The Great Sword of Omori Hikoshichi
The Odachi Great Sword (unsigned, attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki) (大太刀〈無銘伝豊後友行〉) is an unsigned odachi great sword of the Nanbokucho period attributed to Tomoyuki of Bungo, owned by Oyamazumi Shrine in Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, which in 1958 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade, first designated under the old system in 1901.
According to Oyamazumi Shrine, it is designated with its nodachi mounting, was used by Omori Hikoshichi and was offered by Omori Naoharu.
The Blade
According to the shrine, it is ridged with a rounded back, an even curve and a large point. The steel shows a wood grain mixed with large patterns and crystals; the temper line mixes small irregularities and gentle waves with small crystals. Grooves with rounded ends are carved on both faces.
The tang is unaltered, with file marks sloping down and a chestnut-shaped end.
What to Look For
The shrine notes that its steel and edge are excellent and that it is so sound that more than one shaku (about 40 centimetres) of the original edge survives unsharpened; it is judged to be the work of Tomoyuki of Bungo in the Nanbokucho period.
The shrine holds many arms and armour, including the oldest armour in Japan, from the mid-Heian period, and Omishima is known as the island of National Treasures.
Visiting the Odachi Great Sword (unsigned, attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki)
Check Oyamazumi Shrine's announcements for display.
Q&A
- When was the odachi designated a National Treasure?
- On 8 February 1958.
- Whose was it?
- Omori Hikoshichi's, offered by Omori Naoharu.
- What is designated with it?
- Its nodachi mounting.
- How sound is it?
- More than 40 cm of original edge survives.
- Who made it?
- Unsigned, but attributed to Tomoyuki of Bungo.
Basic Information
| Name | Odachi Great Sword (unsigned, attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki) (大太刀〈無銘伝豊後友行〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Oyamazumi Shrine, 3327 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1958/2/8 (Showa 33); earlier designation 1901/3/27 |
| Quantity | 1 blade (with nodachi mounting) |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Oyamazumi Shrine |
| Public Access | Check display with the shrine |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Odachi attributed to Tomoyuki (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/518
- Oyamazumi Shrine: Treasure House (Japanese)
- https://oomishimagu.jp/treasure/
Last verified: 2026.09.30