Part I: Famous Japanese Swordsmiths Through History

Japan’s sword-making tradition has produced some of the most respected smiths in history. These craftsmen didn’t just make weapons. They shaped a cultural legacy that’s still felt today. Each brought their own style, techniques, and vision to the craft. Some are surrounded by myth. Others earned their names through skill alone. Here's a closer look at the most notable swordsmiths, from early legends to modern masters.

Amakuni: The Legendary Beginning

Amakuni is often considered the first true Japanese swordsmith. He is said to have lived around the year 700 CE in Yamato Province. According to legend, he created the first single-edged curved longsword, which would later influence the iconic katana. His work set the foundation for Japanese blade design, especially the move toward swords with curvature along the edge. While much of his story is myth, his influence is deeply rooted in sword lore.

Masamune: Master of the Kamakura Period

Masamune, born around 1264, is widely considered the greatest swordsmith in Japanese history. His blades are known for their beauty, balance, and durability. He worked during the Kamakura period and developed techniques that became standard in later swordsmithing. Masamune’s swords often featured elegant hamon lines and a strong, sharp edge. His name still carries weight in martial arts and collector circles.

Shintōgo Kunimitsu: Founder of the Soshu School

Also working during the 13th century, Shintōgo Kunimitsu was a major figure in early sword development. He is best known for starting the Soshu school of swordsmithing, which later influenced masters like Masamune. Kunimitsu’s swords had strong craftsmanship and were designed for both cutting ability and strength.

Hikoshiro Sadamune: Masamune’s Successor

Sadamune, born in 1298, was either a student or adopted son of Masamune. He carried on his teacher’s style but added his own touches. His blades were known for having a tight grain structure and a clear, beautiful hamon. Many historians rank him just behind Masamune in terms of skill.

Muramasa: The Controversial Genius

Muramasa worked during the 16th century and gained fame for making incredibly sharp blades. His swords had a reputation for being bloodthirsty, which gave them a dark legend. Some believed they brought bad luck or made their owners violent. Despite the myths, Muramasa’s skill was undeniable. His work is still highly valued by collectors.

Nagasone Kotetsu: From Armor to Blades

Kotetsu, born around 1597, first trained as an armor maker. He later switched to swords and became known for his precise, durable blades. His swords were practical and reliable, often used in real combat. Samurai trusted his work. Today, genuine Kotetsu swords are rare and highly sought after.

Kanenobu: Edo Period Craftsman

Kanenobu was active during the 17th century. His blades were well-balanced and featured traditional styling. He worked during the Edo period, a time when sword-making changed more toward craftsmanship than battlefield function. His work reflects that focus on detail and form.

Masamine Sumitani: 20th Century Traditionalist

Masamine Sumitani, who lived from 1921 to 1998, was one of the top swordsmiths of the modern era. He held the title of “Living National Treasure” in Japan. His dedication to traditional methods helped keep real swordsmithing alive in the 20th century. He focused on folding steel and using time-tested forging techniques.

Akitsugu Amata: Another Living National Treasure

Born in 1927, Akitsugu Amata also earned the rare title of “Living National Treasure.” His blades combined traditional style with high performance. He spent his life promoting and preserving the traditional ways of Japanese swordsmithing. He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Kenzō Kotani: Preserving the Craft in Modern Japan

Kenzō Kotani lived from 1909 to 2003 and was one of the few smiths who managed to continue sword production in the modern era without losing the traditional touch. His work helped bridge the gap between old-school forging and the needs of modern collectors and martial artists.

Okubo Kazuhira: The Late Master of Technique

Okubo Kazuhira, born in 1943, was another modern craftsman known for following traditional methods. He trained for years and created swords with real cutting ability and visual beauty. He passed away in 2003 but is still remembered among experts for his focus on detail and respect for the craft.

 

Part II: Craft Swords Recognized as National Treasures in Japan

Japan protects some ancient straight swords, known as chokutō, plus one tsurugi, as National Treasure crafts. These prized blades are kept at temples and shrines. They hold cultural value and are part of our history.

A collection of 55 weapons from the eighth century is stored in the Shōsōin treasury. It includes many swords. These items fall under the care of the Imperial Household Agency. That means items like the famous Kogarasu Maru are outside the National Treasure list.

Oldest Offerings and Ritual Blades

One relic is a gilt bronze tachi with a ring pommel. It may be the oldest Japanese heirloom passed down through families. The Kusakabe clan offered it to the deity Kunitokotachi. It is worshipped at Omura Shrine. The sword weighs about 527 grams, with a hilt of 7.5 centimeters and a scabbard of 92.1 centimeters. The blade itself is 68.4 centimeters. It dates back to the late Kofun period and is a straight chokutō.

The Seven Stars Sword, or Shichiseiken, has golden clouds and stars that form the Ursa Major constellation. A note at Shitennō‑ji temple says Prince Shōtoku once owned it. It likely came from the Asian continent. It is a straight sword from the seventh century measuring 62.1 centimeters.

Another chokutō at Shitennō‑ji bears the gold inlay inscription Heishi Shōrin. The inscription refers to a stem‑branch cycle and possibly the smith Shōrin. It is also linked to Prince Shōtoku and believed to be an import. This sword is 65.8 centimeters long, from the Asuka period.

At Kashima Shrine stands a legendary sword called Futsu‑no mitama no tsurugi. It once had black lacquer fittings. Story says Emperor Jimmu used it to found Japan. It is an early Heian period chokutō. It measures an astonishing 223.5 centimeters.

