Meeting Odenta Mitsuyo - The Premier of the Five Great Swords

Japan is home to countless legendary swords, but at the pinnacle stand the "Tenka Goken" or Five Great Swords of Japan. These five blades - Dojigiri Yasutsuna, Mikazuki Munechika, Onimaru Kunitsuna, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu, and Odenta Mitsuyo - transcend their role as mere weapons to embody the crystallization of Japanese culture, continuing to captivate people to this day.

Among these legendary blades, Odenta Mitsuyo stands out for its particularly mystical history and is truly a "living" National Treasure. You can encounter this 900-year-old masterpiece at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa.

The Pinnacle of Heian Period Craftsmanship - An Exceptional Form

Odenta Mitsuyo was forged during the late Heian period (around 1081-1084) by the swordsmith Miike Tenta Mitsuyo, who worked in Miike, Chikugo Province (present-day Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture). With a blade length of 66.0cm, curvature of 2.7cm, and base width of 3.5cm, these dimensions were highly unusual for the period. Shorter than typical Heian tachi yet broader in width, this distinctive form evokes the powerful image of a dragon ascending to heaven.

Most remarkable are the wide, shallow grooves called "Miike-hi" carved on both sides of the blade. These are not mere decoration but represent sophisticated craftsmanship that achieves both weight reduction and acoustic effects - producing a distinctive sound when the sword is swung. It is said that when wielded, the blade produces a sound reminiscent of a dragon's roar.

The steel exhibits a whitish tone called "shirakegokoro," characteristic of the Miike school, creating an almost snow-like beauty. The hamon (temper line) is a fine straight pattern, and upon close inspection, complex features called "hotsure" and "kinsuji" can be observed, testament to Mitsuyo's exceptional technique.

Legends of a Spiritual Sword That Captivated Rulers

Odenta's history begins as a treasure of the Muromachi Shogunate. The Ashikaga shoguns treasured it as one of their three sacred regalia, alongside Onimaru Kunitsuna and Futatsu-mei Norimune, passing it down through generations.

The most famous legend comes from the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When Gohime, daughter of Maeda Toshiie, fell gravely ill, Hideyoshi placed Odenta by her bedside. Miraculously, Gohime recovered from her illness. From this event onward, Odenta became known as a "spiritual sword that repels evil and disease."

Another legend tells of supernatural occurrences in the thousand-mat corridor of Fushimi Castle that troubled many samurai. However, when Maeda Toshiie passed through wearing Odenta at his side, nothing unusual happened. These stories elevated Odenta beyond a mere weapon to a sacred blade believed to possess special protective powers.

In 1598, on his deathbed, Hideyoshi bequeathed Odenta to his most trusted retainer, Maeda Toshiie. For over 420 years since, the Maeda family has carefully preserved this treasure as one of the "Three Sacred Treasures of Kaga Domain."

Why It Became a National Treasure - Its Unparalleled Value

Odenta was designated a National Treasure in 1957 for several compelling reasons.

First, it is the only extant signed work by the first-generation Miike Tenta Mitsuyo. The three characters "Mitsuyo saku" (made by Mitsuyo) inscribed on the tang serve as precious evidence of the technical standards of Kyushu swordsmiths in the late Heian period.

Second, it has a clear provenance spanning from the Muromachi Shogunate through the Toyotomi regime to the Maeda family. Swords with documented ownership records spanning over 600 years are extremely rare.

Third, as one of the Five Great Swords, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese sword culture. Its artistic value and historical importance are unmatched.

Interestingly, while the Maeda family had long restricted physical examination of the sword, its value was recognized and National Treasure status granted based solely on photographic documentation - an exceptional circumstance that demonstrates how self-evident Odenta's value was.

Encountering a National Treasure in Kanazawa - Viewing Guide at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Currently owned by the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation in Tokyo, Odenta is publicly displayed at the Maeda Ikutokukai Sonkeikaku Bunko Branch within the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art. Located in Kanazawa's cultural zone in Dewa-machi, this museum enjoys an excellent location just a 5-minute walk from Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens.

Odenta is displayed during "Weapons and Armor" themed exhibitions, but display periods are limited for conservation reasons. We strongly recommend calling the museum (076-231-7580) to confirm exhibition status before your visit.

When viewing, first observe the overall form and feel the powerful presence created by its distinctively short and broad blade. Next, approach closer to observe the "shirakegokoro" in the steel and the fine details of the hamon. If possible, viewing from different angles allows you to enjoy how the blade's expression changes with light reflection.

The Ultimate Cultural Experience Combined with Kanazawa Tourism

Incorporating a viewing of Odenta as a highlight of your Kanazawa tourism creates an enriched cultural experience.

Recommended route: Morning stroll through Kenrokuen Garden (beautiful in every season) → View Odenta at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art → Lunch at the museum's "Le Musée de H" (produced by world-renowned patissier Tsujiguchi Hironobu) → Afternoon visit to 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa → Evening exploration of Higashi Chaya District's traditional streetscape.

Access from Tokyo is about 2.5 hours via Hokuriku Shinkansen. From Kanazawa Station, it's 15 minutes by bus to "Hirosaka/21st Century Museum" stop, then a 5-minute walk. Using the "Machinori" rental bicycle system allows for more flexible exploration of Kanazawa.

For international visitors, the museum provides multilingual pamphlets (English, Chinese, Korean, French, Italian). The "Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport" (1-day pass ¥520) offers access to 17 cultural facilities at a discount.

A Japanese Treasure for Eternity

Odenta Mitsuyo is not merely an ancient sword. It is a living cultural treasure that crystallizes 900 years of Japanese history, the samurai spirit, and exceptional craftsmanship. This blade, cherished by major figures in Japanese history - the Muromachi shoguns, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the Maeda clan - continues to quietly yet powerfully tell the story of Japanese culture's depth.

When visiting Kanazawa, be sure to experience an encounter with this National Treasure. The overwhelming presence and beauty that only the actual blade possesses - something photographs and descriptions cannot fully convey - will surely become an unforgettable memory.