The Most Famous Japanese Swords

The making of Japanese swords is as legendary as the mastery of those who wield them. In the hands of an expert samurai or any swordsman, a katana, wakizashi, tanto, tachi, chokuto, gunto, odachi and other samurai swords can be wielded to formidable effect. But have you ever wondered about the most famous Japanese swords?

Although the katana is emblematic of the rich history of sword-making in Japan, other Japanese swords are just as important, each playing its part in shaping Japanese culture and history. Join us as we discover the most famous swords of Japan.

Tenka Goken swords: the 5 greatest swords under heaven

Japan's most famous swords may not be the sharpest or the most resilient by today's standards, but they hold a special place in the country's history and culture. Linked to Shinto legends, the Japanese Tenka Goken swords are deeply rooted in Japanese folklore, handed down from generation to generation.

Nobody knows the exact origin of the "Tenka Goken", although some scholars point to the Muromachi period, from the 14th to the 16th century. Whatever the case, the "five greatest swords of Japan" are a source of national pride. Three Tenka Goken swords are national treasures, one is a sacred relic of Nichiren Buddhism and the fifth is imperial property.

1. Dojikiri Yasutsuna

The Dojikiri Yasutsuna sword on display. Photo by Oriental Souls.

The most powerful of the five Tenka Goken, the Dojikiri Yasutsuna is regarded by scholars as the yokozuna (the pinnacle) of Japanese swords.

Forged by the expert hands and unrivalled genius of Hoki-no-Kuni Yasatsuna between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Dojikiri is an elegant tachi 80 centimetres (31.5 inches) long. Its sori (blade curvature) of 2.7 centimetres (1.06 inches) is greater than the 1.5-centimetre (0.6-inch) sori of the katana.

The Dojikiri had a flawless curve, which gave it exceptional cutting power. Its hamon (temper line) is mesmerising and its overall length is well balanced. It is worth noting that the name Yasatsuna is also famous in Japanese sword-making. After all, the "father of Japanese swords" is a Yasatsuna: Amakuni Yasatsuna, who created Japan's first katana in the year 700.

Although the Dojikiri's exceptional balance, sharpness, strength and beauty are enough to make it a famous Japanese sword, there is a legend that further strengthens its position among the greatest.

Known as the "demon cutter", the stories handed down from generation to generation tell how Minamoto no Yorimitsu wielded the Dojikiri to defeat Shuten-doji (a demon) who preyed on unsuspecting travellers along the cross-country Tokaido road.

Some scholars believe that Shuten-doji was nothing more than highway robbers who preyed on unaccompanied travellers and merchants. Yet most Japanese regard the legend as fact, which has placed the Dojikiri in the annals of Japanese history as one of the country's national treasures.

2. Onimaru Kunitsuna

Owned by the Imperial Household Agency, the Onimaru Kunitsuna is another Tenka Goken whose history is as colourful as that of the Dojikiri.

Awataguchi Sakon-no-Shogen Kunitsuna, of the Osafune sword school, created the Onimaru during the Heian period. It is one of the three ceremonial swords of the Ashikaga shogunate (the other two being the Futatsu-mei and the Odenta).

Like other famous Japanese swords, this tachi, 78.3 centimetres (30.8 inches) long, has been the subject of many legends. One tells how the Onimaru moved by itself to defeat an Oni (demon or ogre) that was cursing the Daimyo Hojo Tokimasa.

Other legends tell how Minamoto no Yorimitsu's retainer, Watanabe no Tsuna, wielded the Onimaru to defeat the Oni that was attacking the sleeping Minamoto.

3. Mikazuki Munechika

The Mikazuki Munechika sword. Photo by Japan Sauce.

Known for its magnificent crescent-moon temper line, the Mikazuki Munechika is one of the five greatest Japanese swords under heaven.

Like the Dojikiri, the Mikazuki, at 80 centimetres (31.5 inches), is a tachi and a national treasure of Japan. Sanjo Kokai Munechika forged this Japanese sword between the 10th and 12th centuries, at about the same time as the Dojikiri. Its saya (scabbard) measures 85.3 centimetres (33.6 inches) and its sori (curvature) is identical to that of the Dojikiri, at 2.7 centimetres (1.06 inches).

Unlike the demon-cutting Dojikiri and Onimaru, the Mikazuki has a more "divine" history. Legend has it that Inari (the fox god or spirit of fertility, prosperity, industry, agriculture, sake, tea and rice) helped Munechika create the Mikazuki.

It is worth noting that traditional Japanese blade forging is a collective effort. It is practically impossible to create the Mikazuki alone. Legend says that Inari transformed into a young boy to help Munechika forge one of Japan's most legendary and beautiful swords.

