Great swords speak for themselves.

This is a katana forged by one of the finest smiths in the early Edo Period, Echigo no Kami Kanesada II (2nd generation).

Hailing from the Osaka region known as Settsu, he was adopted by Shodai Kanesada I and originally signed his swords (like his sensei) as Echigo no Kami Kanesada.

In 1666, his sensei died. Kanesada continued to sign with the family name but in 1680 relinquished the Echigo no Kami title to Shodai Kanesada’s biological son. From this point, Kanesada II began to sign his swords with the name Sakakura Gennoshin Terukane.

Given the signature, this sword was crafted prior to this date – somewhere in the early years of the Enpo era, 1673-1679.

With a cutting edge measuring a full 76cm (2-shaku, 5-sun), this is one impressively long katana. But like all well-crafted swords, the sword does not feel heavy – the balance in hand is sublime…

The hamon (temper line) is an exquisite example of a notare, or undulating waves. The sword flows like water. The jihada is a tight ko-itame, reminiscent of the top swords from Hizen province.

It’s no wonder that there are some 80 swords by Kanesada II that have achieved the prestigious rank of NBTHK Juyo or Tokubetsu Juyo. This sword has recently earned NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification.

Fujishiro ranks Kanesada II as Jojo-saku (a highly superior swordsmith). He is also rated o-wazamono for the great sharpness of his swords.

Accompanying the sword is an attractive set of Edo period iron fittings that feature water dragons and protective shisa lion on the tsuba (guard).

Shortly after this sword was acquired, a beautiful wakizashi by Kanesada II was also sourced for the client. Thus, a pure custom daisho koshirae was produced.

The theme for the daisho was of the Samurai warrior. Check out the wakizashi kashira that features a Samurai warrior warding off the Chinese warlord, Guan Yu.

This daisho was featured within a CNN STYLE article called “Hunting for the Soul of the Samurai” which Unique Japan was spotlighted.

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 300 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