This sword has been forged by Akamatsu Taro Kanemitsu of Higo-no-kuni (present day Kumamoto Prefecture) at the request of Tozando. This blade pays omage to swords made by famous Minamoto Kiyomaro. The Akamatsu Taro clan is a venerable family of swordsmiths who have been serving the Hitoyoshi clan since the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and have been dedicated to iron since ancient times, producing their own steel by in-house steelmaking, and using advanced forging techniques to create unique Japanese swords.

Minamoto Kiyomaro was also a master sword smith of the Shinsinto period, and along with Suishinshi Masahide and Taikei Naotane, is still one of the three most popular master swordsmiths in Edo.

Akamatsu Taro Kanemitsu excelled at reproducing the swords of Minamoto Kiyomaro, and the extremely large Kisaski and Gunome-midare Hamon with Choji mixed in, which are characteristic of Kiyomaro, are all seen on this sword. The blade is also wide and has a curvature that is typical of a tachi sword. It is a dynamic and magnificent work that is reminiscent of the swords of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), which Kiyomaro was aiming for at the time. It is truly a gem that deserves to be called a masterpiece of swordsmanship.

If you would like to request Kanemitsu to make a special sword just for you, click here.

• Blade length: 73.3 cm
• Curvature: 2.0 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Sakihaba:  30.8 mm
• Sakikasane:  5 mm
• Motohaba:  35.4 mm
• Motokasane:  6.9 mm
• Kissaki Length: 130.0 mm
• Signature: Higo no Kuni ju Akamatsu Taro Kanemitsu Saku(front), Reiwa Gonen Shoshun(back)
• Era: Gendai
• Structure: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune
• Jitetsu: 
• Hamon: 
• Boshi: 
• Weight(blade only):  940 g
• Nakago: Ubu
• Koshirae: Shirasaya
• Original Registration No.: Kumamoto 57898