"We want to see the Hakiomote again." We Answered Your Calls. Special Exhibition of 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' Extended at Nagoya Sword World!

The Nagoya Sword Museum 'Nagoya Sword World' (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) has been alternating the display of the front and back sides of the famous sword 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' during the early and late periods of the special exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen.'

Receiving numerous requests saying, 'We want to see the Hakiomote again,' we have decided to extend the exhibition period, originally scheduled to end on Sunday, May 31, until Friday, June 5. During this extended period, the Hakiomote, which features a magnificent Kurikara dragon engraving, will be re-exhibited.

This 5-day window (June 1 - June 5) is the only opportunity to view the Hakiomote of 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu.' We are also offering museum goods, a 2nd-anniversary lucky bag, and a limited-time menu at the museum cafe 'Uraku.' Please come and visit our museum.

*When wearing a sword, the side facing outward is called 'Hakiomote,' and the side facing inward is called 'Hakiura.'

Exhibition Extended to Friday, June 5: Special Exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen'

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What is the Famous Sword 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu'?

'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' is a Japanese sword forged by Kanemitsu, a swordsmith active during the Nanboku-cho period. It earned the name 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' (Crescent Moon Kanemitsu) due to a crescent moon-like pattern appearing on the blade.

Originally passed down in the Uesugi family as a sword associated with the Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin, it has been cherished as a 'Treasured Sword of the Uesugi Family.' It spent a long time in the United States after World War II, making it a valuable cultural asset that has eventually returned home to Japan.

In this special exhibition, the Hakiomote was displayed in the early period (March 21 - April 27), and the Hakiura in the late period (April 28 - May 31). The exhibition was structured so visitors could see the entire scope of 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' throughout the event. During the extended period (June 1 - June 5), the Hakiomote will be re-exhibited. We encourage those who haven't seen 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' yet, as well as those who only visited during the late period, to take advantage of this opportunity.

Tachi, Signed 'Bishu Osafune Kanemitsu, A day in June, Enbun 5' (Name: Mikazuki Kanemitsu)

Appreciating ALongside 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' | Tracing the Schools of Bizen Swords

The special exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen' introduces not only 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' but also various masterpieces of Bizen swords. To allow visitors to compare the different styles of Bizen swords, the exhibition is organized by school. Visitors can trace the unique characteristics of the Osafune school and swordsmith Kanemitsu, the 'Uesugi Family's 35 Selected Swords,' the Ko-Bizen and Ichimonji schools, the Ugai school, and Bizen swords from the Muromachi period onwards. By viewing the swords in each zone and reading the explanation panels, you can experience the rich history and distinct styles nurtured by Bizen swords.

The Largest School in Bizen Province: The Osafune School and Swordsmith Kanemitsu

The Osafune school is the largest school in Bizen province, emerging in the mid-Kamakura period in Bizen Osafune (current Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture). Mitsutada is considered its practical founder, with Nagamitsu and Kagemitsu laying its foundation. Kanemitsu, the creator of 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu' currently on display, is the son of Kagemitsu and the 4th generation swordsmith of the Osafune school. One of the highlights of the Osafune school is its gorgeous Hamon (blade pattern), and in this zone, you can see works by Mitsutada, Nagamitsu, Kagemitsu, and Kanemitsu's 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu.'

The Treasures of the Uesugi Family: 'Uesugi Family's 35 Selected Swords'

The Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin, who is said to have once possessed 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu,' is known for collecting many famous swords. It is said that his successor, Uesugi Kagekatsu, selected 35 particularly outstanding blades from his adoptive father's collection. These are collectively known as the 'Uesugi Family's 35 Selected Swords' and remain famous in the sword world today. In this zone, we are exhibiting 'Tachi, Signed Kunimune,' which may have been selected as one of these 35 swords.

