Katana, Signed "Nōshū-jū Masaya saku" (濃州住正也作) — A Vivid Mino-Den Hamon in a Koto-Inspired Form, with an Auspicious Chrysanthemum and Ship Koshirae, by Kanzan Prize Winner Masaya

A dynamic togari-ba gunome-midare hamon over a densely forged itame-hada, paired with a custom koshirae symbolizing longevity and good fortune — equally suited to display, collection, and iaidō or embu use

We are pleased to present an outstanding work by Masaya (濃州住正也, real name: Yoshida Masaya), a rising talent carrying the future of the contemporary sword world and winner of the Kanzan Prize at the Gendai Tōshoku-ten (Contemporary Sword Craft Exhibition). Representing the very essence of Masaya's pursuit of traditional koto-period technique and dignified formal beauty, this blade combines a powerful Mino-den hamon with a refined, exquisite jigane in a work of true distinction. It is further housed in an extremely auspicious custom koshirae, fitted with a chrysanthemum-pattern openwork tsuba symbolizing longevity and freedom from illness, and ship-motif menuki symbolizing smooth sailing and good fortune. Suitable both for display and for use in iaidō and embu (martial arts demonstration), this is a blade to be fully enjoyed in every respect.

On the smith — Masaya (正也)

Masaya, real name Yoshida Masaya, is a swordsmith based in Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture). He trained rigorously under the accomplished master Yoshida Masaaki (2nd generation), through whom he inherited, in true and direct line, the traditional forging techniques and dignified formal beauty carried down from the old-sword (koto) period. In 2024, he won the Kanzan Prize in the tantō and ken (dagger and straight-sword) category at the Gendai Tōshoku-ten, hosted by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (NBTHK), further establishing his firm reputation as one of the most accomplished among the younger generation of smiths. Fusing solid traditional technique with his own refined aesthetic sensibility, he continues to produce work of a dignity approaching the great classics, brimming with dynamic beauty, and he has also shown an internationally minded side, taking on students from overseas. Masaya is one of the notable young masters carrying the beauty and spirit of the Japanese sword forward into the next generation, and out into the world.

Selected career highlights:

• 2000: Apprenticed under Yoshida Masaaki (2nd generation)
• 2005: Received forging certification from the Agency for Cultural Affairs
• 2019: "Gendai Tōshoku-ten," hosted by the NBTHK — Effort Award
• 2019: "Craft Technique Exhibition," hosted by the Nihontō Bunka Shinkō Kyōkai — Bronze Award
• 2024: "Gendai Tōshoku-ten," hosted by the NBTHK, tantō and ken category — Kanzan Prize

Form

The blade presents a sound, well-balanced shinogi-zukuri form with an iori-mune (peaked ridge back), healthy in both mihaba (width) and kasane (thickness), with a moderate sori (curve) giving it a powerful yet dignified silhouette.

Workmanship and condition

The jigane is a densely packed, beautiful itame-hada (wood-grain pattern) with fine ji-nie, showing a refined, uniform forging. The hamon is a dynamic gunome-midare (irregular clove-shaped pattern) mixed with togari-ba (pointed temper shapes) distinctive of the Mino-den tradition, its bright, taut nioiguchi running vividly through the blade, and the bōshi rolls naturally into a ko-maru turnback. Well suited for display as well as for use in iaidō and embu, thanks to its excellent balance and sturdiness, this blade lets one fully experience both the dignified formal beauty distinctive of Masaya's work and the powerful presence of a true contemporary blade.

The mounting (koshirae)

The blade is accompanied by a custom koshirae arranged with a modern, stylish sensibility. The saya (scabbard) is a refined kawari-nuri (varied-lacquer) piece, finished in a deep black lacquer accented with modern diagonal lacquer lines. The tsuba (hand guard) is an iron kikka-gata sukashi (chrysanthemum-shaped openwork) piece, gracefully depicting the noble chrysanthemum petals known as the crest of the Imperial family and a symbol of eternal youth, longevity, and freedom from illness. The menuki (hilt ornaments) on the tsuka (hilt) further carry the auspicious motif of a ship, symbolizing "smooth sailing" and "good fortune and forward progress." The tsuka-ito (hilt wrapping), in a composed brown tone, is wound tightly and precisely over white same (ray skin), brought together with jet-black fuchi-kashira (hilt fittings) into a dignified, refined whole.

A powerful Mino-den masterwork by Kanzan Prize winner Masaya, paired with an exceptionally auspicious custom koshirae of chrysanthemum and ship motifs — a blade equally suited to display, collection, and active use in iaidō and embu.

Specifications

• Type: Katana (刀), shinogi-zukuri with iori-mune; ubu, zaimei (signed); Reiwa era (2020)
• Smith: Masaya (正也), real name Yoshida Masaya (吉田政也); Mino Province (Gifu); student of Yoshida Masaaki (2nd generation)
• Signature (mei): Front: "Nōshū-jū Masaya saku" (濃州住正也作); Back: "Reiwa ni-nen haru" (令和二年春 / Spring, Reiwa 2 / 2020)
• Jigane: Densely packed itame-hada with fine ji-nie
• Hamon: Dynamic gunome-midare with togari-ba (Mino-den style)
• Length of edge (nagasa): 71.8 cm (approx. 28.27 in / approx. 2 shaku 3 sun 7 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 1.2 cm (approx. 0.47 in)
• Width at base (motohaba): 31.3 mm (approx. 1.23 in)
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 8.2 mm (approx. 0.32 in)
• Width at tip (sakihaba): 23.8 mm (approx. 0.94 in)
• Thickness at tip (sakikasane): 5.7 mm (approx. 0.22 in)
• Peg holes (mekugi-ana): 1
• Weight (blade only): 780 g
• Weight (blade in mounting, without scabbard): 980 g
• Condition: Brand-new, as-forged; no flaws or rust
• Accessories: Koshirae (full mounting) — kawari-nuri saya, kikka-sukashi tsuba, ship-motif menuki
• Registration No.: Gifu No. 088295 (岐阜 第088295号)