Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Ujifusa with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is attributed to \u201cUjifusa\u201d (\u6c0f\u623f). While several smiths were known by this name, according to the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords), this particular sword is attributed to Ujifusa of Mino province (today\u2019s Gifu prefecture) during the late Muromachi period (early 16th century). It is recorded that he first signed his works as \u201cKanefusa\u201d (\u517c\u623f) before adopting the name Ujifusa, and he became known as a distinguished smith within the Mino tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n Mino Province<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Mino Province is one of the most famous and historical sword-forging sites. There were so many schools forging blades during the Samurai period. It especially prospered during Sengoku Jidai(Warring State period) due to the high demand for weapons. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Furthermore, many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area. Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO swordsmiths. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had a reputation for their practical design and sharpness.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Naginata Naoshi\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This type of blade is called Naginata Naoshi (\u8599\u5200\u76f4\u3057). Naginata is a traditional Japanese pole sword. According to the NBTHK authentication paper, this blade was originally Naginata and was shortened as a Tanto. Naginata was once a primary weapon, but this trend changed during the Samurai period. However, it kept its presence as a Tanto.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Naginata has a longer history than Katana has as a weapon. And, Naginata was highly valued among Samurai families because of its history, which led them to believe it was an excellent weapon. There is a saying in Japanese sword collectors about Naginata Naoshi. It goes, \u201cNaginata Naoshi ni Namakura Nashi, \u201d roughly translated as Naginata Naoshi Katana, is never dull (always sharp).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token <\/strong>(\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, well preserved and high quality with artistic value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a <\/p>\n Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/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 Koshirae<\/strong>:<\/span> Koshirae 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 Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>: A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Fuchi-Kashira is decorated with the Nami Chidori (\u6ce2\u5343\u9ce5), which is a classical motif of plovers flying over the sea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Nami (\u6ce2) means waves, and the Chidori (\u5343\u9ce5) means plovers in Japanese. This pattern represents a happy marriage and family safety. In Japan, people have treated it as a good omen since the Nara period (648-781). Waves are compared to the world, which describes determination: overcoming difficulties with a partner even if there are small or big waves (difficulties\/troubles).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>You would find a small bird perched on a branch of a cherry blossom tree (\u685c, Sakura<\/em>). This bird seems to be Mejiro<\/em> (Japanese white-eye, \u30e1\u30b8\u30ed), which is fond of flower nectar and is often seen visiting cherry blossoms. In Japanese art and culture, the combination of cherry blossoms and the Mejiro<\/em> has long been cherished as a seasonal motif, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the harmony of nature.<\/p>\n Tsuba and Habaki<\/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 \u00a0The motif of this tsuba is a design of plovers (\u5343\u9ce5, chidori) flying in a circular formation, created using the sukashi-bori (\u900f\u304b\u3057\u5f6b\u308a, openwork) technique. In Japanese culture, the word chidori<\/em>\u00a0is associated with the phrase \u201cchidori\u201d (\u5343\u53d6\u308a), which literally means \u201cto gain a thousand.\u201d For this reason, plover designs were often used as auspicious motifs, expressing prayers for victory and wishes for the successful achievement of goals.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Kozuka<\/strong><\/strong>: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0This kozuka is decorated with auspicious figures and symbols. On the left sits a nobleman holding a folding fan, while on the right appears a figure with a mallet (\u6253\u3061\u51fa\u306e\u5c0f\u69cc, uchide no kozuchi<\/em>, a \u201cmagic mallet\u201d that grants wishes) next to a large treasure sack. Above, a pine branch is also depicted. Such motifs are associated with good fortune, prosperity, and happiness, and were commonly used in sword fittings as talismans to bring luck and success to the samurai who carried them.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The design of this scabbard features the combination of Houou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang or mythical phoenix) and Kiri (\u6850, paulownia), known as Kiri Houou Zu (\u6850\u9cf3\u51f0\u56f3). The paulownia motif typically consists of three upright inflorescences and three leaves, with the number of blossoms on each stalk indicating different ranks of the design. Among these, the Gosan-no-Kiri (\u4e94\u4e09\u306e\u6850) pattern is one of the most popular variations. According to tradition, the Houou rests its wings on the paulownia tree, which is why the tree has been regarded as sacred.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Houou is one of the legendary \u201cFour Divine Beasts\u201d (Shirei, \u56db\u970a), along with the Kirin (\u9e92\u9e9f, Qilin), Kame (\u4e80, Turtle), and Ryu (\u9f8d, Dragon). It is a mythical creature resembling a blend of a rooster and a peacock. In ancient China, the Houou was considered an auspicious omen, said to appear only when a wise and virtuous emperor came to power. As such, it has been revered as a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and the fulfillment of wishes. Beyond its symbolic meaning, the Houou\u2019s graceful form has long been admired in Japanese art and design.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Additionally, the kojiri (end fitting of the scabbard) is decorated with a dragonfly (tonbo, \u873b\u86c9). Dragonflies have lived in Japan since ancient times and were admired for their quick and fearless nature. During the Warring States period, they were nicknamed Kachimushi (\u52dd\u3061\u866b, \u201cwinning insect\u201d) because they move only forward, never backward\u2014embodying the spirit of Futaiten (\u4e0d\u9000\u8ee2), meaning unwavering determination and never retreating in the face of difficulties. For this reason, samurai cherished dragonfly motifs as symbols of courage and victory. Dragonflies were not only featured in sword fittings but also widely used in helmets, armor, and battle garments as auspicious emblems.<\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.335124)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0NBTHK<\/span><\/a>, 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 July 7th in the 6th year of Heisei (1994). 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<\/span><\/a> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n *This certificate was missing the registration number section on the left side when we acquired it. A complete reissue can be obtained from the NBTHK upon request.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Registration Number : <\/span>Hyogo 108506<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Hyogo prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho (\u9283\u5200\u5263\u985e\u767b\u9332\u8a3c). Bunkacho (The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art. \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\/09\/mino_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a34.4 cm (19.8 inches)
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0.8 cm (0.31 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/393e78a52df19dc9960a26d5dae44698-34-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\/08\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-32.jpg\")
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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\/08\/4e7d45c31a5ad1489d4d278276eb356a-28-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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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, UK<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>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