A tsurugi without a maker’s mark is kept by the Kyoto National Museum on loan from Kongō‑ji temple. Its handle resembles a Buddhist ritual pestle with three prongs. This double‑edged sword served ceremonial purposes during the early Heian period. It is 62.2 centimeters long.

 

Old Swords from Kotō Period

Beyond those, 105 swords from the kotō era, covering the late tenth century to 1596, are National Treasures. They include 61 tachi, 26 tantō, 11 katana, 3 ōdachi, 2 naginata, one tsurugi, and one kodachi. These swords show four of the five major crafting traditions: Yamato, Yamashiro, Sōshū, and Bizen. Blades from provinces such as Etchū, Bitchū, Hōki, and Saikaidō are included too.

The Yamato school is the oldest style. It began in the fourth century when ironworking arrived from the Asian mainland. Legend credits the smith Amakuni with forging the first single‑edged curved sword around 700 CE. There is no proof of that claim. But early swords likely came from Yamato Province.

During the Nara period, skilled smiths worked near the capital in Nara. They moved to Kyoto when it became the capital in the Heian period. Around 1200, these swordsmiths went back to Nara. They were responding to the needs of monk warriors tied to various Buddhist sects in Nara during the Kamakura period. So the Yamato tradition is closely linked to those warrior monks.

Yamato swords show a deep curve, called torii‑zori. They often have a high shinogi ridge and a slightly longer point, or kissaki. The grain of the steel, or jihada, is usually straight masame‑hada. The cutting edge pattern, hamon, is suguha with rough nie crystals. The tip shape, bōshi, is mainly rounded ko‑maru. Overall, Yamato blades feel modest, stable, and calm.

The Yamato tradition has five main schools: Senjuin, Shikkake, Taima, Tegai, and Hōshō. Four of them are represented in the National Treasure list.

 

Tachi by Taima Kuniyuki

Taima Kuniyuki’s tachi from the late Kamakura period (Shōō era around 1288-1293) has a signature on the tang reading “Kuniyuki.” It was made by the founder of the Taima branch. The Abe clan kept it over generations. The blade curves gently - about 1.5 centimeters. It measures 69.7 centimeters long. Today, it’s at the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords in Tokyo.

 

Tachi by Senjuin Nobuyoshi

This tachi bears Senjuin Nobuyoshi’s signature and came from Emperor Go‑Mizunoo’s collection. It was made during the Bunpō era (1317-1319) in the Kamakura period. The curve is about 2.8 centimeters, and it measures 73.5 centimeters in length. It’s also held by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords in Tokyo.

 

Tachi by Tegai Kanenaga

Signed “Kanenaga,” this tachi is by Tegai Kanenaga, founder of the Tegai branch. It dates to the Shōō era (1288-1293). The blade is 71.2 centimeters long and is part of the Seikadō Bunko collection in Tokyo.

 

Ōdachi by Senjuin Nagayoshi

This massive ōdachi carries the date “fifth year of Jōji” (1366, a fire horse year). It’s signed by Senjuin Nagayoshi. The blade arcs about 4.9 centimeters and stretches 136 centimeters long. It was forged in the Nanboku‑chō period and is now enshrined at Ōyamazumi Shrine in Imabari, Ehime.

 

Tantō by Hōshō Sadayoshi

This tanto carries a signature that denotes “Hōshō Sadayoshi,” though the exact smith's name may include titles and a date marked around October 18 in the Bunpō era (1317-1319). It's privately held by Matsumoto Ko in Osaka.

 

Legendary Tachi “Crescent Moon Munechika”

This iconic tachi, called Mikazuki Munechika, was forged by Sanjō Munechika in the Heian period (10th-11th century). It’s counted among the Five Swords under Heaven. Its name comes from a moon‑shaped temper line. Earlier, it belonged to Kodai‑in, wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, then passed to Tokugawa Hidetada and the Tokugawa family. Its curvature is about 2.7 centimeters, and it is 80 centimeters long. You can see it today at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Tachi by Ayanokoji Sadatoshi

Signed “Sadatoshi,” this tachi comes from Ayanokoji Sadatoshi, the founder of his school. It was owned by the Abe clan since Tokugawa Ietsuna gifted it in 1663. It curves approximately 3 centimeters and is 78.8 centimeters long. It’s also displayed at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Katana “Heshi‑kiri” by Hasebe Kunishige

This katana, known as Heshi‑kiri, means “Forceful Cutter.” It's unsigned but attributed to Hasebe Kunishige, with a gold‑inlaid inscription by Honami Kotoku. It has a modest 0.9‑centimeter curve and measures 64.8 centimeters. It’s held at the Fukuoka City Museum.

 

Prestigious Tantō by Yoshimitsu: Atsushi Tōshirō

This thick-bladed tanto, “Atsushi Tōshirō”, was forged by Tōshirō Yoshimitsu in the Kamakura period (13th century). It’s unusually thick and was handed down through Ashikaga shoguns, Toyotomi leaders, and finally gifted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It’s 21.8 centimeters long and kept at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Gotō Tōshirō

Another tanto by Yoshimitsu, this one named after the Gotō family. It is 27.6 centimeters long from the same era. It’s now in the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya.

 

Untitled Tantō

A third Yoshimitsu tanto, once owned by the Tachibanaya family, is 23.2 centimeters long and held by the Ohana Museum in Yanagawa, Fukuoka.

 

Ken by Yoshimitsu

This ken, a short sword also by Yoshimitsu, was part of a dowry from Tokugawa Iemitsu’s adopted daughter. After her passing, her son offered it to Shirayama Hime Shrine for prayers. It’s about 22.9 centimeters long and 2.2 centimeters wide. It’s preserved at the Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum in Kanazawa, owned by Shirayama Hime Shrine.

