This blade has been certified as Hozon TΕken (δΏεεε£) by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) β the premier Japanese sword preservation society. The Hozon certificate attests to the blade's authentic historical value and quality, confirming it as a genuine antique Japanese sword worthy of preservation.
Certificate issued: February 16, Reiwa 8 (2026)
| Mei (Signature) | Kanekage (ε Όζ―) |
| Attribution | Inaba Province (InshΕ« Kanekage) |
| Era | Early Edo Period |
| Province (Kuni) | Inaba (present-day Tottori Prefecture) |
| Shape (Sugata) | Naginata-zukuri (Tomoe-gata) β naginata form |
| Material | Tamahagane |
| Jihada (Grain) | Itame-hada |
| Hamon (Temper Line) | Gunome-midare with togariba (pointed elements) β sunagashi throughout |
| Blade Length | 49.0 cm (19.3 inches) |
| Curvature (Sori) | 2.4 cm |
| Moto-haba (Width at base) | 2.8 cm |
| Saki-haba (Width at tip) | 2.6 cm |
| Kasane (Thickness) | 0.7 cm |
| Weight (blade only) | 650 g |
| Mekugiana (Rivet holes) | 1 |
| Koshirae | Shirasaya (plain wooden storage scabbard) |
| Certificate | NBTHK Hozon TΕken β February 16, Reiwa 8 (2026) |
This is a rare and striking example of a Tomoe-gata Naginata-zukuri β a blade forged in the classic naginata (θε) form, the great curved polearm that was one of the defining weapons of the Japanese warrior tradition. The naginata shape is immediately recognizable: a deeply curved, single-edged blade of generous width, broadening toward the tip in the characteristic Tomoe ("comma" or "whorl") profile. It is a shape of tremendous visual power and presence.
The blade is signed "Kanekage" (ε Όζ―). While the NBTHK's assessment leaves the exact province of origin open, a careful study of this blade's characteristics points strongly to Inaba Province (ε εΉ‘ε½ β present-day Tottori Prefecture) as the place of production. The NBTHK certified it as a genuine Hozon-quality work, affirming its historical value.
The most telling evidence lies in the hamon itself: the gunome-midare with sharply pointed togariba (ε°γε) elements is a hallmark style associated with the Mino-influenced smiths β and notably, the hamon on both sides of the blade aligns symmetrically, a technical trait characteristic of the Mino (Seki) tradition. These Mino-connected smiths spread across Japan during the Sengoku and early Edo periods, establishing regional schools that combined local character with Mino technical conventions. The togariba in particular is a signature Mino-school feature, and its presence here alongside the symmetric hamon supports the Inaba Kanekage attribution.
The blade is bold and imposing in physique. The Moto-haba of 2.8 cm and the Saki-haba of a remarkable 2.6 cm β barely tapering across the length β give it an exceptionally full, powerful silhouette. At 650 g with 2.4 cm of sori, this is a blade of real weight and sweep. The Sunagashi β flowing streaks of fine nie activity β run through the hamon throughout, adding depth and energy to the temper. The overall impression is one of raw authority and martial presence.
The blade has been re-polished. There are some age-related marks consistent with a blade of this antiquity, but they do not impair appreciation of the jihada and hamon, which are clearly and beautifully visible.
Blade: Re-polished. Some minor age-related marks are present, as expected for a blade of this age and history. These do not affect the enjoyment or appreciation of the sword β the jihada and hamon are clearly visible and in good presentable condition.
Koshirae: Shirasaya (plain wooden storage scabbard). No decorative mounting is included.
- β NBTHK Hozon TΕken certified β authenticated antique of historical value (issued 2026)
- β Rare Tomoe-gata Naginata-zukuri β the iconic Japanese polearm blade form
- β Attributed to InshΕ« Kanekage β Inaba Province, Mino-tradition influenced
- β Symmetric hamon on both sides β characteristic of Mino (Seki) tradition
- β Dramatic gunome-midare with togariba and rich sunagashi
- β Commanding physique β near-parallel width (2.8 β 2.6 cm), 650 g, deep 2.4 cm sori
- β Re-polished β jihada and hamon clearly visible and presentable
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We do not undervalue items or mark them as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such practices.