Explanation of 'Uesugi Family's 35 Selected Swords'

Producing Many Master Craftsmen: The Ko-Bizen and Ichimonji Schools

Blessed with high-quality iron resources since ancient times, Bizen province was a major production center for Japanese swords where many swordsmiths gathered. The Ko-Bizen school is considered one of the oldest, active from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period. It produced master craftsmen such as Tomonari and Masatsune, and in this special exhibition, you can view 'Tachi, Red Signature Tomonari (Name: Hatagami)' by Tomonari.

Furthermore, the Ichimonji school prospered following the lineage of the Ko-Bizen school. The gorgeous and luxurious Hamon 'Juka Choji Midare,' which looks like multiple layers of flower petals, is known as a symbolic style of the Ichimonji school, and you can appreciate its beauty up close.

Explanation of Ko-Bizen and Ichimonji Schools

Characterized by Kyoto-Style Elegance: The Ugai School

The Ugai school operated in the Ugai region of Bizen province (current Mitsu area, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture) from the late Kamakura period to the Nanboku-cho period. Because the swordsmiths commonly used the character for 'Cloud' (Kumo) in their names, they are also called the 'Cloud Class' (Kumorui). Also, the Ugai school produced many neat, straight blade patterns (Suguha), presenting different characteristics from the Osafune school, which was known for its gorgeous Hamon during the same era.

Explanation of the Ugai School

Bizen Swords from the Muromachi Period Onwards

At the end of the Muromachi period, as wars spread across the country, numerous Japanese swords were produced to meet the demand. During this era, Bizen swords reached their peak in both quality and quantity. The Bizen swords produced here are called 'Sue-Bizen,' and master craftsmen such as Sukesada, Tadamitsu, and Katsumitsu were active. In this special exhibition, please pay attention to the differences in styles among the three swordsmiths representing this Sue-Bizen era.

Works of Sue-Bizen

As a Souvenir of Your Visit | Museum Shop Guide

The museum goods for the special exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen' are original items created specifically for this event. Please stop by the museum shop to preserve the memories of your visit or to pick up souvenirs.

Museum Goods for the Special Exhibition

We offer a total of 9 types of items, centering on motifs of 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu,' ranging from practical everyday goods to collectible items. We are also selling the official catalog featuring the highlights of this special exhibition.

Museum Goods, Official Catalog

[List of Museum Goods]

1. Mikazuki Kanemitsu Tang Keychain: 940 yen (tax included)
2. Tote Bag: 1,680 yen (tax included)
3. Cotton Drawstring Bag: 580 yen (tax included)
4. Clear File: 490 yen (tax included)
5. Clear Bookmark (Set of 4): 580 yen (tax included)
6. Sticker Set (6 pieces): 860 yen (tax included)
7. Tea Set in Wooden Box: 1,180 yen (tax included)
8. Mikazuki Kanemitsu Sword Seal (Goshuin): 500 yen (tax included)
9. Tang Acrylic Keychain: 400 yen (tax included) / 1 play *Capsule toy

[Official Catalog]

- Special Exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen' Official Catalog: 1,700 yen (tax included)

Official Online Shop

Sales Extended Due to Popular Demand: 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu Goods Set'

The 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu Goods Set' is a limited-quantity special set packed with museum goods created for the special exhibition. The sales period will also be extended from the original Sunday, May 31, to Friday, June 5. Please take this opportunity to purchase it.

Mikazuki Kanemitsu Tang Keychain, Tote Bag, Cotton Drawstring Bag, Clear File
Clear Bookmarks, Sticker Set, Official Catalog (partial)

[Contents of the Mikazuki Kanemitsu Goods Set]
- Mikazuki Kanemitsu Tang Keychain
- Tote Bag
- Cotton Drawstring Bag
- Clear File
- Clear Bookmark (Set of 4)
- Sticker Set (6 pieces)
- Special Exhibition 'Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Famous Swords of Bizen' Official Catalog
*Limited quantity available; sales will end once stock runs out.

[Price]

5,500 yen (tax included)

Limited Quantity: Open 2nd Anniversary Lucky Bag