on the right corner of the photo.Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Attributed to Kaneharu with Hozon Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to Kaneharu (兼春). The maker’s name Kaneharu lasted from the mid Muromachi – mid Edo period. While the certificate doesn’t mention when it was forged, NBTHK appraises it was made in the late Muromachi period (Early 16th century). We made a phone call to NBTHK to confirm it.
Kaneharu is categorized as a Sue-Seki swordsmith. Sue Seki refers to the sword makers who forged swords from Mino province during the late Muromachi period. About seven swordsmiths used the maker’s name Kanaharu during the Muromachi period (1459-1557). Kaneharu belonged to San-Ami school, one of the seven schools in Seki city in Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture). Those seven schools are known as Seki Kaji Shichi Ryu (関鍛冶七流).
The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI (Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon) in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late Kamakura period (1280-1330). It flourished in the Muromachi period (1333-1573) and continued until the Edo period (1603-1868).
Due to the high demand for weapons, MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai (Warring State period). And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Furthermore, so many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area, and Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had a reputation of their practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province.
What is Tanto?
It was initially used as a supplemental weapon for Samurai on horseback, who used a pole weapon or long sword in the Kamaura-Muromachi period. Samurai aimed at an unprotected area of his enemy’s armor with Tanto while having to fight with close distance.
TANTO was named accordingly, depending on how you carry it, such as HUTOKORO-GATANA (懐刀; Stomach-Sword) or KOSHI-GATANA(腰刀; Waist-Sword) or elsewise. TANTO was also a gift for a bride from her family in a traditional Japanese wedding, as it is believed that TANTO would be divine protection from evil power.
It is appraised as a Hozon Token (保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple kitae kizu spots on the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa): 29.5 cm (11.6 inches)
Curvature (Sori): Reverse curvature (内反り)
Hamon:
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.
Jimon (Jihada):
Visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.
Kissaki: Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
Nakago: Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.
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Koshirae: Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).
Fuchi-Kashira: A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The flower depicted on this fuchi-kashira is a chrysanthemum, known as kiku (菊).
The chrysanthemum is one of the flowers that symbolize autumn and has been highly appreciated since ancient times. In China, it was once used medicinally with the belief that it could promote longevity, and this cultural association was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. Because its petals radiate outward, the chrysanthemum has also been likened to the sun, and thus it came to represent longevity, good health, and vitality.
The “Kiku no Gomon” (菊の御紋), a stylized chrysanthemum crest, has long been used by the Imperial family of Japan and is widely recognized as a symbol of nobility and prestige.
Tsuka and Menuki: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The theme of the Menuki appears to be a Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang). Houou is a member of four fantasy animals, which is called “Shirei (四霊)” with Kirin (麒麟, Qilin), Kame (亀, Turtle), and Ryu (龍, Dragon), and it is a god beast looks like a combination of chicken and peacock. Houou was considered an auspicious sign in ancient China, and it was believed that Houou would show up when the brilliant emperor appeared.
Tsuba and Habaki: Tsuba is the handguard for the Japanese Sword and Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.
The rim (fukurin) of this tsuba is adorned with a gold dragon motif that appears to coil gracefully around its surface.
The dragon (龍, ryū) is a powerful symbol in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Originally an imaginary creature from ancient Chinese mythology, it is believed to embody strength, protection, and good fortune. Traditionally, the dragon is described as a composite being, combining features of various animals—such as deer antlers, a camel’s head, demon-like eyes, a serpent’s body, fish scales, eagle-like claws, tiger paws, and cow-like ears.
Because of its majestic form, the dragon was regarded as the ruler of all creatures. In ancient China, its use was strictly regulated and reserved for the emperor, with even the number of claws indicating rank. In Japan, however, the dragon motif was adopted more freely and became a widely used auspicious symbol.
Kozuka: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
*Please keep in mind that Hosaki (blade part of the Kozuka) is simple dummy blade made of metal.
This kozuka is decorated with autumn-themed motifs (akimushi, 秋虫). The insects depicted on this piece are a mantis and a bell cricket.