 

Tachi by Hisakuni and Norikuni

This Hisakuni‑signed tachi from early 13th-century Kamakura has a 3‑centimeter curve and a blade width of 2.7 centimeters. It measures 80.4 centimeters long and is held by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo.

The Norikuni tachi is signed by Norikuni, from the 13th-century Kamakura era. It curves around 2.1 centimeters and is 74.7 centimeters long. It’s now at the Kyoto National Museum.

 

Rai School Swords from the Kamakura Period

Several swords from the Kamakura period crafted by smiths of the Rai school are recognized today as National Treasures. These pieces, made with exceptional skill, carry not only fine workmanship but also deep historical ties to powerful clans, religious shrines, and even the imperial family.

One tachi signed by Rai Kuniyuki, the founder of the Rai school, was once in the hands of the Matsudaira clan who ruled the Akashi Domain in Harima Province. It has a gentle curve of about 3 centimeters and stretches to 76.5 centimeters. This sword was forged in the mid-Kamakura period and now sits with the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords in Tokyo.

Another tachi signed by Rai Kunitoshi remains in private hands in Tokyo. Though exact details about its measurements and history aren’t listed, its maker’s reputation alone places it among significant examples of the Rai school’s legacy.

There’s a tantō also made by Rai Kunitoshi, crafted in the year 1316. This blade features uchi-zori, meaning it curves inward, which is less common and more specialized. Measuring 25.1 centimeters, it is preserved at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture.

A second tantō by Kunitoshi is kept at the Kurokawa Institute of Ancient Cultures in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo. Its full measurements aren't noted, but it's another testament to Kunitoshi’s detailed craftsmanship during the Kamakura period.

A kodachi by the same swordsmith is also recognized. It has a slight curve of 1.67 centimeters and reaches 54.4 centimeters in length. This piece is kept at Futarasan Shrine in Nikkō, Tochigi.

Another standout blade is a tachi by Rai Kunimitsu, who came after Kuniyuki. This sword was passed through the Matsudaira family line and used by Matsudaira Tadaaki during the Siege of Osaka. After that, it ended up with the Iwasaki family, the founders of Mitsubishi, then with the statesman Yamagata Aritomo, and finally with Emperor Meiji. The blade measures 80.7 centimeters and is housed at the Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.

A different tachi by Rai Kunimitsu, made in 1327, was gifted to the crown prince who later became Emperor Taishō. This blade is known for its bold curvature of 3.5 centimeters and length of 79.1 centimeters. It now belongs to the Tokyo National Museum.

Rai Magotarō, another smith from the Rai lineage, created a tachi in 1292. This sword is 77.3 centimeters long and is kept in the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.

There’s also a tantō made by Rai Kunimitsu that went by the name Yūraku Rai Kunimitsu. It once belonged to Oda Nagamasu, better known as Urakusai. He received it from Toyotomi Hideyori. The sword was later passed down through the Maeda clan. It measures 27.6 centimeters and is now in private hands in Shizuoka.

Lastly, a tantō by Rai Kunitsugu, who followed Kunimitsu, survives from the 14th century. It’s 32.7 centimeters long and also privately owned in Tokyo.

 

Tantō by Yukimitsu

This Kamakura-period dagger traces its roots to the 14th century. The craftsmanship shows a blend of tempering styles. You can see hints of straight temper from Yukimitsu’s teacher, Gokunimitsu. It also has warped wave patterns like those of his student, Masamune. It measures 26.2 centimeters and once belonged to the Maeda clan. Today, it’s on display at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Tantō by Shintōgo Kunimitsu (Tokyo)

This early Kamakura-period tantō is signed “Kunimitsu” by master Shintōgo Kunimitsu. It dates from around 1293 to 1317. The blade is 25.5 centimeters long and remains in private hands in Tokyo.

 

Tantō by Shintōgo Kunimitsu (Osaka)

Another Kamakura-period blade signed by Kunimitsu. It shares the same age, from the Einin to Shōwa eras (1293-1317). Its length is unspecified. This one is held privately in Osaka.

 

Tantō (Aizu Shintōgo) by Shintōgo Kunimitsu

This late 13th-century blade carries Shintōgo Kunimitsu’s signature. It was once owned by daimyo Gamō Ujisato, who ruled the Aizu region; hence the name “Aizu Shintōgo.” Its blade measures 25.5 centimeters and is currently in a private collection in Hiroshima.

 

Katana by Masamune (Unsigned)

This unsigned masterpiece from before 1329 is attributed to legendary smith Masamune. It bears a 1609 gold inlay inscription naming “Shiro Lord of Izumi” along with Masamune Suriage Honami. The Honami family authenticated its provenance. The Tsugaru clan once owned it. It’s a 70.8-centimeter blade and is displayed at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Katana (Kanze Masamune)

This unsigned Masamune katana is tied to the Kanze Noh theater school. It dates from the late 13th to early 14th century (around 1288-1328). Its length is 64.4 centimeters. The blade resides in the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Katana (Tarō-saku Masamune)

Another unsigned Masamune sword. It’s dated roughly between 1288 and 1328. The blade is 64.3 centimeters long. It’s held by the Maeda Ikutokukai in Tokyo.

 

Katana (Nakatsukasa Masamune)

This unsigned sword carries a gold signature, “Masamune Honami Kaō.” It was once owned by samurai Honda Tadakatsu, also known as Nakatsukasa Daisuke. Later, the Tokugawa shogunate preserved it. The blade has a 1.7-centimeter curvature and measures 67.0 centimeters. It’s under the care of the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo.

