Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by the Masanaga with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was forged in the early Edo period by the swordsmith Masanaga (\u653f\u9577), who lived in Aizu, \u014csh\u016b Province (present-day Fukushima Prefecture).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Masanaga was the son of Miyoshi Nagakuni (\u4e09\u597d\u9577\u56fd) and the father of Miyoshi Nagamichi (\u4e09\u597d\u9577\u9053). He was originally born in Matsuyama, Iyo Province (today’s Ehime Prefecture). Later, he moved to Kyoto and became a disciple of the famous master Umetada My\u014dj\u016b (\u57cb\u5fe0\u660e\u5bff), from whom he learned the art of horimono (engraving).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In Kanei 4 (1627), when their lord Kato Masayuki (\u52a0\u85e4\u6b63\u4e4b) was transferred to Aizu, Masanao moved there together with his father, Nagakuni. From that time onward, the Miyoshi lineage\u2014beginning with Nagakuni, Masanaga, and later Nagamichi\u2014became established as one of the two great swordsmith families of Aizu, alongside the Kanesada (\u517c\u5b9a) school that had moved there from Mino Province.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The works of the Miyoshi school are well known for their excellent cutting ability (wazamono). Masanaga\u2019s son, Miyoshi Nagamichi, became especially famous and was called the \u201cAizu Kotetsu (\u4f1a\u6d25\u864e\u5fb9)\u201d for the sharpness and superior quality of his blades.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Due to his training under Umetada My\u014dj\u016b, Masanaga\u2019s works strongly reflect the Yamashiro-den style, with elegant craftsmanship and refined horimono. The tradition he founded in Aizu continued for generations, producing many master swordsmiths of great renown.<\/span><\/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 *Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on the Mune (backbone of the blade). If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong>: <\/span>Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/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 Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>:<\/span>A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The theme of this Fuchi-Kashira (hilt collar and pommel cap) is the cherry blossom (\u685c, sakura), a flower deeply associated with spring in Japan and cherished for centuries. Cherry blossoms are a popular motif not only in sword fittings but also in traditional Japanese attire such as kimono, as well as in a wide range of decorative arts.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0According to one ancient belief, the deity of grain dwells within cherry blossoms, making the flower a symbol of fertility and abundant harvest. In earlier times, people gathered beneath cherry trees to pray for good crops \u2014 a practice that eventually evolved into today\u2019s custom of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The background of this piece is finished in the Nanako-ji (\u9b5a\u3005\u5b50\u5730) technique, a traditional decorative method in which countless minute, evenly spaced dots are hammered into the metal surface. This fine, egg-like texture subtly enhances the brilliance of the gold inlay and imparts an air of refined elegance and solemn beauty to the entire piece.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The motif of this menuki appears to feature a design of mice with mochi (rice cakes). In Japanese tradition, mice are regarded as the messengers of Daikokuten(\u5927\u9ed2\u5929), the deity of wealth and prosperity.\u00a0The image of mice carrying or nibbling freshly made mochi symbolizes good fortune, abundance, and prosperity. Mochi, made from rice, has long been a symbol of fertility and a bountiful harvest, and its pairing with mice expresses an auspicious wish for material and spiritual richness.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The main theme of this tsuba is divine beasts (\u795e\u7363, shinj\u016b)\u2014sacred creatures believed to embody spiritual power and to dwell within protective talismans, responding to people\u2019s prayers. The design features three such beings: a dragon, a phoenix, and a fox.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The dragon is among the most revered mythical creatures in East Asia. In Chinese legend, it symbolizes the emperor and celestial authority, while in Japan it is worshiped as a god governing water and weather. The phoenix, a legendary bird said to rise from the ashes, represents virtue and renewal; in China it is the emblem of the empress, and in Japan it is regarded as a powerful symbol of good fortune. The fox, meanwhile, is the most familiar divine messenger in Japan. As the sacred envoy of the deity Inari, it is believed to bring prosperity in business and an abundant harvest, making it one of the most beloved spiritual figures in Japanese folklore.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The rim (\u8986\u8f2a, fukurin) of the tsuba is decorated with a geometric thunder pattern (\u96f7\u7d0b, raimon), composed of zigzag motifs resembling lightning bolts. This design symbolizes divine energy and protection from evil. In Japanese tradition, lightning represents the raw power of nature and the presence of the gods\u2014qualities admired by samurai as expressions of strength, vitality, and reverence for the natural world.<\/span><\/p>\n Kougai<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The motif depicted on this kougai\u00a0appears to be a slightly stylized chrysanthemum (\u83ca, kiku), one of the most beloved flowers in Japanese art and culture.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The chrysanthemum has been cherished in Japan since ancient times as a symbol of longevity and purity. It was believed to possess life-prolonging powers and was sometimes used as a medicinal plant. Beyond its practical value, its graceful form and seasonal beauty have long brought comfort and serenity to people\u2019s hearts. For these reasons, the chrysanthemum continues to hold a special place in Japanese aesthetics, representing both refined elegance and enduring vitality.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This 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 <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1024649)<\/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 May 28th in the 7h year of Reiwa (2025). 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><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Iwate 556<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Iwate 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 \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 \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\/2024\/07\/aizu_OCMOJ_20240716.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/strong>:51.5<\/strong>\u00a0cm (20.2 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/strong>: 1.06\u00a0 cm (0.41 inches) <\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/a63b16ec6864efec3595e3cd123d755f-45-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><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-43.jpg\")
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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: <\/span>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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6dcaf29dda84f573334d44b3402e18a0-36-scaled.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0The 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.
\n\u00a0This 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><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4e7d45c31a5ad1489d4d278276eb356a-37.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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong UK<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>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![\"\"](\"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