Behold a daisho of grand proportions.

This project has been in the making for much of 2014. Koyama Munetsugu is a maestro from the Shinshinto period, arguably the finest smith working in the Bizen tradition. The two swords that comprise this daisho are absolute gems.

The wakizashi is made in the structure of a Nagamaki naoshi with a large kissaki featuring a jizo-boshi. The katana is 4mm shy of an incredible 80cm cutting edge with a fabulous bo-hi (groove) extending the length of the blade to lighten this daito (grand sword).

The custom built daisho koshirae features formidable water dragons and phoenix depicted on the tsubas. The hilt and sageo are blue as the client has lived and worked near the ocean all his life. It shows a deep respect for the beauty, flexibility and power of water.

Born in 1802 in Shirakawa, Oshu, younger brother of Koyama Tadatsuna, Koyama Munetsugu was a member of the Kato Tsunahide Mon and studied under Tsunahide’s younger brother Chounsai Tsunatoshi.

Munetsugu went to Edo and worked as a retained swordsmith of Lord Matsudaira of the Kuwana family.

Munetsugu is rated by Fujishiro Jo-jo saku (highly superior smith) making him, without a doubt, one of the top smiths of the Shinshinto period.

What makes these swords extra special is that they were made towards the end of his illustrious career. The katana was produced in November 1863 (surely one of his last of swords at this length) and the wakizashi dated in May of 1861.

Interestingly enough, Munetsugu modified his nakago yasurime (file marks on the tang) from o-sujikai (greatly angled) early in his career to kiri (horizontal) in his twilight years. Note that both of these swords have a kiri nakago as they were completed when he was about 60 years old.

Also, any sword with o-kissaki by Munetsugu (as found on the wakizashi) must be considered very rare indeed as his blades tended to have a chu-kissaki.

Like all great master swordsmiths that worked centuries before Munetsugu, both the form and function of the blade meet at the very finest of levels.

A perfect harmony of beautiful workmanship, exquisite balance and a high-degree of cutting ability.

As such, both swords have achieved the prestigious rank of NTHK-NPO Yushuto (the sword organization’s highest honour, liken to NBTHK Juyo Token).

It was a great pleasure to complete this daisho for our client. It is certainly one that will be treasured for generations.

Pablo Kuntz
Founder, Unique Japan

If owning an authentic Japanese Samurai sword is of interest to you and your family, we would be honoured to serve you.

If you have the pleasure of living in Japan or visiting the country, we recommend that you come to one of our upcoming sword shows or schedule a private VIP meeting with us.

VIP meetings are normally held near JR Ebisu station in Tokyo at a hired gallery space. We can also arrange visits to a company office, hotel, near the airport or at a private residence.

To those exploring our collection online, be sure to download our catalogue of available swords here.

We completely respect the fact it takes a HUGE leap of personal FAITH in us to commit to a particular sword given the reliance on photos and descriptions for such a highly valued item.

It is our PROMISE to address all your questions to the best of our ability. It’s important to us that you feel completely confident that the sword you choose (and that chooses you) is destined for you and your family.

You can also take reassurance that ALL swords from Unique Japan are GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC and come with a 3-DAY WORRY FREE inspection period upon arrival to your home.

Yes, it is completely legal to own a genuine antique Japanese sword (even those that are several hundreds of years old). Unique Japan specialises in all proper legal compliances so that swords can be exported from Japan.
All required paperwork is provided free of charge for clients.

Unique Japan has safely sent well over 350 swords FROM Japan to immensely proud owners in the United States, Canada, Europe and around the world.

We look forward to making your dream of owning an authentic Japanese sword a reality for you.

→ 7 Points to Consider when Choosing your Japanese Sword
→ 5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword
→ Download catalogue of currently available Japanese swords
→ Building your own custom koshirae and daisho, recommended!
→ PARTS of a Japanese Sword and Mountings (High-quality images)
→ 7 reasons WHY I love Japanese swords
→ Resource Information on Japanese Swords
→ NBTHK Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
→ NTHK-NPO Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords