A Giant Nodachi Offered by an Emperor
The Odachi Great Sword (signed Senjuin Nagayoshi, 1366) (大太刀〈銘貞治五年丙午千手院長吉〉) is an odachi great sword of the Nanbokucho period by Senjuin Nagayoshi, owned by Oyamazumi Shrine in Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 135.7 centimetres long with a curvature of 4.8 centimetres, first designated under the old system in 1911.
According to the Agency, a long signature on the inner face dates it to 1366.
The Blade
According to the Agency, it is ridged with a roof-shaped back, strongly curved towards the tip, with a large point. The steel shows a flowing wood grain tending to straight grain, with crystals and dark patches; the temper line mixes small half-circles and small irregularities, full of legs and leaves.
Grooves with lowered ends run on both faces and end in rounded stops. The tang is unaltered, with two peg holes. The blade measures 135.7 centimetres, with a curvature of 4.8 centimetres, 4.1 centimetres wide at the base and 3.0 centimetres at the tip, a point of 6.8 centimetres and a tang of 37.6 centimetres.
What to Look For
The Agency calls it a representative example of the nodachi great swords fashionable in the Nanbokucho period, and admires the skill that forged so long a blade without flaw and in sound condition.
The Agency notes the tradition that Emperor Gomurakami offered it to Oyamazumi Shrine.
Visiting the Odachi Great Sword (signed Senjuin Nagayoshi, 1366)
Check Oyamazumi Shrine's announcements for display.
Q&A
- When was the odachi designated a National Treasure?
- On 31 March 1953.
- How long is it?
- 135.7 cm.
- When was it made?
- In 1366, according to its signature.
- What is a nodachi?
- A very long sword fashionable in the Nanbokucho period.
- What is its history?
- Said to have been offered to the shrine by Emperor Gomurakami.
Basic Information
| Name | Odachi Great Sword (signed Senjuin Nagayoshi, 1366) (大太刀〈銘貞治五年丙午千手院長吉〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Oyamazumi Shrine, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/3/31 (Showa 28); earlier designation 1911/4/17 |
| Quantity | 1 blade |
| Dimensions | 135.7 cm long, curvature 4.8 cm, 4.1 cm wide at the base |
| Owner | Oyamazumi Shrine |
| Public Access | Check display with the shrine |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Odachi by Senjuin Nagayoshi (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/403
- Cultural Heritage Online: Odachi by Senjuin Nagayoshi (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/148488
Last verified: 2026.09.30