguha hamon has a fat, belt-like border.
This sword is by Fujiwara Tadahiro, a famous swordmaker from Hizen Province, an area that is now Saga & Nagasaki prefectures.
With one of his blades having been given by Sakamoto Ryoma to Okada Izō, the name ‘Hizen Tadahiro’ is familiar to a surprising number of people in Japan.
With one of his blades having been given by Sakamoto Ryoma to Okada Izō, the name ‘Hizen Tadahiro’ is familiar to a surprising number of people in Japan.
Hamon = temper line Konukahada = Dotted steel grain that almost looks like scattered rice bran
Chūsuguha = medium-height straight hamon
Chūsuguha = medium-height straight hamon
14
Wakizashi, by Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi
Blade Signature: Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi of Hizen Province
Edge length 41.6cm
Curvature Depth 0.6cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.6cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Appraisal features
•This sword has a geometry called ‘Unokubizukuri’, due to the resemblance it has to a cormorant’s (U) neck (kubi).
•This sword has a geometry called ‘Unokubizukuri’, due to the resemblance it has to a cormorant’s (U) neck (kubi).
This was made by the third generation (Mutsu no Kami) Tadayoshi, who succeeded the second generation (Ōmi Daijō) Tadahiro.
Said to be one of the most technically gifted smiths in all of Japanese history, he unfortunately died young, so that now very few works still survive.
Said to be one of the most technically gifted smiths in all of Japanese history, he unfortunately died young, so that now very few works still survive.
15
Katana, by Dewa no Kami Yukihiro
Blade Signature: [Signature on reverse side] Ichi (lit. ‘number 1’) Forged using the ‘Shin no Gitae’ method by Dewa no Kami Yukihiro of Hizen Province
Edge length 69.6cm
Curvature Depth 1.4cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.4cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Hizen Province (Saga Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The stunning, expansive hamon resembles clouds, billowing high into the sky in the distant horizon on a midsummer day.
•The stunning, expansive hamon resembles clouds, billowing high into the sky in the distant horizon on a midsummer day.
Yukihiro was the grandson of one of the leading lights of the Shinto period of swordmaking, the first generation Hizen Tadayoshi.
While the main Tadayoshi family was adept at making swords with a straight hamon, the branch family was skilled at creating midareba - hamon with variable patterns.
While the main Tadayoshi family was adept at making swords with a straight hamon, the branch family was skilled at creating midareba - hamon with variable patterns.
Hamon = temper line
Shintō = Lit. 'New Sword'. Stylistic period of sword history that covers much of the 17th C.
Shintō = Lit. 'New Sword'. Stylistic period of sword history that covers much of the 17th C.
16
Katana, attributed to Monju Shigekuni
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Monju Shigekuni)
Edge length 68.9cm
Curvature Depth 1.6cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Kii Province (Wakayama Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.6cm
Mid-Edo (17th-18th C.)
Kii Province (Wakayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The beautiful contrast between the tight koitame steel grain & the sword’s crisp, skilfully made suguha hamon.
•The beautiful contrast between the tight koitame steel grain & the sword’s crisp, skilfully made suguha hamon.
Monju Shigekuni was an official swordsmith of Kishū Domain about 370 years ago.
Barely ever signing his swords, when he did, he would usually just carve ‘Monju’ (Manjusri Bodhisattva), hence his commonly-used nickname ‘Monju Shigekuni’.
A prestigious craftsman, Monju Shigekuni even created swords alongside the ruler of Kishū Domain, duke Tokugawa Yorinobu.
Barely ever signing his swords, when he did, he would usually just carve ‘Monju’ (Manjusri Bodhisattva), hence his commonly-used nickname ‘Monju Shigekuni’.
A prestigious craftsman, Monju Shigekuni even created swords alongside the ruler of Kishū Domain, duke Tokugawa Yorinobu.
