Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Shigetaka with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Echizen Jyu Harima Daijyo Shigetaka(\u8d8a\u524d\u4f4f\u64ad\u78e8\u5927\u63be\u91cd\u9ad8). Echizen Jyu means living in Echizen province (Today’s Fukui prefecture), and Harima Daijyo is an honorable official title he received from the imperial court for his excellent craftsmanship. It was often the case that a swordsmith signed his signature with where he lived and a title he held.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The maker’s name, Shigetaka, which lasted 11th generations until the end of the Edo period (Late 19th century), is one of the most renowned swordsmiths in Echizen province. From the first to the third generations, Shigetaka received the Harima Daijyo title. Considering this fact, this blade was made by one of the Shigetaka (1st-3rd generation). The first-gen Shigetaka was active during 1600-1624, the second-gen was active during 1624-1661, and the third-gen was during 1661-1681. It is said that the second-gen and third-gen were as skilled as the first-gen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The first-gen Shigetaka was born in the Shinshu area (today’s Nagano prefecture) and moved to Mino province (Today’s Gifu prefecture) to become an apprentice of Kanenori(\u517c\u5247), one of the most renowned sword makers in the region. Mino province was also one of Japanese history’s most prominent sword-forging sites. During the late Muromachi period (the end of the 16th century), Shigetaka and the master Kaenenori moved to Echizen province. Since then, the generations of Shigetaka resided in this province, forging high-quality blades for the Matsudaira clan, who controlled this area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Echizen Province was prosperous during the Edo period, being ruled by the Echizen Matsudaira clan, a direct retainer of Tokugawa clan who ruled the Edo government. <\/p>\n \u00a0It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token<\/strong>(\u7279\u5225\u4fdd\u5b58\u5200\u5263) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:\u65e5\u672c\u7f8e\u8853\u5200\u5263\u4fdd\u5b58\u5354\u4f1a). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago 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 <\/p>\n Koshirae:\u00a0Koshirae 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 \u00a0<\/span> <\/p>\n 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 \u00a0The Fuchi-Kashira depicts an elderly man with a cheerful expression. He is wearing a hood resembling the one traditionally associated with Daikokuten (\u5927\u9ed2\u5929), one of the Seven Lucky Gods (\u4e03\u798f\u795e, shichifukujin). This type of hood, round and low with bulging sides, was commonly used by monks and elderly people during Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n In Japanese culture, there is a custom to celebrate Kanreki (\u9084\u66a6), the 60th birthday, which marks a significant milestone as the zodiac cycle (\u5e72\u652f) returns to the sign of one\u2019s birth year. During this celebration, the honoree often wears a red vest called a chan-chanko<\/em> (\u3061\u3083\u3093\u3061\u3083\u3093\u3053). This tradition originates from the belief in red as a color that wards off evil spirits, stemming from a time when infant mortality was high. Newborns were dressed in red garments as a talisman to protect them and ensure their healthy growth.<\/span><\/p>\n The practice of gifting a red chan-chanko<\/em> for Kanreki symbolizes a “return to childhood” and serves as a blessing for continued health and longevity. This design, combining the cheerful elder and the cultural connection to Kanreki, reflects a deep appreciation for tradition and the celebration of life\u2019s milestones in Japanese culture.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Menuki features two horses, one depicted in gold and the other in silver, symbolizing balance and elegance. In Japanese culture, horses hold significant historical and cultural importance. During the Edo period, horses were not only valued for their practical use in agriculture and transportation but also deeply revered for their association with divinity and good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n Horses were often considered sacred animals, believed to serve as messengers for the gods. They were prominently featured in Shinto rituals, and offerings called ema<\/em>\u2014wooden plaques with images of horses\u2014were made at shrines to convey prayers and wishes for prosperity, health, and success. The term “ema” translates to “picture horse,” reflecting the historical practice of donating live horses to shrines as a gesture of devotion, which later evolved into the use of symbolic wooden plaques.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to their religious significance, horses were seen as symbols of vitality, strength, and speed. They were also considered a harbinger of good fortune and progress, as their ability to travel swiftly symbolized overcoming obstacles and moving forward in life.<\/span> Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuba 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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Tsuba features a design of cherry blossoms (\u685c) crafted using the sukashi<\/em> (\u900f\u304b\u3057) technique, a traditional openwork method that creates intricate patterns by cutting through the material. Cherry blossoms hold a deeply significant place in Japanese culture, symbolizing the fleeting beauty of life, renewal, and the arrival of spring.<\/span><\/p>\n In Japan, cherry blossoms are celebrated during hanami<\/em> (\u82b1\u898b), or flower-viewing festivals, where people gather under blooming cherry trees to appreciate their beauty and reflect on the impermanence of life, a concept known as mono no aware<\/em> (\u7269\u306e\u54c0\u308c). This cultural appreciation stems from the blossoms’ brief blooming period, which serves as a poignant reminder of life\u2019s transient nature and the importance of cherishing each moment.<\/span><\/p>\n The cherry blossom is also associated with renewal and hope, as its bloom coincides with the start of the new school and fiscal year in Japan. It has long been a symbol of optimism and fresh beginnings.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Raden technique is partially applied on this Saya. The Raden is a decorative technique that is often used for traditional craftwork. It uses the pearl part of seashells and puts it into the engraved surface of lacquer or wood. Thanks to its iridescent luster, it gives a luxurious look to works.<\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1021712)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0NBTHK<\/a><\/span><\/span>, 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 Dec 15th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially 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<\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n Registration Number : <\/span>Tokyo 110060<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Chiba prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Tourokusho (\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. <\/p>\n —————————————————————–<\/p>\n \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong> \u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span> \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. \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> * 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> \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 * If you live in the UK and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please contact us first and click here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Review\u3011<\/strong> \u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span> \u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong> \u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011 \u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/echizen_OCMOJ_0802.jpg\")
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\nMany skilled swordsmiths from different regions moved to Echizen because of the high demand among the Samurai.
\nMany renowned swordsmiths, such as the first-gen Shigetaka, were originally from the Mino province(Gifu prefecture). They are called Echizen Seki swordsmiths.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 71.0 cm (27.9 inches)<\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.3 cm (0.51 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/a03cf5c28e7ef4e454b08445c76dad89-2-scaled.jpg\")
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\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-14.jpg\")
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/6b9366f81056c967d3be27362274318d-4-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
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\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 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2025) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nWe 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, USD, AUD, CAD,EUR 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><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia<\/a><\/span><\/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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
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\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
\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
\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
\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
\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