{"id":57043,"date":"2024-10-02T15:06:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T06:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=57043"},"modified":"2025-05-21T08:53:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T23:53:22","slug":"modern-authentic-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-nagamitsu-nthk-kanteisho-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/modern-authentic-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-nagamitsu-nthk-kanteisho-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Modern Authentic Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Nagamitsu
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Nagamitsu with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Ichiryushi Nagamitsu (\u4e00\u9f8d\u5b50 \u9577\u5149), according to NTHK\u2019s appraisal. He was also known as Okayama Nagamitsu (\u5ca1\u5c71\u9577\u5149) and Ichihara Nagamitsu (\u5e02\u539f\/\u4e00\u539f \u9577\u5149).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He was active in the early Showa era (around early 20th century) in Okayama prefecture. His works include the following engraved inscriptions: Nagamitsu (\u9577\u5149), Ichiryushi (\u4e00\u9f8d\u5b50), Ichiryushi Nagamitsu (\u4e00\u9f8d\u5b50 \u9577\u5149) and Ichihara Ichiryushi Nagamitsu (\u5e02\u539f\u4e00\u9f8d\u5b50\u9577\u5149). He worked at Okayama Prison during the Second World War. The name of this prison director at that time was Emura Shigetarou (\u6c5f\u6751 \u7e41\u592a\u90ce). There are some theories that Nagamitsu was the same person as the head of that office, Shigetarou. However, another view says they were completely different people. In any case, we cannot judge now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We would like to add more explanation about Nagamitsu based on the theory that he was a different person from Shigetarou. Shigetarou wished for exemplary prisoners\u2019 rehabilitation. And he invited Nagamitsu to make the prisoners take the lead and trained many Japanese swords in the Okayama prison. Therefore, his works back then were called the Kangoku Nagamitsu (\u76e3\u7344\u9577\u5149). \u201cKangoku\u201d means jail in English. However, it is said that some of the swords forged in this prison had a different inscription, such as \u201cEmura\u201d, so we cannot conclude that the engraved inscription \u201cKangoku Nagamitsu\u201d was decided to be Nagamitsu\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Since then, he became Rikugun Jyumei Tosho (\u9678\u8ecd\u53d7\u547d\u5200\u5320), which was the title given by the Japanese military to skilled Japanese swordsmiths during the Taisho – the early Showa period. To receive this title, a swordsmith forged two swords and submitted them to the governmental agency that produced weapons. After passing the particular and rigorous exam there, the swordsmith would be acknowledged as Rikugun Jyumei Tosho. We assumed he primarily forged swords for the Japanese military before and during World War \u2161.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)\uff1a66.8 cm (26.2 inches)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/strong>Curvature (Sori)\uff1a1.4 cm (0.55 inches)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hamon\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nthe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)\uff1a<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Koshirae\uff1aKoshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Koumoris (\u8759\u8760, bat) and Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) pattern are depicted on this Fuchi Kashira.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The bats are colored with golden paint beautifully. According to a theory, the continent largely influenced the introduction of bats as a pattern. This animal is a symbol of happiness and longevity. In the continent, it was popular as an auspicious pattern that brings good luck because its Japanese name letter \u201c\u8760\u201d and another word \u201c\u798f (happiness)\u201d have the same sound. The design depicting five bats is called the Gofuku (\u4e94\u798f) and symbolizes longevity, wealth, health, descendants, and prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Karakusa is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (\u8513) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; \u201cMan.\u201d There is a word \u4e07 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (\u5e2f, belt). The word \u201c\u5e2f\u201d can also be read \u201cTai.\u201d Due to its pronunciation, the term \u201c\u4ee3 (Tai)\u201d is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom \u4e07\u4ee3 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a<\/strong>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We assume the motifs of this Muneki is related to the sea. The landscape patterns that depict various patterns related to the sea, such as pine trees, shells, waterfowl, and other elements on a seashore is called Kaibu Mon (\u6d77\u8cca\u6587). It seems that the motifs used in this Menuki are probably some seashells, pine leaves, and Nosi (\u71a8\u6597).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Noshi (\u71a8\u6597) is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan. In the old days, Noshi was made of dried abalones (\u9b91, Awabi) shaved into thin strips and stretched. There is a Ukiyoe (\u6d6e\u4e16\u7d75, a picture of the floating world) which depicts some people making Noshi near the seashore. It was regarded as a symbol of longevity, so it was often attached to gifts for celebrations. And this type of Noshi seen on this Menuki is Tabane Noshi, also called Tsuka Noshi, which is made of several long, thin strips of Noshi that are stacked and tied together in the middle. Tabane Noshi has been a symbol of celebration and\u00a0 considered to be an auspicious design which is meant not only to receive blessings from many people, but also to share the good fortune with the people around you. For this reason, this festive design was used not only for Menuki, but also for bridal costumes and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki\uff1a<\/span><\/strong>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.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It has the shape of Yotsu-Mokkou. Its origin is the shape of eggs in a nest. When a quince (it is written \u6728\u74dc in Japanese) is cut into round slices, its cross-section looks similar to this shape; therefore, it was named Mokkougata Tsuba (\u6728\u74dc\u5f62\u9414). Yotsu-Mokkougata (\u56db\u30c4\u6728\u74dc\u5f62, a combination of four Mokkou shapes) Tsuba is often seen, same as this Tsuba.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Regarding the design, the shape of Hanabishi (\u82b1\u83f1) is engraved with openwork in the up and down, left and right. In this Hanabishi pattern, petals are designed in a rhombus. This pattern became a Yusoku Monyou (\u6709\u8077\u6587\u69d8, generic term for designs of court nobles\u2019 clothing or furnishings, these designs have unique and elegant styles) during the Heian period (794-1185). People loved it as an auspicious pattern. Also, it is said that since this pattern is elegant and prestigious, it was appropriate for festive occasions such as weddings, and considered to represent longevity and prosperity of descendants.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On the surface of this Saya, it seems the feather-like pattern is depicted. Also, a part of the surface which is a close part to the Tsuba has a constant width notched pattern in the circumferential direction. This type of Saya is called the Sendan Kizami Zaya (\u5343\u6bb5\u523b\u9798: Sendan means the 1,000 steps).\u00a0<\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>NTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade (No. 12784)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NTHK<\/span><\/a>, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1910 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on September 15th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: <\/span>Osaka 103579<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Osaka prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Touken Rui Torokusho (\u9283\u7832\u5200\u5263\u985e\u767b\u9332\u8a3c). Bunkacho (The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
\nThe 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.
\nThis 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called TAMAHAGANE (\u7389\u92fc)<\/span><\/a>. 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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Each 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.
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\u00a0To 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<\/strong> to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months<\/strong> for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please click here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is allo<\/span>wed 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.<\/p>\n

\u3010Payment Method\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe <\/strong>(Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, CHF <\/strong>or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire transfer will be the only options for payment.<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>. 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<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by EMS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We normally ship by EMS <\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

*If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010Review\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0Here is o<\/span>ne of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us. For more reviews, please click here.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\n\u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Please 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.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0Please 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 w<\/span>ebsite. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.<\/p>\n

\u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011
\n\u00a0Samurai’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If y<\/span>ou like to find out the art of Nihonto, please click here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0After 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.<\/span><\/p>\n