 

Tantō (Hyūga Masamune)

This dagger connects to Masamune. It belonged to Ishida Mitsunari, who gifted it to his brother-in-law. During the 1600 Battle of Sekigahara, Mizuno Katsushige from Hyūga Province stole it. It dates between 1288 and 1328. The blade is 24.8 centimeters. Today, the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Tokyo holds it.

 

Tantō (Kuki Masamune)

This is another unsigned Masamune blade, tied to the Kuki family. Its exact date and size are not specified, but it aligns with the Kamakura-era Masamune works.

 

Masamune Kitchen Knife at Hayashibara Museum

In the early 14th century, before the Gentoku era in 1329, a small tantō by the famous smith Masamune arrived at the Hayashibara Museum of Art in Okayama. This blade measures 24.8 centimeters. Its shape earned it the nickname “kitchen knife.” It is short and broad. The knife has no signature. It reflects the refined style of Kamakura period swordmaking.

 

Masamune Kitchen Knife at Tokugawa Art Museum

Also from before Gentoku in the 14th century, another Masamune kitchen knife is kept at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. This blade measures 24.1 centimeters. Like its counterpart, it is wide and stubby. The blade is unsigned. It shows the unique design Masamune used for these compact swords.

 

Terasawa Sadamune Tantō

A mid-14th century tantō by Sadamune survives from the Gentoku to Kenmu eras (1329-1338). It measures 29.4 centimeters. The name comes from Terasawa Shima no Kami Hirotaka, who treasured it. Later, it passed to Tokugawa Hidetada and then Tokugawa Yorinori of the Kishu domain. The blade has no maker’s signature. It is now under the care of Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo.

 

Masamune Kitchen Knife at Eisei Bunko Museum

Another Masamune kitchen knife is housed at the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo. It dates to the same early 14th-century period before Gentoku. It measures 21.8 centimeters. It shares the classic stubby, wide Masamune style. This one also bears no signature.

 

Masamune Kitchen Knife in Osaka

A fourth Masamune kitchen knife resides in Osaka with the Kinshūkai group. It dates to around 1288-1328, spanning the Shōō to Karyaku eras. It measures 21.7 centimeters. The form is consistent with the other Masamune knives: short, broad, and unsigned. These compact blades show a distinct Masamune niche in Kamakura knife design.

 

Tokuzen-in Sadamune Tantō

A longer Sadamune tantō, measuring 35.5 centimeters, is called Tokuzen-in Sadamune. It dates to the Gentoku-Kenmu eras (1329-1338). Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave it to Abbot Maeda Gen’i, also known by his temple name Tokuzen‑in. Later the dagger passed into the Tokugawa and Matsudaira Saijō lineages. It is kept at the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Tokyo. This dagger, too, has no maker’s signature.

 

Fushimi Sadamune Tantō

A Sadamune tantō from around 1329-1338 resides at the Kurokawa Institute of Ancient Cultures in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo. The blade is known as Fushimi Sadamune. It is unsigned but bears a red lacquer Honami appraisal stamp. The blade length was not given, but it reflects Sadamune’s refined style in the Kamakura period.

 

Kikkō Sadamune Katana

A full katana by Sadamune from the same 1329-1338 period hangs in the Tokyo National Museum. It's called Kikkō Sadamune. The term “kikkō,” meaning tortoise shell, comes from a chrysanthemum stamp inside the tang that looks like a hexagon. This blade curves 2.4 centimeters and measures 70.9 centimeters overall. It shows Sadamune’s unique carvings and elegant form.

 

Kamakura Ichimonji Sukezane Tachi at Tokyo National Museum

A tachi by Sukezane, founder of the Kamakura Ichimonji school, is preserved at the Tokyo National Museum. Made in the mid-13th century around the Bun’ei era (1264-1275), this sword measures 67.0 centimeters. The curvature is modest, at 0.71 centimeters. It reflects the Ichimonji signature style: sharp, balanced, and steady.

 

Kamakura Ichimonji Sukezane Tachi at Nikkō Tōshō‑gū

Another Sukezane tachi from the same period is kept at Nikkō Tōshō‑gū in Tochigi. The blade measures 71.2 centimeters. It once belonged to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It bears the same crisp curvature and polished elegance typical of Kamakura period Ichimonji blades.

 

Bizen Tomonari Tachi at Tokyo National Museum

One of the oldest preserved tachi blades comes from Tomonari of Bizen Province. This sword was forged in the 11th century during the Heian period. It has a curvature of 2.4 centimeters and stretches 80.3 centimeters long. The craftsmanship shows the early form of curved swords in Japan. It’s now housed in the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Taira Lineage Tomonari Tachi at Itsukushima Shrine

Another tachi by Tomonari, also from Bizen Province, was made a century later. This 12th-century blade measures 79.3 centimeters and has a deeper curve of 3.0 centimeters. It once belonged to Taira no Munemori and was passed down through his line. Today, it’s kept at Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

 

Ōkanehira, the Great Sword by Kanehira

The sword known as Ōkanehira is one of the most impressive tachi ever made. Forged in the 12th century by Kanehira of Bizen Province, it measures 89.2 centimeters with a curve of 3.5 centimeters. The name means “Great Kanehira” and refers to its unusual size. Kanehira usually signed his work with two characters, but this one carries a full inscription. It belonged to Ikeda Terumasa and stayed within the Ikeda clan. It’s now at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Masatsune Blades Passed Through Tokugawa Hands

Masatsune, another Heian-period smith, crafted several swords in the mid-12th century around the Hōgen era (1156 to 1159). One of his tachi, measuring 72.0 centimeters, was given by Tokugawa Yoshimune to Tokugawa Munechika in 1745. That sword is now held by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo.

