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Top 6 National Treasure Katanas / History of Japanese Swords

History of Katana 【HOK】・10 minutes read

Famous Japanese swords with legendary stories and connections to historical figures like Shoguns and feudal Lords are preserved as National Treasures in Japan today, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. These swords, such as the Toiro and Akashi Kuniyuki, are housed in museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the Sword Museum in Tokyo, reflecting Japan's rich swordsmith tradition dating back centuries.

Insights

  • The Toiro sword, crafted by Toshirō Yoshimitsu, is a National Treasure known for its exceptional thickness, awarded to the fourth Tokugawa Shogun in 1664 with a value of 120 million yen today, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and housed in the Tokyo National Museum.
  • Japanese traditional knives inherit sharpness from swordsmith techniques, exemplified by Hoto Knife's collection of knives crafted by Japanese artisans, renowned for their exceptional sharpness and beauty, offering a gateway to explore the rich history of Japanese swords and knives.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Toiro in Japanese history?

    Toiro is a renowned Japanese sword crafted by Toshirō Yoshimitsu in the 13th-14th century. It is the sixth most valuable National Treasure in Japan, known for its thickness with a blade length of 8.58 inches and a base width of 0.75 inches. The sword was admired by Warlords during the Sengoku period and passed through various owners, including the Tokugawa Shogun. Toiro's exceptional craftsmanship earned it National Treasure status in 1956, and it is currently housed in the Tokyo National Museum.

  • What is the story behind Akashi Kuniyuki sword?

    Akashi Kuniyuki is a Tachi sword by Ryōkuni, representing the Ryū school's style from the Kamakura period. This sword features a blade length of 30.12 inches with a carving of a three-prong vajra, symbolizing the Buddhist deity Fudō. Designated as a National Treasure in 1953, Akashi Kuniyuki is displayed in the Sword Museum in Tokyo, showcasing the practical battlefield swords known for their craftsmanship and historical significance.

  • Who crafted the Co U Samji sword and its unique features?

    Co U Samji is a treasured sword crafted by Samuni, a disciple of Masamune, known for its 30.75-inch blade featuring a wave pattern. This sword was auctioned in 1934, designated a National Treasure in 1951, and is currently displayed in an art museum in Hiroshima prefecture. The unique wave pattern on the blade adds to the sword's historical and artistic value, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of its creator.

  • What is the story behind Yamato, the most expensive sword in history?

    Yamato is the most expensive sword in history, purchased by Satoi City in 2020 for 500 million yen. The sword's name translates to "Mountain bird feather," reflecting the ornate pattern on the blade resembling bird feathers. Yamato is displayed once a year, highlighting its historical significance and the appreciation for Japanese sword craftsmanship and artistry.

  • What is the significance of Mikazuki Micha in Japanese sword history?

    Mikazuki Micha is a sword created by Sanjō Munechika, one of the Tenka-Goken, with a blade length of 31.5 inches featuring crescent moon patterns. Designated as a National Treasure in 1951, this sword is housed in the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and historical importance of Japanese swords. Mikazuki Micha represents the rich tradition and artistry of Japanese swordsmiths, preserving the cultural heritage of sword-making in Japan.

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Summary

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Legendary Japanese Swords and Knives: A Guide

  • In present-day Japan, numerous famous swords from Japanese history are preserved in shrines, museums, or owned privately.
  • 122 swords are recognized as National Treasures, with legendary stories and connections to Shoguns or feudal Lords.
  • The sixth most valuable National Treasure is the Toiro, crafted by Toshirō Yoshimitsu in the 13th-14th century.
  • Toiro was admired by Warlords during the Sengoku period and passed through various owners, including the Tokugawa Shogun.
  • It was presented to the fourth Tokugawa Shogun in 1664, who awarded the giver 1,000 gold coins, valued at around 120 million yen today.
  • Toiro's distinguishing feature is its thickness, with a blade length of 8.58 in and a base width of 0.75 in, remarkably thick for a short sword.
  • The sword's exceptional craftsmanship earned it National Treasure status in 1956, currently housed in the Tokyo National Museum.
  • Akashi Kuniyuki, a Tachi sword by Ryōkuni, represents the Ryū school's style from the Kamakura period, known for practical battlefield swords.
  • The sword's blade length of 30.12 in features a carving of a three-prong vajra, symbolizing the Buddhist deity Fudō.
  • Akashi Kuniyuki was designated a National Treasure in 1953 and is displayed in the Sword Museum in Tokyo.
  • Co U Samji, crafted by Samuni, a disciple of Masamune, is a treasured sword with a 30.75 in blade featuring a wave pattern.
  • The sword was auctioned in 1934, designated a National Treasure in 1951, and is displayed in an art museum in Hiroshima prefecture.
  • Inaba, crafted by Gōyoshihiro, a disciple of Masamune, has a blade length of 27.91 in with a wood grain pattern, designated a National Treasure in 1951.
  • The sword was acquired by Tokugawa Yasu and is housed in a museum in Yamaguchi prefecture.
  • Yamato, the most expensive sword in history, was purchased by Satoi City in 2020 for 500 million yen, displayed once a year.
  • The sword's name translates to "Mountain bird feather," reflecting the blade's ornate pattern resembling bird feathers.
  • Mikazuki Micha, created by Sanjō Munechika, is one of the Tenka-Goken, with a blade length of 31.5 in featuring crescent moon patterns.
  • The sword was designated a National Treasure in 1951 and is housed in the Tokyo National Museum.
  • Japanese traditional knives are renowned for their sharpness, influenced by swordsmith techniques passed down to knife crafting.
  • Hoto Knife offers a variety of knives made by Japanese artisans online, known for exceptional sharpness and beauty.
  • Explore the world of Japanese swords and knives, like, share, and subscribe for more exciting content about their history.
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