Hamon = temper line Koitame = very fine, irregular grain like that on a plain-sawn pine board
Suguha = straight hamon
Suguha = straight hamon
17
Tantō, by Andō Hiroyasu
Blade Signature: Made by Hiroyasu
Edge length 29.0cm
Curvature Depth 0.2cm
2022
Okayama Prefecture
Appraisal features
•Utsuri & a sakachōji hamon reminiscent of the Aoe School of the late Kamakura Period (1185–1333).
Curvature Depth 0.2cm
2022
Okayama Prefecture
Appraisal features
•Utsuri & a sakachōji hamon reminiscent of the Aoe School of the late Kamakura Period (1185–1333).
Swordsmith Andō Hiroyasu gave me his sword, which won the ‘Kanzan’ award, the top award for excellence, at the ‘2022 Modern Sword & Sword Associated Craft Exhibition’
I’ll be sure to take care of it.
I’ll be sure to take care of it.
Hamon = temper line Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
Sakachōji = Slanted clove-bud hamon design.
Sakachōji = Slanted clove-bud hamon design.
18
Wakizashi, by Ōno Yoshimitsu
Blade Signature: Made by Yoshimitsu in Echigo Province/ A lucky day in May, 1993
Edge length 31.2cm
Curvature Depth 0.5cm
1993
Niigata Prefecture
Appraisal features
•Ōno Yoshimitsu’s trademark sakachōji hamon.
Curvature Depth 0.5cm
1993
Niigata Prefecture
Appraisal features
•Ōno Yoshimitsu’s trademark sakachōji hamon.
Capped with a breathtakingly clear border, when the unique clove pattern hamon catches the light, it gives an impression like roiling water, as if risking being swallowed by a raging torrent.
Hamon = temper line Sakachōji = Slanted clove-bud hamon design.
19
Katana, by Katō Shinpei
Blade Signature: Made by Shinpei/ Early summer, 2010
Edge length 73.3cm
Curvature Depth 2.1cm
2010
Tochigi Prefecture
Appraisal features
•A fine shape.
•Beautiful nie crystals that appear to sparkle & swell from the depths.
Curvature Depth 2.1cm
2010
Tochigi Prefecture
Appraisal features
•A fine shape.
•Beautiful nie crystals that appear to sparkle & swell from the depths.
This katana was made by Katō Shinpei, a swordsmith in Tochigi Prefecture, whose aim is to recreate the style of the late Kamakura Period (1185–1333) Sōshū Tradition.
The abundant activity in the hamon gives an impression of sea spray ejecting from the deeps.
I could honestly look at it for ever.
The abundant activity in the hamon gives an impression of sea spray ejecting from the deeps.
I could honestly look at it for ever.
Hamon = temper line Sōshū Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered near Kamakura in the 14th C.
Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
20
Wakizashi, by Taikei Naotane
Blade Signature: Taikei Naotane [+ kao monograph]/
Made this in the castle town of Tōdaijō (Edo castle, now Tokyo)
Made this in the castle town of Tōdaijō (Edo castle, now Tokyo)
Edge length 47.3cm
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
Late Edo (19th C.)
Edo (Tokyo)
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
Late Edo (19th C.)
Edo (Tokyo)
Appraisal features
•Naotane’s trademark ‘whirlpool-like’ steel grain pattern.
•Filled with complex activity, the hamon resembles a vast flowing river.
•Naotane’s trademark ‘whirlpool-like’ steel grain pattern.
•Filled with complex activity, the hamon resembles a vast flowing river.
Taikei Naotane was among the greatest smiths of the late Edo Period (1603–1868).
A true prodigy responsible for numerous masterpieces & for his many fine students, he did all this while continuing the work of his master Suishinshi Masahide, researching & recreating older swords.
In pursuit of his studies, & in order to teach, he visited many different areas of Japan, often by way of invitation, creating swords across the country.
We actually know this one was made in Edo (Tokyo), due to its signature.