Another Masatsune blade from the same era is slightly longer, at 74.2 centimeters. This one is also managed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

A third tachi by Masatsune, measuring 71.8 centimeters with a curve of 2.8 centimeters, was passed down through several Tokugawa leaders: from Yoshimune to Munekatsu and then to Munechika. The blade is 2.9 centimeters wide at the base. It’s displayed at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya.

Another piece, 77.6 centimeters long, is privately owned in Tokyo by the Aoyama Kikuchi family. A final Masatsune tachi from the Hōgen era is also held privately in Osaka. Its exact length isn’t noted.

 

Sanetsune Tachi at Kunōzan Tōshō-gū

From the late 11th century, around the Jōryaku era (1077-1081), a long tachi by Sanetsune has survived. It’s 89.4 centimeters long with a strong curve of 3.9 centimeters. This sword is kept at Kunōzan Tōshō-gū in Shizuoka. It reflects the transition toward longer, more curved blades during that time.

 

Nobufusa Tachi at Chidō Museum

A 12th-century tachi signed by Nobufusa is another example of early curved swordsmithing. The blade measures 76.1 centimeters and has a curvature of 2.3 centimeters. It’s displayed at the Chidō Museum in Yamagata. The blade carries Nobufusa’s full inscription, showing the tradition of marking high-quality swords with the maker’s name.

 

Tomonari Tachi at Makiri Corporation

A Kamakura-period tachi signed with the mark “ichi” was forged by the swordsmith Tomonari. The sword's full details aren't publicly listed, but it's part of the collection at the Makiri Corporation in Numazu, Shizuoka. This piece is an example of early Kamakura craftsmanship.

 

Nikkō Ichimonji at Fukuoka City Museum

This unsigned tachi comes from the Fukuoka Ichimonji school. Known as the Nikkō Ichimonji, it was once part of the Kuroda family collection and is said to have been passed through the Hōjō clan. The blade has a curve of 2.4 centimeters and measures 67.8 centimeters in length. It dates back to the 13th century and is now held at the Fukuoka City Museum.

 

Yamatorige: The Pheasant Feather Blade

One of the most striking swords is the Yamatorige, also called Sanshōmō. It comes from the Fukuoka Ichimonji line and is famous for its hamon pattern, which resembles the feather of a mountain pheasant. This unsigned blade from the Kamakura period is 79.0 centimeters long and is privately owned in Okayama.

 

Norimune Tachi at Hie Shrine

Forged by Norimune in the early Kamakura period, this tachi dates to around the Genryaku to Jōgen eras, between 1184 and 1211. The blade has a curvature of 2.8 centimeters and a total length of 78.4 centimeters. It is kept at the Hie Shrine in Tokyo.

 

Yoshifusa’s Okada Slayer at Tokyo National Museum

This tachi by Yoshifusa was once carried by Oda Nobunaga and later used by his son Oda Nobukatsu in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute. He used it to slay Okada Sukesaburō, giving the sword the nickname Okada-giri. It has a curve of 2.1 centimeters and a total length of 69.1 centimeters. It's part of the Tokyo National Museum collection.

 

Yoshifusa Blade Given by Hideyoshi

Another Yoshifusa tachi at the Tokyo National Museum was once owned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He gave it to Takekoshi Masanobu, a Tokugawa retainer. The sword then passed down through Masanobu’s descendants. It dates to the 13th century and measures 70.6 centimeters.

 

Yoshifusa Blade in Private Tokyo Collection

This 13th-century Yoshifusa tachi is part of a private collection in Tokyo. While the length and curve are not specified, it holds significance as another example of the swordsmith’s legacy.

 

Yoshifusa Sword at Hayashibara Museum

This tachi by Fukuoka Yoshifusa was once held by the Taira clan and later the Kishū-Tokugawa family. With a 2.65-centimeter curve and a 71.2-centimeter blade, it is now at the Hayashibara Museum of Art in Okayama.

 

Tokugawa Yoshifusa Blade in Hiroshima

Another tachi by Fukuoka Yoshifusa, passed down in the Tokugawa clan, is privately owned in Hiroshima. This blade from the 13th century is 73.9 centimeters long.

 

Yoshihira Tachi in Private Tokyo Collection

A tachi by Fukuoka Yoshihira, dating from the Ninji to Kenchō eras (1240-1256), is part of a private collection in Tokyo. Details about the blade’s length and curve aren't public.

 

Sukekane Tachi in Osaka

Forged by Fukuoka Sukekane, this tachi was passed down through the Tottori branch of the Ikeda clan. It’s from the Kamakura period and measures 77.7 centimeters. The blade is held privately in Osaka.

 

Norifusa Tachi in Hiroshima

This Fukuoka Norifusa tachi has a deep curve of 3.2 centimeters and measures 77.3 centimeters. It dates from the 13th century and was handed down in the Tokugawa clan. It is privately owned in Hiroshima.

 

Norifusa Katana in Tokyo

A katana also by Fukuoka Norifusa is in a private Tokyo collection. This piece from the Kamakura period is unsigned and details about its dimensions are not publicly listed.

 

Tachi by Yoshioka Sukemitsu, 1322

This tachi bears a long signature. It reads: “Sakon Shōgen Sukemitsu living in Yoshioka in Bizen Province,” followed by a prayer: “O Great God of Arms, I beseech your aid against my enemy.” Forged in March 1322, it has a large curve of 3.9 centimeters and a total length of 82.4 centimeters. It is privately held in Osaka.

