Samurai Museum

Samurai Museum *現在臨時休館中(オンラインショップのみ営業中）
Samuraiの日本の歴史において果たした役割、またその精神を日本人のみならず多くの外国人旅行者の皆様に分かりやすく伝えていくことを目指しています。
(1436)

*Our Physical Museum is temporarily being closed while we open our online shop everyday. FEEL THE REAL SAMURAI SPIRIT！

From ancient times, the Emperor and the nobility ruled Japan, but the time of samurai arrived after battles of Genji (the Minamoto family) and Heishi (the Taira family) in the end of Heian era. After that, samurai-centered Japanese society had been developed its own history about

700 years (from Kamakura to Edo era). In that 700 years of samurai age, Japan had been faced crisis such as, the Mongolian invasions of Japan, Spanish Armada, the arrival of the Black Ships (Perry’s fleet) and the Age of Discovery led by Portugal which meant Europeans notably the Portuguese and the Spanish became a threat for East Asian Countries. We introduce those brave samurai warriors and their spirit confronted the difficulties to not only Japanese people but also all people visiting from foreign countries. Their belief, “Reputation grudged” shows that samurai is not a simple soldier; they highly valued honor above life. The beauty of samurai spirit is shown in Japanese swords and their costumes. We are very happy if you can see what samurai spirit is and feel their spirits still living in today’s Japanese people.

▪️ Gotou Minamoto no MasakageHello, world! Thank you for checking our daily posts. Today, we would like to introduce ano...
12/05/2026

▪️ Gotou Minamoto no Masakage

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our daily posts. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Masakage was a disciple of Masao Minamoto (also known as Suzuki Masao), a distinguished student of the famous late Edo master Minamoto Kiyomaro, making Masakage effectively Kiyomaro’s grand-disciple. Born as Gotou Koisuke in Etchū Province (today’s Toyama Prefecture), he first studied under Masao in Edo and later refined his skills under Suishinshi Masatsugu. He eventually established his forge in Takada Castle town (Echigo Province), producing blades that met the high demand during the turbulent Bakumatsu era. Masakage is categorized as a swordsmith of the Kiyomaro school.

His signatures include “Minamoto no Masakage,” “Masakage,” “Gyokushinsai Masakage Saku,” and “Gotou Minamoto Masakage.” Inheriting the brilliant style of the Kiyomaro lineage, Masakage’s swords are regarded as fine works with great potential value for future generations.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-minamoto-no-masakage-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

▪️ Hizen Koku Jyu Omi no Daijyo Fujiwara TadahiroHello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to ...
09/05/2026

▪️ Hizen Koku Jyu Omi no Daijyo Fujiwara Tadahiro

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Hizen Koku Jyu Omi no Daijyo Fujiwara Tadahiro (肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠広) is the first son of the first-gen Tadayoshi. It is said that Tadahiro was active during 1624-1688 (Early Edo Period).

Tadayoshi (Father) is one of the most famous swordsmiths in the early Edo period and made Hizen province (today’s Saga prefecture) a prominent sword-forging place back then. Tadahiro learned sword-forging techniques under his father’s supervision until Tadayoshi died in 1632 (9th year of the Kan-Ei era).

Tadahiro took over the school his father ran when he was only 19 years old, and he started to make a sword in the same year. This fact indicates that he was excellent at making swords, and the apprentices of his father (Tadayoshi) supported him to run the school. Tadahiro received the title of Omi Daijyo in 1641 (the sixth year of the Genroku era). He kept forging swords for almost 60 years for the Nabeshima clan, strong feudal lords.

Tadahiro died at the age of 81 in 1693 and left a large number of excellent swords before his decease. He had many famous apprentices, such as the third-gen Mutsu Daijyo Tadayoshi, Harima Daijyo Tadakuni, and Kawachi Daijyo Masahiro.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-omi-daijo-fujiwara-tadahironbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

▪️Kashu IetsuguHello, world! Thank you for checking our daily post. We would like to introduce another maker from the ea...
05/05/2026

▪️Kashu Ietsugu

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our daily post. We would like to introduce another maker from the early Muromachi period.

Kashu Ietsugu (加州家次) belonged to Fujishima (藤島), which is a prestigious school, especially flourishing during the Muromachi period (late 14th- late 16th century) in Kaga province (Today’s Ishikawa prefecture). Ietsugu was especially active during the O-Ei era (1394-1428: Early Muromachi period). His works have close resemblance of that of Aoe school in Bitchu school (Okayama prefecture). That is why he is also known as Kaga Aoe (加賀青江).