A true prodigy responsible for numerous masterpieces & for his many fine students, he did all this while continuing the work of his master Suishinshi Masahide, researching & recreating older swords.
In pursuit of his studies, & in order to teach, he visited many different areas of Japan, often by way of invitation, creating swords across the country.
We actually know this one was made in Edo (Tokyo), due to its signature.
Hamon = temper line
21
Katana (shortened Naginata), attributed to Hōju
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Hōju)
Edge length 80.0cm
Curvature Depth 2.8cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Mutsu Province (Iwate Pref.)
Curvature Depth 2.8cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Mutsu Province (Iwate Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The steel grain, like the eddying waters of a muddy stream, along with the clear, rich utsuri, reminds me of the scenery of north Japan where this smith was based.
•The steel grain, like the eddying waters of a muddy stream, along with the clear, rich utsuri, reminds me of the scenery of north Japan where this smith was based.
A naginata that was shortened so it could still be used, this stype of sword is known as a ‘naginata naoshi’ (‘fixed naginata’).
Hōju was a smith of the Mutsu Province Mogusa School, said to be one of the first lineages to create true Japanese swords – one member, Arimasa, is even said to have been the father of 10th century Bizen Province smith Kobizen Masatsune.
Hōju was a smith of the Mutsu Province Mogusa School, said to be one of the first lineages to create true Japanese swords – one member, Arimasa, is even said to have been the father of 10th century Bizen Province smith Kobizen Masatsune.
Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
Naginata = Japanese halberd used for slashing.
Naginata = Japanese halberd used for slashing.
22
Katana, attributed to Yoshihiro (Senjuin School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Senjuin Yoshihiro)
Edge length 73.6cm
Curvature Depth 1.5cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Production location unknown
Curvature Depth 1.5cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Production location unknown
There is a theory that Senjuin Yoshihiro & another contemporary smith, the famed, elusive Gō Yoshihiro, were one & the same person.
However, when I look at it, it almost seems to have utsuri resembling that of the Ichimonji School of Bizen Province.
Whatever the case, I really like this sword & its hamon, which has the appearance of drifting, swirling clouds.
However, when I look at it, it almost seems to have utsuri resembling that of the Ichimonji School of Bizen Province.
Whatever the case, I really like this sword & its hamon, which has the appearance of drifting, swirling clouds.
Hamon = temper line Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
23
Katana, attributed to the Taima School
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to the Taima School)
Edge length 66.4cm
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamato Province (Nara Pref.)
Curvature Depth 1.2cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamato Province (Nara Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Be sure to check the steel of the sword above the hamon, which is as clear & beautiful as a starry night.
•Be sure to check the steel of the sword above the hamon, which is as clear & beautiful as a starry night.
Though like many people I thought of Yamato Tradition swords as all having straight hamon & being quite austere, when I saw this one, my opinion totally changed.
This blade’s scabbard bears a handwritten attribution to Sōshū Yukimitsu, signed by renowned sword scholar Satō Kanzan, & indeed, when I look at it, I can see the resemblance to Sōshū Tradition workmanship.
This blade’s scabbard bears a handwritten attribution to Sōshū Yukimitsu, signed by renowned sword scholar Satō Kanzan, & indeed, when I look at it, I can see the resemblance to Sōshū Tradition workmanship.
Hamon = temper line Yamato Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered in Nara in the 8th-10th C.
Sōshū Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered near Kamakura in the 14th C.
Sōshū Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered near Kamakura in the 14th C.
24
Tantō by Yasuyoshi (Sa School)
Blade Signature: Yasuyoshi
Edge length 26.1cm
Curvature Depth 0.1cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Nagato Province (Yamaguchi Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Typical for swords by smiths of the Sa School, it has a minimally curved point & a hamon that curves back sharply in the tip, above which can be seen large amounts of sparkling nie.
Curvature Depth 0.1cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Nagato Province (Yamaguchi Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Typical for swords by smiths of the Sa School, it has a minimally curved point & a hamon that curves back sharply in the tip, above which can be seen large amounts of sparkling nie.
