A Magnificent Aoe Sword from the Shimazu Family
The Tachi Sword (inscribed Yasutsugu) (太刀〈銘康次〉) is a Kamakura-period tachi sword of the Aoe school at the Hikari Museum in Nakayama-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, which in 1955 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 85.7 centimetres long with a curvature of 3.5 centimetres, designated with its silk-wrapped mounting, owned by Sukyo Mahikari.
Gifu Prefecture gives its location as the Hikari Museum in Takayama.
The Blade
The Agency records a blade 85.7 centimetres long, 3.6 centimetres wide at the base and 2.5 centimetres at the tip, with a point 3.8 centimetres long and a tang of 25.0 centimetres.
According to the Agency, it is the longest of the Aoe school, broad and powerful in form, with a brilliant temper line mixing large and small patterns.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that Ashikaga Yoshiaki gave the sword to Shimazu Yoshihisa, and it was long kept by the Shimazu family of Satsuma.
A gift from the last Muromachi shogun to the lord of Satsuma, it reflects relations between warrior houses in the Warring States period.
Visiting the Tachi Sword (inscribed Yasutsugu)
The sword is at the Hikari Museum; check the museum's schedule for display.
Q&A
- When was the sword designated a National Treasure?
- On 2 February 1955.
- What is distinctive about it?
- The longest of the Aoe school, broad and powerful.
- How big is it?
- 85.7 cm long with a curvature of 3.5 cm.
- What is its history?
- Given by Ashikaga Yoshiaki to Shimazu Yoshihisa and kept by the Shimazu.
- Where is it?
- At the Hikari Museum in Takayama, Gifu.
Basic Information
| Name | Tachi Sword (inscribed Yasutsugu) (太刀〈銘康次〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hikari Museum, Nakayama-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1955/2/2 (Showa 30) |
| Quantity | 1 blade (with silk-wrapped mounting) |
| Dimensions | 85.7 cm long, curvature 3.5 cm, 3.6 cm wide at the base |
| Owner | Sukyo Mahikari |
| Public Access | Check display dates with the museum |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Tachi Inscribed Yasutsugu (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/459
- Gifu Prefecture: Tachi Inscribed Yasutsugu (Japanese)
- https://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/page/355349.html
Last verified: 2026.09.29