The school was founded by the first-gen Fujishima Tomoshige during the early Nanbokucho period. This maker’s name lasted several generations, from the early Nanboku period to the end of the Edo period (Early 14th-Late 19th century).

It is said that the first-gen Tomoshige was an apprentice of Rai Kunitoshi, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Yamashiro province (Today’s Kyoto) during the late Kamakura-early Nanbokucho period. The first-gen Tomoshige originally lived in Fushima village in Echizen province (today’s Fukui prefecture). And later on, he moved to Kaga domain and founded the school.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-kashu-ietsugunbthk-hozon-certificate-2/

▪️ Mutsu Daijo Miyoshi Nagamichi Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce anoth...
28/04/2026

▪️ Mutsu Daijo Miyoshi Nagamichi

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Nagamichi belonged to Miyoshi school and is also known as the first-gen Nagamichi because the maker’s name lasted ten generations throughout the Edo period.

Nagamichi was born in the 10th year of the Kan-Ei era (1633). His birth name was Miyoshi Toshiro. He learned sword-forging techniques from his uncle Nagatoshi because his father, Masanaga, died when Nagamichi was 16 years old. Nagamichi mainly resided in Aizu province (Today’s Fukushima prefecture).

Nagamichi first signed Michinaga, but he changed it to Nagamichi when he received Mutsu Daijyo in the first year of the Manji era (1658). Daijyo was an honorable official title given by the emperor for one’s excellent craftsmanship. He was 17 years old when he got this title. This fact suggests that he must have been excellent at forging blades early in his age.

Nagamichi was the grandson of Nagakuni, a renowned swordsmith in Matsuyama province (Ehime prefecture). Miyoshi Nagakuni initially forged swords in Akino province(Hiroshima prefecture). Nagakuni moved to Iyo province after being hired by Kato Yoshiakira, the head of the Matsuyama clan. Nagakuni and his son Masanaga eventually relocated to Aizu province as the government ordered Kato clan (their employer) to move to this province. They started to forge blades in Aizu province in 1627. Masanaga was the father of Nagamichi.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-miyoshi-nagamichinbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

▪️ Echizen-jū Harima Daijō Fujiwara ShigetakaHello, world! Thank you for checking our daily post. Today, we would like t...
27/04/2026

▪️ Echizen-jū Harima Daijō Fujiwara Shigetaka

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our daily post. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

The name Shigetaka (重高) was passed down through 11 generations until the end of the Edo period (late 19th century) and represents one of the most prominent swordsmith lineages in Echizen. Among these, only the first and second generations used the clan name “Fujiwara (藤原)” in their signatures, and both are known to have held the title Harima Daijō (播磨大掾).

The first generation was active around 1600–1624, and the second generation from 1624–1661. The third generation (1661–1681) is also highly regarded and considered comparable in skill to the earlier masters.

The first-generation Shigetaka is said to have been born in the Shinshū region (present-day Nagano Prefecture). He later moved to Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture), one of Japan’s major sword-producing centers, where he trained under Kanenori (兼則), a highly respected swordsmith.

Toward the end of the Muromachi period (late 16th century), Shigetaka and his master relocated to Echizen Province. From that time onward, successive generations of the Shigetaka lineage remained in Echizen, producing high-quality blades under the patronage of the Matsudaira clan, the ruling family of the region.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-harima-daijyo-fujiwara-shigetakanbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

▪️Shoji Chikuzen Daijo Taikei Naotane Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce a...
27/04/2026

▪️Shoji Chikuzen Daijo Taikei Naotane

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Naotane is considered one of the three most renowned swordsmiths of the late Edo period. He was born in the 7th year of the An’ei era (1778) in Dewa Province (present-day Yamagata Prefecture), into a family that produced sickles for farming. From a young age, he developed a strong interest in swordsmithing while learning blacksmithing techniques.

During the late Kansei era (1789–1801), he left his hometown and moved to Edo to study under Suishinshi Masahide, one of the most respected swordsmiths of the time. Under Masahide’s guidance, and while working in a residence owned by the Akimoto family—the ruling clan of Dewa Province—he refined his skills and developed into a highly accomplished craftsman.

It is said that Naotane became an independent swordsmith around 1801. In 1812, he began serving the Akimoto family through Masahide’s introduction, and in 1822 he was granted the honorary title of Chikuzen Daijo (筑前大掾).