 

Naginata by Yoshioka Sukemitsu, 1320

A naginata signed by “Ichi Sakon Shōgen Sukemitsu living in Yoshioka in Bizen Province” was made in 1320. It was passed down in the Kaga branch of the Maeda clan. The blade is 56.7 centimeters long and remains in a private Osaka collection.

 

Tachi by Kagemitsu from Bizen Province

This tachi was forged in May 1322 by Kagemitsu from Osafune in Bizen. It’s tied to Kusunoki Masashige and is nicknamed Little Dragon Kagemitsu because of a relief carving on the blade. It curves about 2.7 cm and measures 80.6 cm. You can see it at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Ikoma Mitsutada Katana

This unsigned katana dates to the Kamakura period around 1238-1247 and is linked to Mitsutada, also known as Ikoma Mitsutada. It has a kaō signature and a gold inlay by the Honami connoisseur Kōtoku. It lives at the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo.

 

Tokugawa Mitsutada Tachi

A Mitsutada tachi, also from around 1238-1247, passed from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi to Tsunanari in 1698. The blade curves 2.3 cm and is 72.4 cm long. It’s displayed at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya.

 

Mitsutada Katana, Private Collection

Another Mitsutada katana from the same era shows a gold inlay signature. It’s held in a private collection in Osaka.

 

Daihannya Nagamitsu Tachi

Made by Junkei Nagamitsu between 1249-1293, this tachi is named after the Daihannya sutra. Its value matched the sutra’s six hundred volumes. It likely belonged to the Ashikaga clan, then Oda Nobunaga, and later Tokugawa Ieyasu, who gave it to Okudaira Nobumasa. It curves 2.9 cm and measures 73.6 cm. It’s on display at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Tōtōmi Nagamitsu Tachi

Also by Nagamitsu from 1249-1293, this tachi was stolen by Akechi Mitsuhide from Azuchi Castle. Later it passed through Maeda Toshinaga and the Tokugawa lineage, ending up under Tokugawa Yoshimichi in 1709. It’s 72.4 cm long and sits in the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya.

 

Other Nagamitsu Tachi

Additional Nagamitsu tachi pieces from the same era are housed at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Hayashibara Nagamitsu Tachi

This version by Sakon Shōgen Nagamitsu from Osafune curves 2.7 cm and measures 78.7 cm. It’s part of the Hayashibara Museum of Art’s collection in Okayama.

 

Kumano Three Avatars Nagamitsu Tachi

Called the Sword of the Three Temples, this Nagamitsu tachi also curves around 2.9 cm and measures 78.0 cm. It’s in a private collection in Shizuoka.

 

Sahyōe-no-jō Kagemitsu Tachi

Commissioned in July 1329 by Kagemitsu, this tachi curves 2.7 cm and is 82.4 cm long. It’s displayed at the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore.

 

Nagamitsu Naginata

This naginata, made by Nagamitsu in the 14th century, has a 63.5 cm tang and a total length of 44.2 cm. It’s kept at the Sano Art Museum in Mishima.

 

Chichibu-engraved Kagemitsu Tantō

Carrying an engraving of Chichibu Daibosatsu, this Kagemitsu tantō from 1323 curves slightly and measures 28.3 cm. It once belonged to Uesugi Kenshin and is now at Saitama’s history museum.

 

Oda Nobunaga Gifted Tachi by Kagemitsu

Presented by Oda Nobunaga to Tadatsugu after the Battle of Nagashino, this 77.3 cm tachi curves 2.9 cm. It’s held at the Chidō Museum in Tsuruoka, Yamagata.

 

Chikakage Tachi from Bizen

Made in 1329 by Chikakage of Osafune, this tachi curves 2.8 cm and is 80.5 cm long. It’s in a private Osaka collection.

 

Nagashige Tantō

From the Nanboku-chō period in 1334, a Nagashige tantō with slight uchi‑zori (cutting-edge curve) measures 26.06 cm. It’s privately held in Tokyo.

 

Osafune Tomomitsu Ōdachi

This massive Ōdachi, crafted by Tomomitsu in February 1366, curves 5.8 cm and stretches 126 cm. It was passed down through the Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu line and is now at Futarasan Shrine in Nikkō, Tochigi.

 

Kunimune Tachi at Nikkō Tōshō-gū

This sword from the 13th-century Kamakura period is signed by Kunimune. It's a tachi with a strong curve of 3.3 centimeters. The blade is 81.7 centimeters long, with the same width at the base - 3.3 centimeters - and 2.15 centimeters near the tip. It sits at Nikkō Tōshō-gū in Tochigi. This sword shows the elegance and precision typical of early Kamakura smiths.

 

Kunimune Tachi at Terukuni Shrine

Another signed tachi by Kunimune, from the same era, is kept at Terukuni Shrine in Kagoshima. This one has an interesting story. After World War II, U.S. occupation forces seized it. For years, it was considered lost. But in 1963, American doctor Walter Compton, a major sword collector, returned it personally, without asking for anything in return. The blade is 81.3 centimeters long, with a curve of 2.7 centimeters, 3.3 centimeters wide at the base, and 2.1 centimeters near the kissaki.

 

Kunimune Tachi in Private Tokyo Collection

A third tachi by Kunimune is privately owned by Komatsu Yasuhiro Industries in Tokyo. It’s 72.6 centimeters long and was forged during the 13th-century Kamakura period. It doesn’t carry extra notes, but its size and origin link it to the same tradition.

