The style of this piece emphasizes absolute strength as a guardian sword, and the blade is made very wide. It is made with a slightly narrower hamon on an exquisite hada, which is unique to the Kuniye swordsmith. The wider blade is also engraved. On the Sashi-omote, there is a carving of Kurikara dragon, an incarnation of Fudo Myo-o. On the back of the sword, eight Kanji characters are engraved, meaning "With the flash of this sword, dispel the demons, and your valor will last for many years". And to ensure that the bewitched spirits that have been dispersed never approach again, a pentagram is carved on the nakago, the purpose of which is to protect the owner of this sword.

Yoshiwara Kuniie's Profile

He devoted his life to sword making diligently, assisting his father, a sword smith, from an early age, and became an undisputed master. He was so enthusiastic and active in teaching new swordsmiths that many of the swordsmiths currently active in Japan have, to a greater or lesser degree, received instruction from him. He is also a leading figure in the world of modern Japanese swords, having led the Japanese sword world as president of the All Japan Sword Artisans Association for six years. For his achievements and unrivaled skill, he was recognized as a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Cultural Property. Unfortunately, he passed away in June 2023.

Tsubouchi Suketada's Profile

Suketada apprenticed himself to Yokoi Takamitsu, a master swordsmith living in Okayama Prefecture, and studied the works of Bizen-den, which dominated the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and successfully reflected them in the beauty of modern Japanese swords. Currently, he is engaged in the promotion of Japanese swords while serving as a director of the Division of the All Japan Swordsmith Association.

• Blade length: 36.0cm
• Curvature: 0.3 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Signature: Kuniie Suketada Gassaku(front), Reiwa Gannen Jugatsu Nijuninichi Hori Sofu(back)
• Fitting: Shirasaya Koshirae
• Original Registration No.: Okayama 127851