In 1848, he traveled to Kyoto, where he forged a tachi for the Takatsuka family, a lineage connected to the Imperial court, and was granted the additional title of Minosuke (美濃介). As his reputation grew, he was frequently invited by feudal lords and high-ranking Samurai across various provinces, leading him to produce works throughout Japan in his later years.

The works of Naotane have been highly appreciated because he played an essential role in Japanese sword history at the end of the Edo period. It is said that he mastered all the five Japanese sword traditions called Gokaden (五箇伝). They are Bizen DEN, Mino Den, Soshu Den, Yamashiro Den and Yamato Den. It is said that he was especially excellent at Bizen and Soshu Den.

His master, Suishinshi Masahide, was the proponent of revitalizing old sword-forging traditions. This movement is called Token Futsuko Ron (刀剣復古論). Naotane followed suit and mastered superb craftsmanship. Natotane trained many famous swordsmiths, and one of them was Jiro Taro Naokatsu, who was active during 1805-1858. Naotane died at the age of 79 in 1857.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-naotanenbthk-hozon-certificate/

▪️4th-gen Tanba no Kami Kyo Yoshimichi Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce ...
22/04/2026

▪️4th-gen Tanba no Kami Kyo Yoshimichi

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker from the Edo period.

The swordsmith name Yoshimichi prospered in both Osaka and Kyoto for generations during the Edo period. And to distinguish two Yoshimichi, The one in Kyoto is called Kyo Yoshimichi, and the other one is called Osaka Yoshimichi.

The 4th-gen Kyo Yoshimichi belonged to the prestigious school called Mishina (三品) school. He was especially active in sword-forging during 1673-1703. He received the high official title “Tanba no Kami (丹波守)” in the 12th year of the Kanbun Era (1672). His birth name was Mishina Kichinojyo (三品吉之丞).

He was allowed to inscribe a chrysanthemum emblem, which is the symbol of the Japanese emperor. His sword forging technique was so great that the emperor permitted him to use this emblem, which was honorable for any swordsmith.

The first-gen Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi belonged to Kyoto Mishina school and was one of the sons of the Mishina school’s founder. Mishina school was created by the first-gen Mutsu no Kami Omichi (陸奥守大道), also known as Kanemichi. It is said that initially, he was from Mino province, exclusively forging blades for Shingen Takeda, a famous feudal lord. Later on, he moved to Kyoto by bringing his four sons and founded his school in Kyoto. Five sons were Iga no Kami Kinmichi(伊賀守金道)、Izumi no Kami Rai Kinmichi(和泉守来金道), Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi(丹波守吉道) and Echu no kami Masatoshi(越中守正俊). His sons were known as Kyoto Gokaji(京都五鍛冶), prestigious swordsmiths forging in Kyoto in the early Edo period.

Mishina school was prosperous throughout the Edo period and spread to other parts of Japan, such as Osaka. The superb craftsmanship of the Mishina school was passed down for generations. The 4th-gen Yoshimichi is a good example.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-tanba-no-kami-yoshimichinbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

▪️Hosokawa MasayoshiHello, world! Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker. Hosokawa Masayoshi was born ...
19/04/2026

▪️Hosokawa Masayoshi

Hello, world! Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Hosokawa Masayoshi was born in 1786 in Kanuma, located in today’s Tochigi prefecture, as the son of Hosokawa Ryosuke Masayoshi. At first, Masayoshi used the different character for Yoshi, and he forged blades for the Toda family, who was the feudal load of Utsunomiya, also located in today’s Tochigi prefecture. Later, Masayoshi learned sword-forging techniques under the master, Suishinshi Masahide (水心子正秀), one of the most famous swordsmiths in Samurai history. Then, he took over his father’s name as the second-gen Hosokawa Masayoshi, and became an Okakae Kaji for Matsudaira clan of Tsuyama Domain, which ruled Mimasaka no Kuni (today’s Okayama prefecture). Masayoshi moved to a mansion owned by Tsuyama Domain, forging blades for them. Okakaekaji is a swordsmith who exclusively forged blades for a specific clan or domain. Masayoshi often signed Sakuyo Bakkashi, the retainer of the Tsuyama clan of Mimasaka, on his blades, but it is said that he mostly created blades residing in the Edo city for the Matsudaira family. He died in 1858 at the age of 73.