 

Kunimune Tachi at Tokugawa Art Museum

The fourth Kunimune tachi belongs to the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. Since 1739, it was passed down through the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family. It is 80.1 centimeters long, curved 2.7 centimeters, 3.2 centimeters wide at the base, and 2.1 centimeters near the tip. It’s a good example of historical Tokugawa-owned swords.

 

Norishige Tantō at Eisei Bunko Museum

A short dagger by Norishige, known as Nihonichi Norishige or “Japan’s best Norishige,” is at the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo. This piece comes from the late Kamakura period, between 1308 and 1329. The blade is 24.6 centimeters long. It's one of the most respected works by Norishige.

 

Tomita Gō Katana by Gō Yoshihiro

An unsigned katana made by Gō Yoshihiro, also called Tomita Gō, was passed down through the Toda clan. It dates to the early Nanboku-chō period in the 14th century. It’s privately kept by the Maeda Ikutokukai in Tokyo. Though its exact length isn’t recorded here, its maker and history mark it as an important work.

 

Inaba Gō Katana by Gō Yoshihiro

Another unsigned katana by Gō Yoshihiro is called the Inaba Gō. It features a gold inlay inscription written by sword appraiser Honami Kotoku. The date on it is December 1585. The sword once belonged to the Inaba family. It has a curve of 2 centimeters and measures 70.8 centimeters. It’s privately held in Tokyo.

 

Sadatsugu Tachi in Tokyo

Forged by Sadatsugu in the early 13th century, this tachi is privately owned in Tokyo. The blade is 77.1 centimeters long, curved 2.4 centimeters, and 2.9 centimeters wide at the base. It reflects the clean form and structure of early Kamakura swords.

 

Moritoshi Tachi in Osaka

Another Kamakura tachi, made around the Gennin era, comes from the smith Moritoshi. It is kept in a private collection in Osaka. There are no size details here, but it belongs to the same early 13th-century wave of craftsmanship.

 

Masatsune Tachi at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū

This sword, signed by Masatsune, was gifted to the shrine Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū by Tokugawa Yoshimune in 1736. It has a strong curve of 3 centimeters and is 78.2 centimeters long. The base is 3 centimeters wide. The sword now rests at the shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa.

 

Tametsugu Tachi, Also Known as Kitsunegasaki

Another early Kamakura tachi, made by Tametsugu, is nicknamed Kitsunegasaki after a place in what is now Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka. The blade has a deep curve of 3.4 centimeters, a base width of 3.2 centimeters, and a length of 78.8 centimeters. It is housed at the Kitsukawahōkōkai collection in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi.

 

Yasutsugu Tachi at Sukyo Mahikari

The last piece in this group is a tachi by Yasutsugu. Ashikaga Yoshiaki gave it to Shimazu Yoshihisa. The sword is strongly curved at 3.5 centimeters, and the base is 3.6 centimeters wide. It measures 85.2 centimeters overall. It now belongs to Sukyo Mahikari in Takayama, Gifu.

 

Yasuie Tachi from the Heian Period

A rare tachi from the Heian period, made by the swordsmith Yasuie, survives from around the Heiji era (1159 to 1160). This blade has a black-toned finish and a distinct speckled pattern. These traits are common in swords from Hōki Province. It’s the only signed piece clearly confirmed to be by Yasuie. The blade is 77.3 centimeters long with a curvature of 3.2 centimeters. It was passed down through the Kuroda family and is now at the Kyoto National Museum.

 

Dōjigiri Yasutsuna: The Monster Cutter

The Dōjigiri Yasutsuna is one of Japan’s most famous swords. It’s considered one of the “Five Swords Under Heaven.” Made by Hōki Yasutsuna in the mid-Heian period, it dates to the 10th or 11th century. The sword is linked to the legend of Minamoto no Yorimitsu slaying the demon Shuten-dōji near Mount Oe. It later passed through the hands of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. It has a slight curve of 2.7 centimeters and measures 80 centimeters long. It’s housed at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Kōsetsu Samonji Tachi by Saemon Saburo Yasuyoshi

Samonji, also known as Saemon Saburo Yasuyoshi, made a signed tachi now known as Kōsetsu Samonji. It’s the only known signed tachi by this smith. The name comes from Itabeoka Kōsetsu-sai, a retainer of the Late Hōjō clan who later served Tokugawa Ieyasu. The blade then went to Tokugawa Yorinobu. It dates to the early Nanboku-chō period, around the Kenmu and Ryakuō eras (1334 to 1342). The blade measures 78.1 centimeters and is now privately held by Komatsu Yasuhiro Industries in Hiroshima.

 

Samonji Tantō from the Same Era

Another work by Samonji, a tantō from the same Nanboku-chō period, is privately owned in Tokyo. It is signed “Chikushū jū Sa” and measures 23.6 centimeters. This smaller blade carries the same careful craftsmanship Samonji is known for.

 

Ōtenta: Great Tenta by Miike Mitsuyo

The Ōtenta is one of the Five Swords Under Heaven. Made by Miike Mitsuyo in the 11th century, around the Jōhō era (1074 to 1077), this blade is known for its grand shape. It earned the name “Ōtenta,” meaning “Great Tenta,” due to its elegant design and strong presence. It has a 2.7 centimeter curve and a total length of 66.1 centimeters. It’s held by the Maeda Ikutokukai in Tokyo.

 

Kokin Denju no Tachi by Yukihira

This tachi is tied to an important moment in poetic tradition. It was gifted to the poet Karasumaru Mitsuhiro during the Siege of Tanabe when Hosokawa Fujitaka taught him the secrets of the Kokin Wakashū. The blade was later returned to the Hosokawa family in the Shōwa era. Forged by Yukihira of Bungo Province during the Kamakura period, it dates to around 1200. The blade curves 2.8 centimeters and measures 80 centimeters. It is displayed at the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo.