4. Odenta Mitsuyo

The Odenta Mitsuyo sword. Photo by The Way of Bushido.

The Odenta Mitsuyo sword, a short tachi (only 66.1 centimetres or 26 inches long), is one of Japan's national treasures and a ceremonial sword of the Ashikaga shogunate (along with the Futatsu-mei and the Onimaru).

Miike Denta Mitsuyo forged this famous Japanese sword for Maeda Toshiie of the Maeda samurai clan of the Kaga domain in the late 16th century. One legend speaks of the Odenta's healing powers after it cured one of Toshiie's daughters. Another story describes the Odenta as having the ability to frighten birds (birds do not approach a building where the Odenta is kept).

5. Juzumaru Tsunetsugu

The Juzumaru Tsunetsugu sword. Photo by Japan Sauce.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs classifies the Juzumaru Tsunetsugu among the tangible cultural properties, making it one of the most significant Japanese swords, symbolising the nation's culture, arts and history.

Aoe Tsunetsugu forged the Juzumaru, the longest (81.08 centimetres or 31.9 inches) and most curved (3 centimetres or 1.2 inches) of the Tenka Goken. Unlike the other Tenka Goken swords, the Juzumaru has no fantastical tales to tell. Even so, its legend remains just as important.

The sword is thought to take its name from the rosary beads (juzu) that Nichiren, a 13th-century Buddhist philosopher and priest, used to adorn Tsunetsugu's creation in order to purify it of evil spirits. Today the sword is in the care and protection of the Honkoji temple.

Totsuka no Tsurugi swords: mythical and legendary Japanese swords

Like Greek, Roman and Norse mythology, ancient Japan is also rich in kami (gods, deities and spirits) and other supernatural beings. These legendary figures wield the following famous Japanese swords to face evil.

Ame no Ohabari

The Ame no Ohabari sword in a video game. Photo by AQ3D.

The father kami Izanagi (the Shinto equivalent of Zeus or Jupiter) wielded the Ame no Ohabari to cut down Kagutsuchi, Izanagi's newborn son. The Shinto god scattered Kagutsuchi's remains across Japan to create the country's eight main volcanoes. In addition, Kagutsuchi's blood on the Ame no Ohabari gave birth to other Shinto gods.

Ame no Habakiri

Wielded by the Shinto god (kami) of storms, Susanoo, the Ame no Habakiri was the first sword to defeat an enemy: the fearsome, gigantic eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.

The tale describes an elderly couple who lost seven daughters to Yamata no Orochi. The couple have an eighth daughter, Kushinada-hime, whom the great serpent wants to devour in turn. The Shinto god agrees to defeat Yamata no Orochi, on condition that Kushinada-hime agrees to marry Susanoo.

Futsunomitama no Tsurugi

The Shinto god of swords, Takemikazuchi, wielded the Futsunomitama no Tsurugi to vanquish the monsters ravaging the lands of Japan and restore peace. Takemikazuchi is one of the gods born from the blood of Kagutsuchi. Legends say that Takemikazuchi presented the Futsunomitama to Japan's first emperor, Emperor Jimmu (between 660 and 585 BC), and that its spirit is enshrined at the Isonokami shrine.

Murasame

A replica of the Murasame sword from an anime series. Photo by Kevin Cabuslay.

Despite murky origins, the Murasame sword is as legendary as any Japanese sword on this list. Present in many folk tales since AD 592 (during the Asuka period), the Murasame has stood the test of time. Today this sword is popular in video games, manga, animated films and similar media.

The novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin gives a graphic idea of the Murasame's prowess. It is a cursed sword, able to drench an opponent in his own blood as if caught in a torrential downpour. Anime adaptations also illustrate the bloodthirsty nature of the Murasame, which covers its victims in blood with a single stroke.

Other Famous Japanese Swords

Famous katanas, tachi and other samurai swords exist throughout Japanese history, proof of the Land of the Rising Sun's determination to perfect the art of sword-making. These blades may not be Tenka Goken or Totsuka no Tsurugi, but they are no less legendary.

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword as depicted in anime. Photo by Earth8000.

Susanoo (the Shinto god of storms) did not only use the Ame no Habakiri to defeat Yamata no Orochi. The mighty deity also discovered and drew another sword, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, embedded in the fourth tail of the Great Serpent. It is as if King Arthur had drawn a sword magically embedded by Merlin in a huge rock to prove Arthur's kingship and birthright.

