An Invitation to Japan's Most Precious Short Sword

In 1350, when Japan was shaken by the turmoil of the Nanbokucho period, a short sword was born in Chikuzen Province (present-day Fukuoka Prefecture). This masterpiece, inscribed with "Kanno Gannen Hachigatsu Hi" (August, First Year of Kanno) by swordsmith Yukihiro, continues to shine quietly at the Tsuchiura City Museum after 675 years.

Reasons for National Treasure Designation and Historical Value

The primary reason this tanto received National Treasure designation in 1957 is its rarity as "the only extant dated work by Yukihiro." Works by Yukihiro, son of Osa who founded the Chikuzen Samonji school, are extremely rare, and this piece with its clear production date has become an indispensable reference work for 14th-century sword history research.

This tanto, measuring 23.5 centimeters in blade length with a hira-zukuri and mitsu-mune construction, features beautiful jihada where itame mixes with mokume, and a complex hamon where ko-midare blends with gunome. Particularly noteworthy is the unique brilliance called "Samonji-hada" appearing in the jihada, with its clear bluish tone creating a beauty unseen in other schools.

The Historical Context of the Kanno Disturbance

The year 1350 (Kanno 1) marked the outbreak of Japan's most complex civil war, the "Kanno Disturbance." The conflict between Ashikaga Takauji and his brother Tadayoshi spread nationwide, while in Kyushu, Takauji's son Tadafuyu established his own power base at Dazaifu.

During such wartime, weapons held meaning beyond mere tools. Not only was battlefield performance required, but also artistic value that demonstrated the owner's status and aesthetic sense. Yukihiro's tanto perfectly answered these demands of the era.

A Special Encounter at Tsuchiura City Museum

Currently, this National Treasure is housed at the Tsuchiura City Museum in Ibaraki Prefecture. Despite excellent access just 50 minutes from Tokyo via the Joban Line, viewing is limited to once a year during the special exhibition "Swords of the Tsuchiura Domain Tsuchiya Family" from late October to early November.

The museum is adjacent to the Tsuchiura Castle ruins (Kijo Park), where you can encounter this National Treasure in a historical setting featuring Kanto's only surviving yagura-mon gate and a 500-year-old camphor tree. Admission is affordable at 200 yen for adults, with free entry for high school students and younger.

Points of Appreciation and Charm

When actually facing this National Treasure, what first catches the eye is the brilliance of the jihada. The flowing mokume within the itame-hada and the ji-nie scattered throughout create a fantastical landscape reminiscent of a starry sky.

Looking at the hamon, surprisingly rich variations are condensed within the short 23.5-centimeter blade - changes from ko-midare to gunome, and reverse patterns near the monouchi. Activities like kinsuji and sunagashi appear throughout, showing different expressions depending on the angle of light.

Surrounding Tourism and Tsuchiura's Attractions

There are plenty of tourist spots to enjoy along with your museum visit. At Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake, you can enjoy sightseeing boats and cycling. The 180-kilometer "Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road" is a globally recognized cycling course.

The Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition held in early November is one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals and sometimes coincides with the National Treasure exhibition period. Local specialties like lotus root cuisine and Lake Kasumigaura river fish are also highlights of your visit.

Access from Overseas and Tourism Information

From Narita Airport, access is available via Narita Express through Tokyo, or direct highway bus to Tsuchiura Station (about 2 hours). From Haneda Airport, the journey takes about 1.5 hours via Shinagawa and Tokyo.

English support at the museum is limited, but English pamphlets are available at the Tsuchiura Station tourist information center. Please note that admission fees are cash only, so prepare Japanese yen in advance.

Transcending 675 Years

The National Treasure "Tanto Mei Chikushu-ju Yukihiro" is not merely an old sword. It symbolizes the spirit of samurai who survived the turbulent 14th century, the exceptional skills of master swordsmiths, and Japan's cultural heritage carefully preserved over 675 years.

The annual special exhibition is a precious opportunity to directly encounter this invaluable cultural heritage. Please visit Tsuchiura and experience the timeless beauty and historical romance of Japanese swords.