Masayoshi was an extremely skilled swordsmith who was excellent at forging blades with the characteristic of the Bizen sword-forging style (BIZEN DEN) and the Soshu sword-forging style (SOSHUDEN), though he favored copying the Osaka Shinto style in his early years.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-hosokawa-masayoshinbthkhozon-certificate/

▪️ Aoe SchoolHello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another prominent school.A...
15/04/2026

▪️ Aoe School

Hello, world! Thank you for checking our post. Today, we would like to introduce another prominent school.

Aoe school was founded by Yasutsugu (安次) during the late Heian period (Early 12th century), and it was located in today’s Kurashiki town, Okayama prefecture. In Bitchu province, there were two prestigious schools during that time. One is Aoe school, and the other is Seno school, established by Noritaka (則高). Aoe school was prosperous from the late Heian to the late Nanbokucho period.

Aoe school is divided into three categories in Japanese sword terminology depending on the period. When the blade is from the late Heian-mid Kamakura period, it is called *Ko-Aoe (Old Aoe). It is called Chu Aoe (Middle Aoe) for those forged in the mid Kamakura-early Nanbokucho period. Finally, Sue-Aoe (Late Aoe) is used for the late Nanbokucho period or later.

One of the most famous figures in Aoe school is Moritsugu, who trained Sadatsugu, Tsuguie, and Tsunetsugu. These three swordsmiths were famous for Gobankaji (御番鍛冶). Gobankaji is a unique system created by the retired emperor Go-Toba (後鳥羽上皇), who was enthusiastic about the Japanese sword-forging. He summoned twelve of the finest swordsmiths nationwide, and one swordsmith forged a blade for the emperor each month. Tsuguyoshi was the son of Tusuguie, who must have mastered superb craftsmanship.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-aoe-ietsugu-nbthk-juyo-token-certificate/

▪️Second-gen Awataguchi Omi no Kami TadatsunaHello, world! Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker. Tad...
12/04/2026

▪️Second-gen Awataguchi Omi no Kami Tadatsuna

Hello, world! Today, we would like to introduce another renowned maker.

Tadatsuna is one of Osaka’s most skilled and popular swordsmiths in the early-mid Edo period, following Tsuda Sukehiro and Inoue Shinkai. These three sword makers are called Sanketsu of Osaka Shinto.

The second-gen Tadatsuna was born in 1644 as the first son of the first-gen Tadatsuna, who called himself the descendant of Awataguchi Kunitsuna, a famous swordsmith in the early Kamakura period. Father was born in Hyogo prefecture and forged swords in Ushiroyama castle in Mie prefecture. Eventually, the first-gen Tadatsuna moved to Settsu province (Osaka).

The second-gen Tadatsuna’s real name is Asai Mandayu. The swordsmith’s name Tadatsuna lasted three generations, and the second-gen is said to have been the most famous and skilled one.

The second-gen Tadatsuna first signed as Tadakuni(忠国). According to his remaining work, he started to forge swords in 1672 and kept creating his blades until he was about 80 years old(1716). He received the honorable title of Omi no Kami during the Enpo era(1673-1680). He changed how he signed and started to write Ikkanshi Tadatsuna (一竿子忠綱) after the second year of Genroku era(1689).

During the early Genroku era, he used 縄 letter instead of 綱 when signing his creation, but after the mid-Genroku era, he used 綱 to sign his blades. Genraoku period lasted 1688-1704.He kept forging swords for about 50 years in his career.

There is one interesting historical incident related to the work of the second-gen Tadatsuna. It was March 24th in the 4th year of Tenmei(1784). Sano Zenzaemon, A direct retainer of Sh**un, attacked a son of Tanuma Okitsugu, who was the chief minister of the Edo government. Sano used a wakizashi signed by the second-gen Tadatsuna. The son was eventually died, and Sano was ordered to do Seppuku for his misconduct.

Interestingly, since this incident happened, the price of rice decreased dramatically after the sharp rise, which suffered many people. And, people started to worship Tadatsuna’s swords as Yonaoshi Daimyojin, a Great God that makes the world a better place. The Tadatsuna’s popularity skyrocketed, and this incident is much talked about when you learn about the work of Tadatsuna. It is said that only noble high-class Samurai could afford to buy a sword forged by the Tadatsuna during the Edo period.

Reference from:
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-omi-no-kami-tadatsunanbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2/

住所

歌舞伎町2-25/6
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
160-0021

営業時間

月曜日 10:30 - 21:00
火曜日 10:30 - 21:00
水曜日 10:30 - 21:00
木曜日 10:30 - 21:00
金曜日 10:30 - 21:00
土曜日 10:30 - 21:00
日曜日 10:30 - 21:00

電話番号

03-6457-6411

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