Kunihisa Ishida — formally known by his swordsmith name Ishida Shirō Kunihisa — was born in 1977 in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, where he continues to forge his blades today at his own studio, Kunihisa Tantojo Trained from 1995 under the legendary Kawachi Kunihira, a designated holder of Nara Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Heritage, he received official recognition from the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2001 and has since established himself as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Japanese swordmaking.
Ishida's deepest passion lies in the resurrection of the ancient sword — the koto of the Heian and Kamakura periods, whose luminous steel surfaces and hauntingly beautiful tempering patterns have never been surpassed. Drawing on the refined techniques inherited from his master, he pursues these vanished qualities with both scientific rigour and an artist's intuition, seeking to recover in modern steel the warmth, depth, and vitality that once defined Japan's greatest blades.
His versatility extends beyond the sword itself. Using tamahagane — the precious steel at the heart of every Japanese blade — he crafts exquisite stationery and decorative objects, bringing the sensibility of the swordsmith's forge to the world of fine metalwork.
Yet it is Ishida's remarkable engagement with contemporary culture that has brought his name to the widest audience. His participation in the landmark 2012 Evangelion and the Japanese Sword Exhibition marked a turning point: the two swords he completed for the show captivated not only the sword world but legions of anime fans, opening an entirely new conversation between ancient craft and modern imagination. Since then, he has embraced collaborations spanning anime, gaming, and even the classical theatrical art of kyogen — each time demonstrating that the Japanese sword is not a relic of the past, but a living art form.
His most formidable challenge came in 2016, when he was invited to join a project inspired by the celebrated game Token Ranbu: the estimated reconstruction of Mikazuki Munechika — one of the Tenka Goken, the five supreme swords of Japan, forged in the Heian period over eight centuries ago. The original survives, but centuries of polishing had worn it far from its original form, and virtually no written records remained. "It still exists, but it is a sword from over 800 years ago and had been significantly worn down by repeated polishing. There were no documents to refer to — I was always working in the dark," Ishida recalled of those gruelling years. After two years of painstaking research and forging, the reconstruction was completed in 2018 — and with it, the name of Kunihisa Ishida became known far beyond the world of swords.
He is also committed to nurturing the next generation of sword enthusiasts, offering explanations and lectures to young students at a time when works such as Demon Slayer have ignited fresh curiosity about Japanese blade culture.
Awards & Recognition
Gendaito Shokutten (formerly New Master Sword Exhibition) — Japan's most prestigious competition for contemporary swordsmiths:
Omamori-gatana Exhibition — Fighting Spirit Award, 2005 (inaugural edition) Reiwa Masters Exhibition — Selected, 2022
From the ancient forge-fires of the Heian court to the screens of modern anime — Kunihisa Ishida proves, with every blade he makes, that the Japanese sword has never stopped evolving.
The quality of the blade and the simplicity of the shirasaya mount truly reflect traditional Japanese mastery. A beautiful and meaningful addition to my collection.
The natural wood finish and clean design highlight the beauty of the blade perfectly. Exactly what I was looking for.
¥310,000 ¥370,000
¥260,000 ¥290,000
¥290,000 ¥320,000
¥570,000 ¥620,000
Every blade reflects generations of knowledge, discipline, and precision passed down through traditional Japanese swordmaking. From the forging of steel to the final finishing touches, each piece is shaped with patience, mastery, and deep respect for heritage.
From carefully selected materials to the refined finishing of every surface, each sword is crafted and presented with uncompromising attention to detail. Our commitment to authenticity ensures every piece reflects true tradition, lasting quality, and enduring cultural value.
Designed with balance, simplicity, and purpose, our blades embody the harmony between refined form and skilled craftsmanship. Each sword represents a thoughtful union of strength, elegance, and the timeless discipline of Japanese artisans.
