Shodai (first generation) Yamato no Daijo Masanori is said to be a last descendant of Yamashiro Sanjo Yoshinori. He was taught initially by his father, Norimitsu, after which he moved to Kyoto in Yamashiro to finish his training.

The Matsudaira Tadanao clan as a retainer and swordsmith in Echizen province then hired him where he remained for the rest of his working life.

He produced many fine swords recognized for the cutting quality and beauty.

Born in the late Koto, Masanori worked in the Keicho Shinto period. Often said to be the second Golden Era of sword making, 1596-1615. This short window of time from the Momoyama Period was a transitional pivot point towards the long and relatively peaceful Edo Period.

Masanori is ranked a Jo-Saku (superior swordsmith) and Ryo Wazamono (very good cutting ability) for the sharpness of his blades. This sword has NBTHK Hozon papers of authentication.

This long wakizashi encompasses all what makes Masanori such a celebrated and skilled smith. The blade has a consistent nio-guchi (band of crystals in the wavy gunome hamon) with ji-nie (tiny visible crystals in the body), a healthy moto-haba (width at base) of 2.8cm and a curvature that is meant to draw quickly.

The hamon is also brimming with hataraki (activity) such as sunagashi (streams of sand) and kinsen (golden lines).

The nakago (tang) is ubu (in original condition) with an attractively chiseled signature.

The sword has also recently been polished to a high standard allowing the piece to display all her beauty.

Soon after the wakizashi was secured, as providence would have it, an incredible katana by Shodai Masanori was secured for the client.

The katana holds a kinzogan tameshi-mei (gold writing cutting test result) on the nakago (tang). During the Edo period it was common practice to test the sharpness of swords on convicted (often de-capitated) criminals.

In this particular cutting test, the katana severed through two human bodies in one single stroke. The test was performed in May of 1679 by Shogun-appointed master swordsman, Yamano Kanjuro Hisahide.

Along with a cutting test, this sword also carries beautiful works of horimono (engraving) of Buddhist deities giving spiritual protection to the sword and owner.

As the katana already had koshirae (fittings), together with the client, a decision was made to secure fittings for the wakizashi that complimented the katana so a ‘near perfect’ custom daisho was to be produced.

This was common practice for Samurai during the Edo period. It was not realistic for many to have exact duplicates for the fittings, especially when swords were acquired at different times.

For full details on this remarkable project, please scroll through the images below.

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 schedule a private VIP meeting with us.

VIP meetings are generally held near JR Ebisu station at our office in Tokyo. We can also arrange visits to the client’s hotel or 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, Throughout Europe, Australia, and around the world.

We look forward to making your personal goal 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