My favorite tantō of all is the ‘Taikō Samonji’, owned by the Fukuyama Art Museum, named for its owner, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the one-time Taikō (regent) of Japan.
Because of this, I was always on the look-out for a Samonji School blade &, just when I was, I came across this blade by Yasuyoshi.
This sword’s scabbard, decorated with black lacquer & a ‘shishi’ (lion-dog) design handle ornament, is incredibly elegant.
Because of this, I was always on the look-out for a Samonji School blade &, just when I was, I came across this blade by Yasuyoshi.
This sword’s scabbard, decorated with black lacquer & a ‘shishi’ (lion-dog) design handle ornament, is incredibly elegant.
Hamon = temper line Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
25
Tantō, by Kunishige (Hasebe School)
Blade Signature: Hasebe Kunishige/ [Gold-inlayed inscription] Minamoto Hirotada owned this
Edge length 28.6cm
Curvature Depth 0.1cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Largely a typical Kyōto blade, it has a more Sōshū-like hitatsura hamon - expected of Kunishige, who adopted many techniques from the Sōshū Tradition.
Curvature Depth 0.1cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Largely a typical Kyōto blade, it has a more Sōshū-like hitatsura hamon - expected of Kunishige, who adopted many techniques from the Sōshū Tradition.
This sword was made by a descendant of the Hasebe Kunishige who made the famous blade known as ‘Heshikiri san’ by modern sword lovers.
This sword’s scabbard demonstrates an extreme level of ingenuity, displaying fine craftsmanship down to the smallest metal fitting.
This sword’s scabbard demonstrates an extreme level of ingenuity, displaying fine craftsmanship down to the smallest metal fitting.
Hamon = temper line Sōshū Tradition = Swords in the style pioneered near Kamakura in the 14th C.
Hitatsura = ‘tempered all over’ hamon.
Hitatsura = ‘tempered all over’ hamon.
26
Tantō, by Kuninobu (Hasebe School)
Blade Signature: Hasebe Kuninobu
Edge length 29.6cm
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•A thin, light, easy-to-wield blade, typical for the Nanbokuchō Period (1336-1392).
•The steel above the hamon is pale, with a sense of depth. Looking at it is like peering into a fresh spring.
Curvature Depth 0.3cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•A thin, light, easy-to-wield blade, typical for the Nanbokuchō Period (1336-1392).
•The steel above the hamon is pale, with a sense of depth. Looking at it is like peering into a fresh spring.
The younger brother of the second generation Hasebe Kunishige, Kuninobu’s blade ‘Karakashiwa’ was a favorite of famed warlord Uesugi Kenshin.
Hamon = temper line
27
Wakizashi, by Nobukuni
Blade Signature: Nobukuni
Edge length 50.8cm
Curvature Depth 1.3cm
Mid-Muromachi (1393–1573)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Classically Yamashiro in style, the steel above the hamon has been beautifully forged, & features pronounced utsuri like scattered silver powder that descends from the blade’s ridgeline.
Curvature Depth 1.3cm
Mid-Muromachi (1393–1573)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Classically Yamashiro in style, the steel above the hamon has been beautifully forged, & features pronounced utsuri like scattered silver powder that descends from the blade’s ridgeline.
This stunningly elegant wakizashi is by Muromachi Period (1393–1573) Kyōto smith, Nobukuni.
By the way, this Nobukuni is the one who made the blade Katsu Kaishu donated to Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki, which I saw when I visited in episode 10 of my show ‘Funanomics’.
By the way, this Nobukuni is the one who made the blade Katsu Kaishu donated to Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki, which I saw when I visited in episode 10 of my show ‘Funanomics’.
Hamon = temper line Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
28
Katana, attributed to Kunimitsu (Rai School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Rai Kunimitsu)
Edge length 69.9cm
Curvature Depth 1.4cm
Late Kamakura-Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Crystals of nie glitter & twinkle in the steel above the hamon, giving the impression of a clear stream flowing just below the surface, reflecting off it.
