6/24/2023 0 Comments Japanese katanaOnimaru Kunitsuna is a samurai blade crafted by Awataguchi Sakon no Shogen Kunitsuna sometime in the 1300s to 1500s. (14th-16th centuries) The sword Onimaru Kunitsuna killed an oni demon and was itself known as “demon.” Utagawa Yoshitora, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Legend surrounding Dojikiri Yasutsuna claims that Minamoto no Yorimitsu wielded the powerful sword and slayed a fearsome ogre of the Izu Province named Shuten-doji.ĭojikiri Yasutsuna is currently housed in the Tokyo National Museum as a National Treasure of Japan. The weapon was crafted by Hoki no Kuni Yasutsuna sometime in the 10th, 11th, or 12th centuries. Yasutsuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commonsĭojikiri Yasutsuna is the first of the five Tenka Goken blades and is considered the most famous. (10th-12th centuries) The Dojikiri Yasutsuna sword on display. Many have connections to Shinto myths and stories passed down through generations. While historical artifacts, these samurai swords are also seeped in legend. Some are national treasures, one is a holy relic, and one is considered imperial property. Crafted and wielded during important periods of Japanese history, surviving swords in this category have special designations. The Tenka Goken, or “Five Greatest Swords Under Heaven” are some of Japan’s most famous swords. Further explanation of each group is included. They are significant to Japanese history and culture in their own ways.īelow is a list of Japanese swords from history and legend organized into these groups. Many of them are associated with mythological stories. Swords that are featured in Shinto myths and legends are called Totsuka no Tsurugi swords.įinally, there are other historical and legendary swords of Japan that do not fit into the above categories. Samurai swords of exceptional quality and history are considered Tenka Goken swords. Japanese swords therefore cannot be categorized simply into historical and mythological groups, but are instead understood by both historical facts and Japanese legend. Swords feature in many of the Shinto myths and legends of Japan and even real historical swords are incorporated into legends. The best known sword of Japan is the katana, but other types of swords are equally important to the history and culture of the country. Japan has an extensive history of sword making and swordsmanship.
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