The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi has several legends. The most famous tells how Susanoo gave the sword to Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess (equivalent to the Greek god Helios) and sister of Susanoo, as a peace offering. The siblings quarrelled, forcing the sun goddess to retreat into a cave and plunge the land into darkness. Other gods coaxed Amaterasu out, which allowed Susanoo to offer peace.

The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is closely linked to the son of Emperor Keiko (the 12th emperor of Japan), Prince Ousu, or Yamato Takeru. Legends say that the young prince used the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi to cut away the flames of burning grass set alight by assassins. Unsurprisingly, this "feat" earned the Kusanagi the nickname "grass cutter".

The Kusanagi completes the three sacred treasures of Japan, the other two being the Yasakani no Magatama (a gem or jewel representing benevolence) and the Yata no Kagami (a mirror representing wisdom). The Kusanagi represents valour.

Kogarasumaru

The Kogarasumaru on display. Photo by Katana Center.

The father of Japanese swords created the Kogarasumaru in the 8th century. Amakani Yasutsuna forged many single-edged, sharply curved tachi, ideal for cutting from horseback. The Kogarasumaru is Amakani's most famous tachi.

It should be stressed that the Kogarasumaru is the first samurai sword of ancient Japan. There were other Japanese swords before the Kogarasumaru, but most were straight-edged blades without the characteristic sori (curvature).

This is why this famous Japanese sword is an integral part of the Japanese imperial collection, underlining its cultural importance.

Honjo Masamune

This list of the most famous Japanese swords could not be complete without the creation of Japan's greatest samurai swordsmith. The blades of Gyodo Nyudo Masamune are not merely excellent katanas and tantos. They are also remarkably beautiful and elegant, thanks to the notare hamon, nie, kinsuji and chikei elements.

The Honjo Masamune is Masamune's most important creation, the katana of choice of the Tokugawa shogunate. One Tokugawa shogun passed the Honjo to the next generation until General Honjo Shigenaga took possession of the legendary sword in 1561 after defeating Umanosuke.

Shigenaga sold the Honjo to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's nephew, Toyotomi Hidetsugu, in 1592. The legendary sword changed hands several times until it reached the great-great-grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Ietsuna, in 1868. The last Tokugawa descendant to own the Honjo was Tokugawa Iemasa, who handed the sword over to the Mejiro police in December 1945.

The Mejiro police inadvertently handed the Honjo to a representative of the Foreign Liquidation Commission under a fictitious name. Unfortunately, by the time the authorities recognised the mistake it was too late, and the Honjo was lost for ever without any verifiable trace of its whereabouts.

The disappearance of the Honjo Masamune only adds to the mystique of the legendary sword. Even though it is missing, the Honjo remains one of Japan's most prized national treasures, a distinction the Japanese government awarded it in 1939.

Tsurumaru Kuninaga

The Tsurumaru Kuninaga on display. Photo by Samurai-JPN.

The Tsurumaru Kuninaga may not be a Tenka Goken sword, but it remains one of the most popular tachi in Japan. Moreover, it has no legendary tale or myth attached to it. The popularity of the Tsurumaru is due instead to its depiction in anime and video games. This observation does not mean that the Tsurumaru has dubious origins like the Murasame.

This tachi has a unique tsuba, or sword guard. Instead of the quintessential smooth-surfaced disc, the Tsurumaru features a crane on its tsuba. The Japanese revere the crane because it symbolises longevity and good fortune, adding a touch of spirituality to this powerful tachi.

Forged by the master swordsmith Kuninaga, the Tsurumaru was a mainstay of the Uesugi clan during the Sengoku period, between 1467 and 1615. However, like other historic Japanese swords, the Tsurumaru had several owners during its life.

Today the Tokyo National Museum protects this magnificent Japanese sword after it received official government designation as an important cultural property.

The Bottom Line

The most famous Japanese swords never fail to inspire and to draw admiration for their beauty, precision, strength, balance and exceptional quality. Some swords remain in the realm of myth and legend, where objective testing is impossible and the sword's value rests heavily on the deeply rooted customs and beliefs of the Japanese people.

Other swords are preserved in museums and other organisations, allowing the rest of the world a glimpse of Japan's rich heritage through the works of its legendary swordsmiths.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous Japanese sword?

The Honjo Masamune for history, and the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi for legend: one of the three sacred treasures of the imperial family.

What are the Tenka Goken?

The "five greatest swords under heaven": Dojikiri Yasutsuna, Onimaru Kunitsuna, Mikazuki Munechika, Odenta Mitsuyo and Juzumaru Tsunetsugu.

Can you still see these swords today?

Yes for several of them: the Mikazuki Munechika is kept at the Tokyo National Museum, others in Japanese shrines.