The Greatest Japanese Swordsmiths in History

Japanese Swordsmiths

Japanese swordsmiths have helped Japan throughout history; they’ve created swords hat have played an important role in Japan’s history. People all over the world highly respect Japanese swordsmanship.

People have always been fascinated by the Japanese swordsmanship’s long history filled with both tragic and wonderful stories.

Before the modern weapons we now know, from guns to tank and bombs, swords are one of the main weapons that have witnessed different battles that have shaped our history.

Japan is one of the countries who have used swords; they’ve honed and crafted thousands of swords, each time trying to make them stronger than before or at least make sure it will be as strong or as unique as their previous creations.

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It is quite interesting then to know some of the notable Japanese swordsmiths that have ever lived.

Swordsmiths around the world distinctly differ from one another. Japanese swordsmiths in for one used their own techniques to create different type and style of sword that is still plays a crucial part in Japan’s culture up to this time.

Earlier Japanese swordsmanship was heavily influenced by Chinese sword, though as time passed by they’ve developed their own style; thus paving a way to new and uniquely designed Japanese swords.

The Pioneer Among Japanese Swordsmiths

Amakuni is known as the pioneer Japanese swordsmith who designed the single-edged, curved Katana.

Though there is no solid record in history, it is said that Amakuni has worked for the Emperor, creating swords for his army.

Legends say Amakuni created single-edge curved swords after the Emperor arrived with half of his armies with broken swords and ignoring him, making him feel disappointed and ashamed for what happened to his creation.

This pushed Amakuni to design a sword that can withstand and endure battles, and he vowed to create a sword that can withstand a battle without breaking.

Japan’s Greatest Swordsmith

This list would not be complete without Masamune, formally known as Goro Nyudo Masamune, who is known as the greatest Japanese swordsmith. It’s because of his incredible talent and contributions in the field of sword making.

His works are highly regarded for its distinct qualities and artistry. It is said that he’d created his works during the 13th and 14th century and his works have been part of the national treasure.

One of which is Honjo Masamune and is known as one of the finest Japanese swords. It is also a representation of Shogunate during the Edo period of Japan and has been passed down from one generation to another.

Although, at the end of World War Two, it was also the last time the said sword was seen and its whereabouts is still a mystery up to this day. Despite this, there are still relics of his work that can be seen in Japan, particularly in the Kyoto National Museum.

Mursamasa’s Cursed Samurai Swords

Muramasa Sengo is another one of the well-known and legendary Japanese swordsmiths. He has created his swords during the Muromachi period between the 14th and 16th centuries A.D.

Although his works are highly regarded because of its quality, there has been lore that his works are cursed. People have said that it can be due to Muramasa’s behavior himself.

There have been stories of how Muramasa would go on a bout of rage and show his temper, which is also believed to affect his works by the energy he would have.

Another reason could be because of the unfortunate events that have occurred to people yielding his sword, specifically to the Tokugawa Clan.

Later on, though, he founded Muramsa School which continued his craft in sword-making.

Masamune’s Student

Hikoshirō Sadamune is another known Japanese swordsmith. He was born on Einin 6, 1298 and on died Shōhei 4, 1349 and was also known as Sōshū Sadamune.

He was originally from Omi Province and has studied in Soshu School. Most notably, he is also a student of none other than Masamune himself. It is even said that he was one of his best students.

Although he is not part of “Great Juttetsu” or 10 Great Disciples of Masamune”. His works have also been regarded as one of the best and is said to be the same level as them.

Swordsmith in Okayama Prison

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Chounsai Emura or Emura Shigetato was a head at a prison in Okayama. He made his name in swordsmanship as he made swords during World War Two.

Emura wanted to support Japan during the war. In order to do this, he operated a sword-making school in Okayama Prison and have also helped train prisoners in making sword blades.

Although he was not a professional smith, his works have proven to be really good and of great quality, which he have signed using his family name Emura.

Emura worked in Bizen tradition, where the blade pattern is generally in Suguha or Choji-midare (may be mixed with Gunome-midare). Until 1942 the hardening of the swords at Okayama prison was made by Emura himself. Collectors and students are even pursuing his works until today.

National Treasure

Masamine Sumitani, formally known as Sumitani Yoichiro, was born on January 24, 1921. He graduated from Ritsumei University, with a degree in Engineering.

With his hopes of becoming a swordsmith, despite his family having a soy-sauce manufacturing business, he settled in Matto, Ishikawa. He was noted for his clove-patterns and “Hamon” or blade pattern of his swords.

He also co-founded Zen Nihon Toshokai (Japanese Swordsmith’s Association) and was the vice-secretary of the group. Moreover, Sumitani has won several awards for his works.

For instance, in 1972, he won the Kunzan Award and the Masamune Prize (the highest award) at the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai contest in 1966, 1965 and 1974. In 1979 he was recognized as a Living National Treasure.

Epic Japanese Swordsmiths

So there you go with some of the known Japanese swordsmiths in history. This shows just a little portion of the vast history and culture there is in this field and craftsmanship. Although there have been reports that there has been a significant decline with Japanese swordsmiths in recent time, the beauty of the culture of swordsmanship is still striving to continue. It’s also becoming more global with people from other countries showing interest with the craft.