{"id":81538,"date":"2026-01-03T12:01:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T03:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=81538"},"modified":"2026-03-02T14:36:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T05:36:48","slug":"authentic-modern-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kuniyoshi","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/authentic-modern-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kuniyoshi\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Modern Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kuniyoshi"},"content":{"rendered":"

Authentic Modern Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kuniyoshi<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This katana was signed by Kuniyoshi (\u570b\u6176) in January of the 20th year of the Sh\u014dwa era (1945). His real name was Kichitar\u014d Suzuki, born on March 1, 1904 (Meiji 37). Kuniyoshi was a distinguished modern Japanese swordsmith belonging to a prestigious lineage and was highly regarded for both his technical skill and artistic integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kuniyoshi trained under Kurihara Akihide<\/span><\/span>, a master swordsmith who played a central role in the development of modern Japanese swordmaking. Kurihara Akihide was also the teacher of Shibata Kat\u014d<\/span><\/span>, who served as Head of the Forging Division of the Society for the Study of New Japanese Swords and as a judge at the Annual Exhibition of New Japanese Swords, as well as Miyairi Akihira<\/span><\/span>, a Living National Treasure and a former member of the Japanese Diet, widely revered as the \u201cfather of modern swordsmiths.\u201d Through this lineage, Kuniyoshi inherited techniques and traditions that stood at the very core of gendai sword craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0During World War II, Kuniyoshi was officially appointed as a Rikugun Jumei T\u014dsh\u014d (Army-Approved Swordsmith). In the Sh\u014ddai T\u014dsh\u014d Iretsu-hy\u014d<\/em> (ranking list of Sh\u014dwa-era swordsmiths), he was placed in the upper tier of J\u014dk\u014d, and his blades were rated as Ry\u014d-\u014cwazamono (excellent cutting ability), earning him the prestigious \u014czeki rank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kuniyoshi forged swords primarily in Honj\u014d, Akita Prefecture, producing works that combine traditional aesthetics with the disciplined standards required of military-appointed swordsmiths. His blades are valued today for their sound construction, dignified presence, and their place within the lineage that preserved and revitalized Japanese swordmaking in the modern era.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Akita Prefecture<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Aka Prefecture\u00a0is located in the northern part of Honsh\u016b, Japan\u2019s main island, facing the Sea of Japan. Known for its harsh winters, abundant natural resources, and rich iron sand deposits, Akita has long fostered a culture of resilience, craftsmanship, and disciplined workmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Historically, the region was home to powerful samurai clans, and towns such as\u00a0Honj\u014d\u00a0developed as castle towns where martial culture and traditional industries flourished. Akita\u2019s environment\u2014cold climate, clean water, and access to raw materials\u2014made it well suited to metalworking and sword-related crafts, particularly during the early modern and modern periods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In the Sh\u014dwa era, Akita became one of the important regional centers for\u00a0gendai swordmaking\u00a0(modern Japanese sword production). Swordsmiths working in Akita were known for producing blades that emphasized sound construction, practical strength, and dignified form, qualities well aligned with the standards required of military-appointed swordsmiths during World War II.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Today, Akita Prefecture is valued not only for its natural beauty and traditional festivals, but also for its role in preserving Japanese craftsmanship. Swords forged in Akita are appreciated as works that reflect both regional character and the broader effort to sustain and revitalize the Japanese sword tradition in the modern era.it<\/span><\/p>\n

About Modern Swordsmith<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There are around 150-200 swordsmiths in Japan today. To legally produce Japanese swords, one needs to pass the national exam given by the Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunka-Cho) and receive the license. Before taking the exam, one must finish his or her apprenticeship under a licensed master for more than five years.\u00a0Those who practice Iaido(\u5c45\u5408\u9053) tend to use those modern swords, and there are modern Japanese sword collectors nationwide.\u00a0Modern Japanese sword makers are researching old ways to forge swords and trying to recreate ancient-style swords. They are the ones who keep the tradition of Japanese history alive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tachi Koshirae\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This blade is stored in Tachi(\u592a\u5200) Koshirae. Tachi was mainly used by an armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the early Muromachi period. TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that you could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground. Because of its gorgeous looking, having a Tachi-style sword mounting became a social status among Samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n

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*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and black rust on the Katana blade.\u00a0 If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a66.3 cm (26.1 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.8 cm (0.70 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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Kissaki<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aKissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The kissaki of a Japanese sword varies by size and shape. Main types include \u014dkissaki (very large), ch\u016bkissaki (moderately large), kokissaki (smallest), kamasu-kissaki (tapered like a barracuda’s mouth), and ikubi-kissaki (short and stout like a boar\u2019s neck). This sword has an \u014dkissaki, making its tip exceptionally large.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang on purpose to prevent red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, which 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

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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

\u00a0Dragon (\u9f8d, Ryu) is the motif of this Menuki. Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient Chinese traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is Mizuchi (\u86df, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In ancient China, the dragon pattern was used for emperors\u2019 clothing so that people strictly defined its shape or even the number of nails. On the other hand, the dragon pattern does not have detailed rules to represent classes in Japan. However, still, it maintains its meaning as the all-purpose auspicious pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, in Japan, there is a belief that worships dragon as a water god and is called Ryujin Shinkou (\u7adc\u795e\u4fe1\u4ef0). Since rice cultivation flourished in this country, water is always an essential resource. Therefore, the dragon motif has been familiar to Japanese people since a long time ago.\u00a0<\/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

\u00a0This Tsuba has a Tachi Goshirae Tsuba (\u592a\u5200\u62f5\u9414) style. The difference between Tachi Tsuba (\u592a\u5200\u9414) and Katana Tsuba (\u5200\u9414) is that the top and bottom positions of the Nakago hole (\u830e\u6ac3, center hole) are reversed. The Tsuba of this Koshirae has Aoi (\u8475) Tsuba shape. If you focus on four corners, you will find a heart mark-shaped hole is engraved on each edge. It is called the Inome (\u732a\u306e\u76ee) pattern. The Inome pattern has been used since ancient times. As its name implies, the boar\u2019s eyes are the origin of this pattern. Some people believed the Inome design would work as an amulet to protect them from evil spirits or fire. Also, it is said it would bring good luck.<\/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

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: <\/span>Akita 3315<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Akita prefecture issued a registration paper for the Katana. 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 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2025) 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