In Japanese, the mantis is sometimes called ogami-mushi (拝み虫) or inori-mushi (祈り虫), both meaning “praying insect.” This name derives from its characteristic posture, in which it appears to fold its forelegs together as if in prayer. Because of this, the mantis has long been associated with spirituality and reverence. It is also regarded as an auspicious symbol of fertility and prosperity, as it produces many offspring.
The bell cricket (suzumushi, 鈴虫) is another well-known symbol of autumn in Japan. The word suzu means “bell,” referring to the delicate, bell-like sound of its chirping. Since ancient times, the sounds of insects have been closely tied to the Japanese appreciation of the seasons. During the Heian period (794–1185), listening to these sounds was a refined pastime enjoyed by aristocrats and nobles, and this cultural appreciation later spread to the general public during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Saya: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
*Please keep in mind that there is a crack in the lacquer on the saya. If you would like to see more detailed images of its condition, please feel free to contact us.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3033704)
NBTHK, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the blade on February 21st in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.
Registration Number : Ishikawa 27387
The Board of Education in Ishikawa prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Tourokusho (銃砲刀剣類登録証). Bunkacho (The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
The sword needs to be traditionally hand-forged and made of Tamahagane carbon steel to be registered in the system. With this paper, its owner in Japan can legally own an authentic Japanese sword. Based on this registration number, we will apply for its export permit.
This paper will need to be returned to the board of education when the sword is being shipped abroad, but you can receive a copy of it. An English translation of this registration paper is available on request.
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【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Japanese Sword& Export Process】
The Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called TAMAHAGANE(玉鋼). Samurai Museum is familiar with the proper legal procedure for an antique/ authentic Japanese sword to be exported from Japan. We have sent more than 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (～2026) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value.
Each Japanese sword is registered under the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Board of Education in Japan. They issue a registration paper for each Japanese sword for its owner in Japan to legally possess it. The Japanese sword with its registration paper means it was traditionally hand-forged in Japan.
To legally export the sword from Japan to other countries, we will have to apply for its permit to the Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho) and return the original registration paper to the Board of Education. It normally takes around 2-4 weeks to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please click here.
It is allowed for residents in Japan to own authentic Japanese swords without a special license as long as they come with registration papers. Please feel free to contact us if you are a resident of Japan, whether temporarily or permanently. We will also assist you when you leave Japan and need to obtain the export permit.
【Payment Method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD,EUR CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire transfer will be the only options for payment.
【Shipping】
We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, UK,Hong Kong, Australia. If you don’t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before making a purchase. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by EMS.
We normally ship by EMS(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office. We will put 100 % insurance on the shipping document without any extra charge. Based on the total amount, there might be a duty tax or other fee for you to pay, depending on the countries. We use package cushioning to protect the item and put it in a PVC pipe, which is one of the most secure packages because of its durability.
It will normally takes 5-14 days for the item to arrive at your given address after we dispatch it. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
* If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click here to know the detail.
* If you live in the UK and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please contact us first and click here to know the detail.
【Review】
Here is one of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us. For more reviews, please click here.
“My experience overall with the whole process was wonderful. I had many questions about the history and process to purchase these treasures. All my questions were answered very timely and complete. The staff is very knowledgeable and very well versed if any questions do arise.”
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of a sword. and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
【How To Contact Us】
Please contact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.
【The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)】
Samurai’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If you like to find out the art of Nihonto, please click here.
【A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance】
After acquiring an genuine Japanese sword, it is also important to know how to take good care of it. Here is the special video for you. Mr. Paul Martin, Japanese sword expert, shows you how to give proper maintenance to your sword. By mastering how to clean the Japanese sword, its aesthetic beauty will last forever.
When you purchase a Japanese sword from us, you can get a Free Japanese sword maintenance kit. It comes with four tools(Choji Oil, Uchiko Whetstone Powder, Peg remover, Oil Applicator). By watching the video instruction above , you can enjoy learning how to maintain your Japanese sword while appreciating it. If you have any difficulty assembling the sword or cleaning the blade, you can feel free to contact us.
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Thank you for reading all the information on the page. If you have any difficulty choosing the right Japanese sword for you, we will be more than happy to help you find the one that speaks to you the most. Please feel free to contact us.