Curvature Depth 1.4cm
Late Kamakura-Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Crystals of nie glitter & twinkle in the steel above the hamon, giving the impression of a clear stream flowing just below the surface, reflecting off it.
The first Jūyō Tōken I ever bought, the first time I had the opportunity to view this katana, its beauty so surpassed any other sword I had seen that I accidentally let out a gasp.
This sword fits my preferences to a ‘T’ & I am extremely fond it.
This sword fits my preferences to a ‘T’ & I am extremely fond it.
Hamon = temper line Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
Juyō Tōken = 'Important Sword' - the 2nd-highest rating given to swords by the NBTHK.
Juyō Tōken = 'Important Sword' - the 2nd-highest rating given to swords by the NBTHK.
29
Katana, attributed to Kunitoshi (Rai School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Rai Kunitoshi)
Edge length 72.2cm
Curvature Depth 2.5cm
Late Kamakura (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Though neither is necessarily better than the other, I would probably say that the crystals of nie & the steel grain are more meticulous than that of No.28.
Curvature Depth 2.5cm
Late Kamakura (14th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Though neither is necessarily better than the other, I would probably say that the crystals of nie & the steel grain are more meticulous than that of No.28.
After acquiring my Rai Kunimitsu blade (No.28), I became fascinated by the Rai School.
As it is said that Kunimitsu was the son of famed smith Rai Kunitoshi, I just knew that I wanted to hold both in my own hands & see how different they were.
As it is said that Kunimitsu was the son of famed smith Rai Kunitoshi, I just knew that I wanted to hold both in my own hands & see how different they were.
Nie = coarse, individually distinguishable steel grains
30
Tachi, attributed to Ayanokōji
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Ayanokōji)
Edge length 70.8cm
Curvature Depth 2.4cm
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Curvature Depth 2.4cm
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
When I heard that the Ayanokōji & Rai Schools may have been closely linked, based on how near Ayanokōji Sadatoshi’s forge was to Rai Kuniyuki’s, I was overcome by curiosity.
Classically elegant in a way that evokes the slender sophistication of Heian Period (794-1185) tachi, I am sure it must have been a hit with the aristocrats in the Japanese capital.
Classically elegant in a way that evokes the slender sophistication of Heian Period (794-1185) tachi, I am sure it must have been a hit with the aristocrats in the Japanese capital.
31
Katana, attributed to Kuniyoshi (Awataguchi School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Awataguchi Kuniyoshi)
Edge length 65.4cm
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The nashiji grain pattern is more dense than that of No. 32 by Yoshimitsu.
•Painstakingly made, strain your eyes & you should be able to spot nijūba in the hamon just below the point.
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The nashiji grain pattern is more dense than that of No. 32 by Yoshimitsu.
•Painstakingly made, strain your eyes & you should be able to spot nijūba in the hamon just below the point.
This is my one & only Tokubetsu Jūyō sword.
Kuniyoshi was supposedly father or teacher to Yoshimitsu (No.32) &, when placed next to each other like this, the blades themselves look almost like father & son.
Kuniyoshi was supposedly father or teacher to Yoshimitsu (No.32) &, when placed next to each other like this, the blades themselves look almost like father & son.
Hamon = temper line Nashiji = Steel grain resembling pear skin
Nijūba = second hamon border running parallel to the main
Tokubetsu Juyō Tōken = 'Very Important Sword' - the highest rating given to swords by the NBTHK.
Nijūba = second hamon border running parallel to the main
Tokubetsu Juyō Tōken = 'Very Important Sword' - the highest rating given to swords by the NBTHK.
32
Tantō, by Yoshimitsu (Awataguchi School)
Blade Signature: Yoshimitsu
Edge length 27.9cm
Slight reverse curvature
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The steel above the hamon glitters like scattered silver powder in a way characteristic of his blades.
