Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Sadahiro with NBTHK Tokubetsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Kaga no Kami Fujiwara Sadahiro(\u52a0\u8cc0\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u8c9e\u5e83), who was born in 1640 in Echizen Shimosaka(today\u2019s Fukui prefecture) and forged swords in the middle of the Edo period, specifically the Genroku Era(1688-1704).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Sadahiro belonged to Shimosaka school, initially founded in Shimosaka town in Shiga prefecture at the end of the Muromachi period. And the school moved to Echizen city(Fukui prefecture) at the beginning of the Edo period. Sadahiro engraved the title \u201c(Kaga no Kami),\u201d and his maker\u2019s name \u201c\u85e4\u539f\u8c9e\u5ee3(Fujiwara Tsuguhiro)\u201d on the front. There was also a record where Sadahiro forged swords in Settsu province(Osaka prefecture) after leaving Echizen province. The back of the tang says this blade was made of Nanbantesu. Nanban-tetsu refers to high-quality iron imported into Japan from overseas during the late Muromachi to early Edo period. Rather than being seen as foreign material, it was highly valued by Japanese swordsmiths for its unique properties and was carefully selected to enhance the quality of their work. Its use reflects the spirit of innovation within the traditional Japanese sword-making craft. The tang also says Snashoku (\u4e09\u8272:Three colors), which might indicate that three kinds of the steel was used for this blade while we are not certain about the exact meaning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n About Echizen Shimosaka School<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0It is said that the first-gen Yasutsugu was the founder of the Echizen Shimoasaka school. He was born in Shimosaka town in Shiga prefecture at the end of the Muromachi period(Late 16 century ). He built his career there until the beginning of the Keicho era(1596). However, he moved to Echizen province due to the relocation of the lord he served. He eventually was noticed and supported by Matsudaira Hideyasu, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Edo government. Hideysu was the feudal lord of Echizen province during the early Edo period. With the support of Hideyasu, the first-gen Yasutsugu was able to establish the Echizen Shimosaka school. And his school\u2019s fame became nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0By Hideyasu\u2019s recommendation, the first-gen Yasutsugu became Okakaekaji for the Tokugawa shogun family, meaning that he exclusively forged swords for the Shogun family. Yasutsu was acknowledged by the first and second Tokugawa Shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Tokugawa Hidetada.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The first-gen Yasutsugu received \u5eb7(YASU) from Tokugawa Ieyasu and changed his maker\u2019s name. He was also allowed to inscribe the holly oak symbol(family crest of Tokugawa) on the tang. The school flourished during the Edo period and trained many skilled apprentices. The first-gen Sadatsugu is one of the most famous apprentices among many swordsmiths who resided in Echizen province.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Echizen province<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Echizen Province was famous for forging razor-sharp, practically designed swords. The Edo government, run by the Tokugawa clan, ordered many blades from the swordsmiths in this province during the Edo period(1603-1868). There were so many swordsmiths in Echizen province, originally from the Mino province(Gifu prefecture), which is known as one of the five great Japanese sword styles MINO-DEN<\/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 are a few kitae kizu and tiny chip on this 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 is a crab (\u87f9, kani )motifs. As crabs walk sideways, they were compared \u201cOukou Kunshi (\u6a2a\u884c\u541b\u5b50),\u201d which means to stick to one\u2019s intention against authority. Samurais might have felt the strong will that they would not bow before power from this motif.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The theme of this menuki is Ebisu (\u6075\u6bd4\u5bff\u5929), one of the Seven Lucky Gods (\u4e03\u798f\u795e, Shichifukujin) of Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Ebisu is the only deity among the Seven Lucky Gods who originated in Japan, rather than being introduced from other Asian cultures. He is widely worshiped as the god of prosperity, especially associated with fishing and commerce.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He is typically depicted holding a fishing rod in his right hand and a red sea bream (\u9bdb, tai) tucked under his left arm. The sea bream is an important symbol in Japanese culture. Not only does it represent a bountiful catch\u2014reflecting Ebisu\u2019s role as a god of fishing\u2014but it is also considered an auspicious fish. This is partly due to a wordplay in Japanese: \u201ctai\u201d<\/em> sounds like \u201cmedetai,\u201d<\/em> meaning \u201cjoyous\u201d or \u201ccelebratory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In addition, the sea bream\u2019s red-and-white coloring and its association with longevity further enhance its status as a symbol of good fortune. For these reasons, Ebisu holding a sea bream has long been regarded as a powerful emblem of success, happiness, and prosperity in both business and daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0T<\/span>his tsuba is intricately decorated with a design featuring two dragons. The dragons are depicted in dynamic, flowing forms, their bodies coiling gracefully across the surface. Their expressions and finely carved scales convey both power and vitality, a common symbolic representation in Japanese art.\u00a0In Japanese culture, dragons are revered as mythical creatures associated with water, clouds, and the forces of nature. They are considered protectors and symbols of strength, wisdom, and good fortune.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Kozuka<\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that Hosaki (blade part of the Kozuka) is simple dummy blade made of metal.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0The motif of this Kozuka is also <\/span>decorated with\u00a0dragon (\u9f8d, Ry\u016b) motif, a powerful symbol in both Chinese and Japanese cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Originally an imaginary creature from ancient Chinese myths, the dragon is believed to bring good fortune and strength. Its body is described as a fusion of nine animals: deer antlers, a camel\u2019s head, demon eyes, a snake\u2019s neck, the belly of a Mizuchi (\u86df, a mythical Japanese serpent with a horn and legs), fish scales, falcon claws, tiger palms, and cow ears.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Due to its majestic form, it was seen as the ruler of all creatures. In ancient China, the dragon symbol was strictly controlled, appearing only on the emperor\u2019s robes, with even the number of claws indicating rank. In Japan, however, the dragon motif was widely used without such restrictions, remaining an auspicious symbol of power, protection, and good fortune (\u5409\u7965, Kissh\u014d). Today, dragons continue to appear in samurai armor, sword fittings, temples, and traditional art, embodying strength and divine influence.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The surface of this Saya is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (\u77f3\u76ee\u5730). Its base was hit by Tagane (\u93e8, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone.<\/span><\/p>\n *Please note that there are signs of restoration. If you would like more detailed information about the condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1023313)<\/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 August 23rd in the 7th 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> Fukuoka 6375<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Fukuoka 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\/2021\/08\/echizen_OCMOJ_0802.jpg\")
\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/echizen_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/strong>: 46.5<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0cm (18.3 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/strong>: 1.3 cm (0.51 inches) <\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/toushin-63.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-63-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\/2026\/04\/katana-49.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-49.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hamon-50.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-50-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hada-48.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-48-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tuba_up-42.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-42-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tuka3-45.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-45-scaled.jpg\")
\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\/2026\/04\/tuba-45.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-45-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kozuka2-8.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-8-scaled.jpg\")
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\n<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/saya-41.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-41-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\/04\/touroku-42.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-42-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 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