Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Den Osafune Kanemitsu with NTHK Yushu Saku Certificate<\/strong><\/span> \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is attributed to Den Bish\u016b Osafune Kanemitsu (\u4f1d\u5099\u5dde\u9577\u8239\u517c\u5149), a prominent swordsmith of the Osafune school who was active during the Genk\u014d era of the late Kamakura period (1331\u20131334).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Kanemitsu (active roughly 1328\u20131360) was the<\/span> son of Kagemitsu. In his early work, from the late Kamakura period, his style was close to his father\u2019s. The blade patterns often show tight, orderly lines and a \u201cclove-shaped\u201d temper pattern called <\/span>ch\u014dji-ba<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0When the Nanboku-ch\u014d period began, his style changed. He started using a bolder temper pattern inspired by the Masamune tradition, which was extremely influential at the time. These later blades often have a <\/span>notare-midare<\/span><\/i> (a gentle wave-like pattern mixed with irregular movement) made in <\/span>nie-deki<\/span><\/i>, meaning the hardened edge shows bright, visible crystals. Because of this, his later works are strongly associated with the S\u014dsh\u016b tradition, a famous group of swordsmiths based in Sagami Province (modern-day Kanagawa).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0There is also debate about who \u201cKanemitsu\u201d actually refers to. Some researchers think the name may have been used by more than one smith. In many cases, \u201cKanemitsu\u201d means either the first-generation maker known as \u201c\u014c-Kanemitsu\u201d (Great Kanemitsu) or the later smith often called \u201cEnbun Kanemitsu.\u201d During the Edo period, the one-person theory was common, and even today many scholars still support it, so there is no single accepted conclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n This History of Bizen Osafune School<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0It is said that Osafune school was founded by Mitsutada (\u5149\u5fe0), who was active during the mid-Kamakura period. Bizen Osafune school was the biggest one of all other schools in Bizen province, and they received many orders from feudal lords or renowned Samurai. They were called Osafunemono and were beloved by Samurai warriors.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0Among the swordsmiths who belonged to this school, Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu are known as Osafune Sansaku, the three renowned Osafune swordsmiths. There are also four other prominent swordsmiths who were from Bizen Osafune school. They are called Osafune Shiten-no, the four masters of Osafune school. Their names are Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to the Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Bizen Osafune school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period.<\/span><\/p>\n Horimono<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0A Bonji character is carved in to this blade. Bonji are Sanskrit seed syllables that represent Buddhist deities and serve as sacred symbols for invoking divine protection. Among them, the character \u201cK\u0101n\u201d (\u30ab\u30fc\u30f3) symbolizes Fud\u014d My\u014d-\u014d, one of the most revered guardian deities among samurai warriors. Another Sanskrit character, \u201cKanm\u0101n\u201d (\u30ab\u30f3\u30de\u30fc\u30f3), combines with \u201cMan\u201d to form a sacred mantra. During the age of the samurai, warriors often incorporated such religious motifs into their armor, helmets, and swords as expressions of faith and spiritual strength in battle. Tachi Koshirae<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This 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.<\/p>\n Yushu Saku Appraisal<\/strong><\/p>\n This blade has successfully passed the Y\u016bsh\u016b-t\u014d (Excellent Sword) examination conducted by the NPO T\u014dken Hozonkai, a respected Japanese sword preservation organization.<\/p>\n The Y\u016bsh\u016b-t\u014d certification is not easily obtained. During the appraisal process, swords are subjected to strict and detailed evaluation by qualified judges with deep knowledge of traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship. Factors such as forging quality, hamon activity, balance, preservation state, and historical importance are thoroughly examined.<\/p>\n Only swords that meet these demanding standards are awarded this distinction. As a result, the Y\u016bsh\u016b-t\u014d paper is regarded as strong evidence of both authenticity and superior artistic and historical merit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/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 <\/p>\n Koshirae<\/strong><\/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).<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This 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 <\/p>\n Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>:<\/span> A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/p>\n This Fuchi-Kashira has a reddish-brown base with a rough hammered texture, and several rounded openings arranged to form a flower-like shape.<\/span><\/p>\n This Menuki appears to depict a citrus fruit, such as tachibana or a mandarin orange, shown with small leaves.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tsuba 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<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This is a mokk\u014d-gata (\u6728\u74dc, four-lobed) iron tsuba with a dark, well-aged patina. The design is carved in shallow lines and arranged in an asymmetrical way: most of the surface is filled with a kikk\u014d (\u62ee\u6297, tortoiseshell) pattern of small hexagons, while the upper right area is left more open and decorated with flowing karakusa vine scrolls and small flower motifs. There is an oval hitsu-ana on the right side for a kozuka accessory, and the overall contrast between the dense geometric pattern and the light, curling vines gives the guard a calm but lively look.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This saya is finished in glossy black lacquer and decorated with raden (\u87ba\u923f), small pieces of mother of pearl inlay, arranged in a chain of diamond shapes running down the center. The fittings are in a warm brown material with a rough, hammered texture, and several of them are pierced with rounded openings that form a simple flower-like pattern, matching the design seen on the other mounts. The kurigata, the knob for the cord, features an inome (\u732a\u76ee) cutout, which can resemble a heart shape and is traditionally associated with warding off evil.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NTHK Yushu Saku Certificate<\/span> for the blade (No.13006)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0NTHK<\/span><\/a>, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1910 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on December 21st in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). They appraised it as Yushu-Saku To (\u512a\u79c0\u4f5c\u5200): an outstanding sword considered especially worthy of preservation for Japanese society. <\/span>The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/p>\n Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: Yamagata 5139<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Yamagata 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>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bizen_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span>: 74.5 cm (29.35 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 2.44 cm (0.96 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/toushin-7.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-7-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>:<\/span>
\nVisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/katana2-6.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-6.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hamon-6.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-6-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hada-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3-scaled.jpg\")
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuka-1.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-1-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuka2-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/saya2-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/saya-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3-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\/2026\/03\/touroku-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 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