•The shape is incredibly stately & refined.
Slight reverse curvature
Mid-Kamakura (13th C.)
Yamashiro Province (Kyōto Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The steel above the hamon glitters like scattered silver powder in a way characteristic of his blades.
•The shape is incredibly stately & refined.
This is by Kamakura Period (1185–1333) Kyōto Awataguchi School smith Tōshirō Yoshimitsu.
Known as a true tantō maestro, many of his daggers are now National Treasures.
I am incredibly grateful that, after being passed down over so many centuries by who knows how many owners, this blade has ended up in my collection.
I will be sure to look after it.
Known as a true tantō maestro, many of his daggers are now National Treasures.
I am incredibly grateful that, after being passed down over so many centuries by who knows how many owners, this blade has ended up in my collection.
I will be sure to look after it.
Hamon = temper line
National Treasure = A designation given to Japan's most important cultural objects; includes 111 swords
National Treasure = A designation given to Japan's most important cultural objects; includes 111 swords
33
Katana, attributed to the Aoe School
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to the Aoe School)
Edge length 62.0cm
Curvature Depth 1.9cm
Late Kamakura (13th-14th C.)
Bicchū Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•See the wonderful layered dan utsuri, like cloud strata floating over the hamon, an Aoe School hallmark.
Curvature Depth 1.9cm
Late Kamakura (13th-14th C.)
Bicchū Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•See the wonderful layered dan utsuri, like cloud strata floating over the hamon, an Aoe School hallmark.
I was immediately taken by the utterly bewitching steel of this Aoe School blade, which is comparable to that of the Awataguchi School.
Hamon = temper line Dan utsuri = A style of 'shadow hamon' that appears in distinct layers
34
Wakizashi, by Munemitsu & Katsumitsu (Osafune School)
Blade Signature: Osafune Sakyō no Shin Munemitsu & Jirōzaemon no Jō Katsumitsu, who live in Bizen Province/ A lucky day in August, 1505
Edge length 48.8cm
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
1505
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Curvature Depth 0.9cm
1505
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Sakamoto Ryōma, Meiji Restoration hero, had a wakizashi by the Osafune smiths Katsumitsu & Munemitsu just like this – supposedly his no.1 favorite.
This sword not only dates to the same month & year as his, but seemingly has the same carving; it’s like a historical drama is unfolding before our eyes.
Blades of the warring states period, when most were mass-produced, are rarely this fine; to own this, he who had it made was likely quite powerful.
The sheath’s metal fittings all share the same auspicious phoenix & paulownia motif; the elaborate sword guard especially shows the maker’s great skill.
This sword not only dates to the same month & year as his, but seemingly has the same carving; it’s like a historical drama is unfolding before our eyes.
Blades of the warring states period, when most were mass-produced, are rarely this fine; to own this, he who had it made was likely quite powerful.
The sheath’s metal fittings all share the same auspicious phoenix & paulownia motif; the elaborate sword guard especially shows the maker’s great skill.
35
Wakizashi, by Yasumitsu (Osafune School)
Blade Signature: Yasumitsu
Edge length 52.0cm
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Early Muromachi (Early 15th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Note the ‘Ōei moku’ grain pattern & slightly undulating, but mostly straight, utsuri.
Curvature Depth 1.8cm
Early Muromachi (Early 15th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Note the ‘Ōei moku’ grain pattern & slightly undulating, but mostly straight, utsuri.
Made by one of the top Osafune School sword makers of the early 1400s, this dangerous-looking sword seems like one that could have actually been used.
I love how hard it is to put into words the strong impression this sword gives, of having rushed headfirst through a period of tumult & upheaval.
I love how hard it is to put into words the strong impression this sword gives, of having rushed headfirst through a period of tumult & upheaval.
Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
Ōei moku = Wood-burl steel grain with much nie, named for the Ōei period in which it is seen
Ōei moku = Wood-burl steel grain with much nie, named for the Ōei period in which it is seen
36
Katana, attributed to Kenchō (Osafune School)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Kenchō)
Edge length 72.7cm
Curvature Depth 2.3cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Curvature Depth 2.3cm
Nanbokuchō (14th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
All I can say is I was drawn to this sword’s profoundly powerful hamon.
Supposedly part of the grouping founded by famed Osafune School smith Chōgi, Kenchō created much more elaborate, showy hamon than his teacher.
Despite having been greatly shortened, this sword still feels very hefty.
If you try to imagine this sword before it was shortened, you should get an idea of just how long & heavy the swords were that the samurai were swinging around in the 1300s.
Supposedly part of the grouping founded by famed Osafune School smith Chōgi, Kenchō created much more elaborate, showy hamon than his teacher.
Despite having been greatly shortened, this sword still feels very hefty.
If you try to imagine this sword before it was shortened, you should get an idea of just how long & heavy the swords were that the samurai were swinging around in the 1300s.
Hamon = temper line
37
Tachi, by Kagemitsu (Osafune School)
Blade Signature: Kagemitsu
Edge length 66.2cm
Curvature Depth 2.2cm
Late Kamakura (early 14th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The tight-grained, high-quality steel is combined beautifully with vivid utsuri.
•Its slender form gives it an incredibly graceful appearance.
Curvature Depth 2.2cm
Late Kamakura (early 14th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•The tight-grained, high-quality steel is combined beautifully with vivid utsuri.
•Its slender form gives it an incredibly graceful appearance.
The base steel of Kagemitsu’s blades is widely said to be the most beautiful of any smith of the Osafune School.
This piece, too, is a real tour de force, & is equal in quality to even great masters like Awataguchi Yoshimitsu & Shintogo Kunimitsu.
This piece, too, is a real tour de force, & is equal in quality to even great masters like Awataguchi Yoshimitsu & Shintogo Kunimitsu.
Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
38
Tachi, attributed to Sukemitsu (Yoshioka Ichimonji School)
Blade Signature: Ichi [literally: no.1] Saemon no Jō [cut off below this point], who lives in Bishū Osafune/ February 1335 (attributed to Sukemitsu)
Edge length 72.2cm
Curvature Depth 2.0cm
Nanbokuchō (1335)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Curvature Depth 2.0cm
Nanbokuchō (1335)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Based on the date, 1335, inscribed on the tang, we know this was made during the civil war known as the Kenmu Restoration, initiated by emperor Go Daigo.
Only lasting 3 years, from the fall of the Kamakura government in a coup in 1333, to the creation of the ‘Kenmu Code’ by the Muromachi shogunate in 1336, the Kenmu era was followed by a period of strife & change. When I consider how this sword survived all that & still preserves the style of the time, I resolve myself anew to take great care of it.
Only lasting 3 years, from the fall of the Kamakura government in a coup in 1333, to the creation of the ‘Kenmu Code’ by the Muromachi shogunate in 1336, the Kenmu era was followed by a period of strife & change. When I consider how this sword survived all that & still preserves the style of the time, I resolve myself anew to take great care of it.
Kenmu Code = Proclamation that set out the new government’s philosophy & the position of aristocrats.
39
Katana, attributed to Yoshikane (Kobizen)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Kobizen Yoshikane)
Edge length 70.8cm
Curvature Depth 1.9cm
Early Kamakura (13th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Its grain pattern combining itame & mokume, & clear utsuri are typical of the Kobizen.
•Slim, with deep koshizori, it has a classic, elegant form.
•Its low, variable hamon contains kochōji elements.
Curvature Depth 1.9cm
Early Kamakura (13th C.)
Bizen Province (Okayama Pref.)
Appraisal features
•Its grain pattern combining itame & mokume, & clear utsuri are typical of the Kobizen.
•Slim, with deep koshizori, it has a classic, elegant form.