 

Ōdachi Attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki

An enormous ōdachi attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki was donated to the Ōyamazumi Shrine in 1470. The original owner, Ōmori Hikoshichi, handed it down to his grandson, Ōmori Naoji, who made the offering. This giant sword has a sweeping 5.4 centimeter curve and a total length of 180 centimeters. It dates to the 14th century Nanboku-chō period and is now housed at the shrine in Imabari, Ehime.

 

Yukihiro Tantō from 1350

A signed tantō by Yukihiro was made in August of 1350. The blade measures 23.5 centimeters. Its width is 2.2 centimeters, and the thickness is 0.6 centimeters. It’s a good example of the swordmaking precision seen in the Nanboku-chō period. It’s displayed at the Tsuchiura City Museum in Ibaraki.

 

Samonji Tantō Favored by Hideyoshi

Another small blade by Samonji, simply signed “Sa,” was one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorites. It was passed down in the Kishū branch of the Tokugawa family. Like the others, it dates to the early Nanboku-chō period around 1334 to 1342. It measures 23.6 centimeters and is kept in private hands in Hiroshima.

 

Heian Period Tachi with Chrysanthemum and Bird Inlay

This 12th-century tachi from the Heian period features detailed chrysanthemum designs carved in high relief over a silver background. The metal fittings are gilt, and the scabbard shows long-tailed birds made from mother of pearl inlay over a nashiji lacquer base. Its slight curve sets it apart from Chinese swords. The mounting was passed down through the Hirohashi family. The sword is now at the Tokyo National Museum and measures 103.3 centimeters.

 

Uesugi Tachi by Ichimonji

A signed blade by Ichimonji, this 13th-century tachi from the Kamakura period is also called the Uesugi Tachi. It features a scabbard decorated with birds, nashiji lacquer, mother of pearl, and gold metalwork. The sword was owned by the Uesugi clan, later offered to Mishima Taisha, and eventually presented to the Imperial Household during the Meiji era. It has a blade length of 76.06 centimeters and measures 105.4 centimeters in total. It is now at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Ashikaga Offering Tachi from 1385

Dating to the Nanboku-chō period in 1385, this tachi has a wood, silver, gold, and copper build. The blade has no signature. It was donated to the shrine by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and is now housed at Kasuga-taisha in Nara. Its full length is 126 centimeters.

 

Kenukigata Tachi with Bamboo Sparrow Design

This Heian period sword is mounted in kenukigata style. Its scabbard shows sparrows in a bamboo thicket, made with mother of pearl over a gold base. The blade is rusted in place and cannot be removed. It’s preserved at Kasuga-taisha in Nara.

 

Hishi Katana from Nanboku-chō Period

This unsigned katana was forged by a smith named Hishi during the Nanboku-chō period in 1385. It is kept at Kasuga-taisha and measures 73 centimeters in blade length.

 

Kenukigata Tachi with Guardian Dog Design

Another unsigned tachi from the Kamakura period, it is mounted in kenukigata style. The sword features an ikakeji finish and a guardian dog design. Its exact dimensions aren't recorded. It remains stored at Kasuga-taisha in Nara.

 

Hyōgo-gusari Tachi with Sleeping Beauty Lacquer

This unsigned Kamakura tachi has a hyōgo-gusari style mounting with an ikakeji base and a sleeping beauty lacquer design. It's preserved at Kasuga-taisha in Nara, but dimensions are not listed.

 

Another Sleeping Beauty Tachi in Hyōgo-gusari Style

Another sword from Kasuga-taisha, also from the Kamakura period, shows the same mounting style: hyōgo-gusari, ikakeji, and sleeping beauty lacquer. The blade is unsigned and remains in shrine storage.

 

Silver-Wrapped Heian Period Tachi

Dating to the late 12th century, this tachi has no blade. Instead, it features a rare scabbard and hilt made from narrow, silver-plated copper strips wrapped in a spiraled style called hirumaki. It's from Niutsuhime Shrine in Wakayama and is held under the care of the Tokyo National Museum. The total length is 104.1 centimeters.

 

Muromachi Period Koshigatana by Tomonari

A short sword from the Muromachi era, this koshigatana was made by Tomonari from the Ko-Bizen school. It’s mounted in aikuchi style with a paulownia design and nashiji lacquer. Mother of pearl inlays decorate the scabbard. The blade had been damaged in a fire and later retempered. It is believed to have belonged to Ashikaga Takauji. The blade is 20.3 centimeters long, with a total length of 37.2 centimeters. It’s kept at Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

 

Kamakura Period Koshigatana with Gold Nashiji

This Kamakura koshigatana features a gold nashiji finish with chrysanthemum motifs in shakudō on the hilt. The blade is unsigned but attributed to the Taima school. It measures 26.5 centimeters in blade length and 30.8 centimeters overall. It's held at the Mōri Museum in Yamaguchi.

 

Shrine Offering Tachi by Prince Moriyoshi

This 14th-century tachi from the Kamakura period was likely offered by Prince Moriyoshi. The blade is unsigned. Its handle is wrapped in white shark skin with nanako-ji texture. The fittings are gilt bronze with peony and flowering quince designs. The scabbard is engraved with peonies on a gilt bronze surface. The blade is 60.9 centimeters long, with a full length of 97 centimeters. It's held at Ōyamazumi Shrine in Ehime.