Behold a 650-year-old katana of grand proportions…

This spectacular piece has been attributed to Sadayoshi of the Sa School from Chikuzen province in Kyushu. It has the honour of having achieved NBTHK Juyo Token certification in 2002, the 48th session.

The founder of The Sa School in Kyushu is O-Sa (Saemon Saburo Yasuyoshi). He signed his name as simply “Sa” and was considered one of Masamune’s 10 great students.

Notable students of the Chikuzen Sa School were Yukihiro (the son of O-Sa), Yasuyoshi, Yoshisada, Yoshihiro, Kunihiro, Hiroyasu, and Sadayoshi, the craftsman who this blade is attributed to.

Sadayoshi is said to be the son of Yasuyoshi, a swordsmith whose swords have reached the Juyo Bunkasai level, known as an Important Cultural Property. Only one step away from National Treasure status.

This sword was once a splendid tachi carried on horseback during the warring mid-Nambokucho period (1338-1367). It has been shortened to its current length of just over 70cm (cutting edge).

A majestic curvature of over 2cm graces the blade. Sa School blades personify harmony of strength and beauty.

The hamon is a gentle notare wave, and the jihada (surface skin) is exquisitely forged resulting in a ko-itame and mokume that resembles the annual rings of a tree.

The yakiba (area of the hardened edge) is bright white which contrasts beautifully against the darkish-blue jihada.

As the katana was acquired in shirasaya only (long-term storage scabbard), it was decided with the client to build a custom koshirae (sword fittings).

The theme selected was that of Samurai warriors. Given that the sword was made during a time of intense battle known as the Nambokucho Period, it seemed most appropriate. The results speak for themselves…

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 200 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