Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by the first-gen Tadayoshi with <\/span>Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Hizenkoku Jyunin Tadayoshi (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u4f4f\u4eba\u5fe0\u5409) during the early Edo period (around the Genna era, 1615\u20131624). \u00a0The name Tadayoshi was inherited by several generations of swordsmiths throughout the Edo period, and this blade has been appraised by NBTHK as the work of the first-generation Tadayoshi. We confirmed this information by phone with the organization. Hizenkoku (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd) refers to the province corresponding to today\u2019s Saga Prefecture on Kyushu island, and \u201cJyunin\u201d means \u201cresident.\u201d The first-generation Tadayoshi is regarded as one of the most prominent swordsmiths of the early Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He was born in the third year of the Genki era (1572, late Muromachi period) as the son of Hashimoto Michihiro, and his given name was Hashimoto Shinzaemon (\u6a4b\u672c\u65b0\u5de6\u885b\u9580). The Hashimoto family was of Samurai descent and had long served the Ry\u016bz\u014dji clan, a powerful Daimyo family on Kyushu. However, in 1584, his grandfather Morihiro and father Michihiro were killed in the Battle of Okitanawate, where the Ry\u016bz\u014dji clan fought against the Shimazu clan. Because Tadayoshi was only 13 years old at that time, the family lost its Samurai status.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Tadayoshi then began a new life under the support of Dotanuki Zenbei, who was related to him and had served Kat\u014d Kiyomasa, a famed warlord of the Sengoku period. Under Zenbei\u2019s guidance, Tadayoshi trained in sword-forging for about 13 years.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In 1596, he was sent to Kyoto under domain order to study under Umetada My\u014dj\u016b (\u57cb\u5fe0\u660e\u5bff), one of the greatest swordsmiths of the early Edo period. After three years of training, he returned to the Saga domain in 1598. The first lord of the Nabeshima clan, Nabeshima Katsushige (\u934b\u5cf6\u52dd\u8302), highly admired his skill and appointed him as Okakae-kaji, a swordsmith who exclusively forged for a specific clan. Tadayoshi then settled near Saga Castle and established the Hizen School, which would go on to train over a hundred swordsmiths throughout the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Records indicate his earliest dated work is from the 5th year of the Keich\u014d era (1600), when he was 29 years old. Later, in the 10th year of the Genna era (1624), he revisited Kyoto and was awarded the honorary title Musashi Daij\u014d by the imperial court for his exceptional craftsmanship. He subsequently adopted the name Tadahiro.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Throughout his career, he used several signatures: Hizen Koku Shinzaemonnojo Tadayoshi (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u65b0\u5de6\u885b\u9580\u5c09\u5fe0\u5409), Hizen Koku Jyunin Tadayoshi (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u4f4f\u4eba\u5fe0\u5409), Hizen Koku Jyu Fujiwara Tadayoshi (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u4f4f\u85e4\u539f\u5fe0\u5409) and Musashi Daij\u014d Tadahiro (\u6b66\u8535\u5927\u63be\u5fe0\u5e83).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He remained active for about 30 years and passed away in the 9th year of the Kan\u2019ei era (1632).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Swordsmiths of the Hizen School, under the Nabeshima clan\u2019s patronage, became famous for their refined Konuka-hada (\u7c89\u7ce0\u808c)\u2014a smooth, fine-grained steel surface. They also incorporated Western carbon steel, accessible through the active foreign trade of the Hizen province, contributing to the superior beauty and quality of their blades.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0It is appraised as a\u00a0Hozon Token\u00a0<\/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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there is relatively long Kizu on this blade. There is also partial black rust on the Mune (backbone of the blade). If you like to see the detailed condition and know its current state thoroughly, please feel free to contact us before placing an order.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/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 Koshirae<\/strong>\uff1a<\/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 \u00a0The fittings of this koshirae are unified under a single refined theme \u2014 the Aki no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349, Seven Flowers of Autumn) \u2014 a group of plants traditionally celebrated in Japanese poetry and art. These seven flowers are bush clover (hagi), pampas grass (susuki), arrowroot (kuzu), pink dianthus (nadeshiko), ominaeshi, boneset (fujibakama), and bellflower (kikyo).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0These plants are often depicted growing together in graceful harmony, expressing the subtle melancholy and ephemeral beauty characteristic of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. They symbolize the transience of life, the changing of the seasons, and the poetic awareness of impermanence that has been deeply cherished in Japanese art and literature.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The concept of Aki no Nanakusa is attributed to the 8th-century poet Yamanoue no Okura (\u5c71\u4e0a\u61b6\u826f), whose verses in the Many\u014dsh\u016b (\u4e07\u8449\u96c6) \u2014 Japan\u2019s oldest anthology of poetry \u2014 first extolled these seven plants. His poems elevated them to enduring symbols of autumn and inspired a wide range of artistic expressions, from sword fittings to kimono patterns and paintings.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Overall, this koshirae exemplifies a harmonious and seasonally evocative design, capturing the elegant beauty of autumn and the contemplative spirit that lies at the heart of classical Japanese culture.<\/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 Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 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 Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This Saya is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n NBTHK<\/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 December 4th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). They appraised it as 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<\/a>\u00a0for your record if you request.<\/p>\n Registration Number : Kyoto 3344<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Kyoto 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>
It is known that in his early career, Tadayoshi used a five-character signature \u201cHizenkoku Tadayoshi (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u5fe0\u5409)\u201d, but later began to use the inscription \u201cJyunin Tadayoshi (\u4f4f\u4eba\u5fe0\u5409)\u201d as well. Generally, blades bearing the \u201cJyunin\u201d signature are considered to have been made around the Genna era.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/hizen_OCMOJ_0802.jpg\")
\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hizen_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a68.4 cm (26.9 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0.9 cm (0.35 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/toushin-8.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-8-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/toushin_saya-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-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\/10\/katana-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/katana2-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/hamon-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/hada-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/haskai-5.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-5-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nakago-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tuba_up-7.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-7-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tuka3-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tuka-10.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-10-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tuka2-10.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-10-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tuba-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/saya-7.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-7-scaled.jpg\")
\nAuthentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3035490)<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kantei-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3-scaled.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\/10\/touroku-9.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/top-5.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-5-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 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2026) 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