•Its low, variable hamon contains kochōji elements.
When I think about the type of swords that samurai of the Kamakura Period (1185–1333) wore, it is exactly this style that I imagine.
Hamon = temper line Utsuri = w pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
Kochōji = low clove-buds hamon Koshizori = when the deepest part of a sword's curve is near the hilt
Kobizen = describes the earliest swords made in Bizen Province before there were clear 'schools'
Itame = irregular grain like that on a plain-sawn pine board Mokume = irregular grain like wood burl
Kochōji = low clove-buds hamon Koshizori = when the deepest part of a sword's curve is near the hilt
Kobizen = describes the earliest swords made in Bizen Province before there were clear 'schools'
Itame = irregular grain like that on a plain-sawn pine board Mokume = irregular grain like wood burl
40
Katana, attributed to Sadatsuna (Kohōki)
Blade Signature: Unsigned (attributed to Kohōki Sadatsuna)
Edge length 73.0cm
Curvature Depth 2.3cm
Late Heian (12th C.)
Hōki Province (Tottori Pref.)
Appraisal features
•I was drawn to this for its hamon, resembling the view from a mountaintop, a sea of clouds stretching out below you, for its clear utsuri, & for its classically beautiful steel grain.
Curvature Depth 2.3cm
Late Heian (12th C.)
Hōki Province (Tottori Pref.)
Appraisal features
•I was drawn to this for its hamon, resembling the view from a mountaintop, a sea of clouds stretching out below you, for its clear utsuri, & for its classically beautiful steel grain.
I discovered this blade at the yearly ‘Dai Tōken Ichi’ sword market.
Sadatsuna is said to have been the grandson of Yasutsuna, the late Heian Period (794-1185) Kohōki smith who created the legendary Dōjigiri Yasutsuna.
Sadatsuna is said to have been the grandson of Yasutsuna, the late Heian Period (794-1185) Kohōki smith who created the legendary Dōjigiri Yasutsuna.
Hamon = temper line Utsuri = A pattern like a shadow hamon seen above the hamon on some swords
Dai Tōken Ichi = The largest Japanese sword market in the world, held once a year in Tokyo
Dai Tōken Ichi = The largest Japanese sword market in the world, held once a year in Tokyo
41
Tachi, named Osafunebashi, by Hiroyasu
Blade Signature: Osafunebashi Made by Hiroyasu At the request of a pear fairy/
A copy of Fukushima Kanemitsu July 4th* 2025 This was engraved by Sōju
*Funasshi’s canonical birthday. A pun using the first syllable of each number,
7/4 in Japanese = Nana/Shi = Nashi (the Japanese word for ‘pear’)
A copy of Fukushima Kanemitsu July 4th* 2025 This was engraved by Sōju
*Funasshi’s canonical birthday. A pun using the first syllable of each number,
7/4 in Japanese = Nana/Shi = Nashi (the Japanese word for ‘pear’)
Edge length 76.0cm
Curvature Depth 2.7cm
2025
Okayama Prefecture
Curvature Depth 2.7cm
2025
Okayama Prefecture
A copy of the famed ‘Fukushima Kanemitsu’ made by Mr. Ando for the exhibition.
The owner of the original was Fukushima Masanori, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was famous as a brave general & as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake.
When I saw the original Fukushima Kanemitsu at the Tokyo National Museum, I thought it exemplified the samurai aesthetic & the Japanese ideal of ‘wabisabi’.
With its stunning shape & dragon engraving, complete with lifelike scales, I think this tachi came out really well.
The owner of the original was Fukushima Masanori, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was famous as a brave general & as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake.
When I saw the original Fukushima Kanemitsu at the Tokyo National Museum, I thought it exemplified the samurai aesthetic & the Japanese ideal of ‘wabisabi’.
With its stunning shape & dragon engraving, complete with lifelike scales, I think this tachi came out really well.
Wabisabi = the Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection
