From Gorgeous Elegance to Eccentric Designs: Welcome to the World of "Koshirae" – Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords" at Nagoya Sword World
Token Corporation will host the special exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords" at the Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Sword World" from June 11 (Thursday) to July 7 (Tuesday), 2026. A total of 31 diverse sword mountings (koshirae) will be on display, including the Important Sword Mounting "Kin-Nashiji Saya Uchigatana Koshirae" and the "Shunuri Koigata Saya Tanto Koshirae." A workshop led by tsukamaki craftsman Naoya Hirayama is also scheduled for July 4 (Saturday).
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Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
The attire that adorns Japanese swords—decorations that wrap around the sword including the hilt (tsuka), scabbard (saya), and handguard (tsuba)—are collectively referred to as "koshirae" (sword mountings). The Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Sword World" (located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; hereinafter referred to as "the Museum") will host the special exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords" in the Special Exhibition Room on the 4th floor of the North Building from June 11 (Thursday) to July 7 (Tuesday), 2026. This exhibition displays a wide variety of koshirae all in one place, ranging from masterpieces with elegant designs to unique, unconventional appearances. Visitors can enjoy the world of "attire" that has adorned sword culture, as well as the craftsmanship and design infused into the details.
Highlights of the Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
Enjoy the Beautiful Designs of Supreme Masterpieces
[Important Sword Mounting] Kin-Nashiji Saya Uchigatana Koshirae
Because Japanese swords differ entirely in size and length depending on their type, such as "tachi" or "uchigatana," various koshirae were produced to fit each sword. Over time, decorative koshirae for appreciation with splendid adornments were created, transitioning from mere practicality to "sword attire" pursuing decorative beauty.
The "Kin-Nashiji Saya Uchigatana Koshirae" is a masterpiece designated as an [Important Sword Mounting] by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords. The scabbard is made using a lacquer technique called kin-nashiji (gold pear-skin ground), creating a brilliant beauty that captures the eye. The accompanying metal fittings were crafted by Iwamoto Konkan, a metalworker active during the mid-to-late Edo period, with exquisite designs applied throughout.
Looking Like a Fish? A Unique and Unconventional Koshirae
Shunuri Koigata Saya Tanto Koshirae
A total of 31 koshirae will be on display in this exhibition. Among them, a particularly unique piece is the "Shunuri Koigata Saya Tanto Koshirae," which resembles a fish. This fish is modeled after a carp, and is believed to have been incorporated into the design as a symbol of good luck, based on the saying that "a carp climbs a waterfall to become a dragon." It is a highly unconventional koshirae that shows a playful spirit, with small fish hidden not only in its overall shape but also in its minute details.
The World of Koshirae Showcased through Design
[Important Small Metal Fitting] Kin-Nashiji Hoo-mon Makie Raden Efu-Tachi Koshirae / Kuro-Ishimeji Waka Kin-Makie Saya Tachi Koshirae
Sanko-Tsuka Ken Koshirae / Kuro-Roro-nuri Saya Wakizashi Koshirae (Marujiri) Tsuba
Kin-Nashiji Aoi-Karabusa-mon Makie Naginata Saya
Saber Koshirae (Sword, signed Kaneyoshi saku)
Other highlights include the "Kin-Nashiji Hoo-mon Makie Raden Efu-Tachi Koshirae" featuring gorgeous phoenix maki-e lacquerware, the "Kuro-Ishimeji Waka Kin-Makie Saya Tachi Koshirae" which boldly features the characters of waka poetry, and the "Kuro-Roro-nuri Saya Wakizashi Koshirae (Marujiri) Tsuba" with its beautiful openwork. Every single koshirae is full of features to see. Please enjoy the beauty of superb craftsmanship down to the finest detail, unique to "the attire of Japanese swords."
Related Event: Workshop by Tsukamaki Master Mr. Hirayama
*Image is for illustrative purposes.
As a related project for this exhibition, a workshop by tsukamaki master Mr. Hirayama will be held on July 4 (Saturday) to experience the art of "tsukamaki" (hilt wrapping), which is essential to koshirae.
Details and how to participate will be announced on the official website and official social media channels.
Instructor: Mr. Naoya Hirayama (Tsukamaki Master Misen)
Exhibition Name
Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
Venue
3-35-43 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Sword World"
Closed Days
Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed on the following weekday. Note: The museum will be temporarily open on July 6 [Monday])
Opening Hours
10:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Admission Fees
- Adults: 1,200 yen
- College & High School Students: 500 yen
- Junior High & Elementary School Students: 300 yen (Preschool children: Free)
- Seniors (65 and older): 1,000 yen
- Persons with Disabilities (including 1 caregiver): Free (Please present disability certificate)
- Groups (20 or more): 300 yen discount for adults / 100 yen discount for others
Access
- 10-minute walk from Yaba-cho Station on the Nagoya City Subway Meijo Line
- 9-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Nagoya City Subway Tsurumai Line
- 12-minute walk from Fushimi Station on the Nagoya City Subway Higashiyama Line
Official Website
https://www.meihaku.jp/event-koshiraeten/
Official Social Media
- X: https://x.com/meihaku_touken
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meihaku.touken/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meihaku.touken
Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
The attire that adorns Japanese swords—decorations that wrap around the sword including the hilt (tsuka), scabbard (saya), and handguard (tsuba)—are collectively referred to as "koshirae" (sword mountings). The Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Sword World" (located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; hereinafter referred to as "the Museum") will host the special exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords" in the Special Exhibition Room on the 4th floor of the North Building from June 11 (Thursday) to July 7 (Tuesday), 2026. This exhibition displays a wide variety of koshirae all in one place, ranging from masterpieces with elegant designs to unique, unconventional appearances. Visitors can enjoy the world of "attire" that has adorned sword culture, as well as the craftsmanship and design infused into the details.
Highlights of the Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
Enjoy the Beautiful Designs of Supreme Masterpieces
[Important Sword Mounting] Kin-Nashiji Saya Uchigatana Koshirae
Because Japanese swords differ entirely in size and length depending on their type, such as "tachi" or "uchigatana," various koshirae were produced to fit each sword. Over time, decorative koshirae for appreciation with splendid adornments were created, transitioning from mere practicality to "sword attire" pursuing decorative beauty.
The "Kin-Nashiji Saya Uchigatana Koshirae" is a masterpiece designated as an [Important Sword Mounting] by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords. The scabbard is made using a lacquer technique called kin-nashiji (gold pear-skin ground), creating a brilliant beauty that captures the eye. The accompanying metal fittings were crafted by Iwamoto Konkan, a metalworker active during the mid-to-late Edo period, with exquisite designs applied throughout.
Looking Like a Fish? A Unique and Unconventional Koshirae
Shunuri Koigata Saya Tanto Koshirae
A total of 31 koshirae will be on display in this exhibition. Among them, a particularly unique piece is the "Shunuri Koigata Saya Tanto Koshirae," which resembles a fish. This fish is modeled after a carp, and is believed to have been incorporated into the design as a symbol of good luck, based on the saying that "a carp climbs a waterfall to become a dragon." It is a highly unconventional koshirae that shows a playful spirit, with small fish hidden not only in its overall shape but also in its minute details.
The World of Koshirae Showcased through Design
[Important Small Metal Fitting] Kin-Nashiji Hoo-mon Makie Raden Efu-Tachi Koshirae / Kuro-Ishimeji Waka Kin-Makie Saya Tachi Koshirae
Sanko-Tsuka Ken Koshirae / Kuro-Roro-nuri Saya Wakizashi Koshirae (Marujiri) Tsuba
Kin-Nashiji Aoi-Karabusa-mon Makie Naginata Saya
Saber Koshirae (Sword, signed Kaneyoshi saku)
Other highlights include the "Kin-Nashiji Hoo-mon Makie Raden Efu-Tachi Koshirae" featuring gorgeous phoenix maki-e lacquerware, the "Kuro-Ishimeji Waka Kin-Makie Saya Tachi Koshirae" which boldly features the characters of waka poetry, and the "Kuro-Roro-nuri Saya Wakizashi Koshirae (Marujiri) Tsuba" with its beautiful openwork. Every single koshirae is full of features to see. Please enjoy the beauty of superb craftsmanship down to the finest detail, unique to "the attire of Japanese swords."
Related Event: Workshop by Tsukamaki Master Mr. Hirayama
*Image is for illustrative purposes.
As a related project for this exhibition, a workshop by tsukamaki master Mr. Hirayama will be held on July 4 (Saturday) to experience the art of "tsukamaki" (hilt wrapping), which is essential to koshirae.
Details and how to participate will be announced on the official website and official social media channels.
Instructor: Mr. Naoya Hirayama (Tsukamaki Master Misen)
Exhibition Name
Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
Venue
3-35-43 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Sword World"
Closed Days
Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed on the following weekday. Note: The museum will be temporarily open on July 6 [Monday])
Opening Hours
10:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Admission Fees
- Adults: 1,200 yen
- College & High School Students: 500 yen
- Junior High & Elementary School Students: 300 yen (Preschool children: Free)
- Seniors (65 and older): 1,000 yen
- Persons with Disabilities (including 1 caregiver): Free (Please present disability certificate)
- Groups (20 or more): 300 yen discount for adults / 100 yen discount for others
Access
- 10-minute walk from Yaba-cho Station on the Nagoya City Subway Meijo Line
- 9-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Nagoya City Subway Tsurumai Line
- 12-minute walk from Fushimi Station on the Nagoya City Subway Higashiyama Line
Official Website
https://www.meihaku.jp/event-koshiraeten/
Official Social Media
- X: https://x.com/meihaku_touken
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meihaku.touken/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meihaku.touken
Special Exhibition "Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords"
FAQ
When is the special exhibition 'Koshirae: The Attire Wrapping Japanese Swords' held?
It is held from June 11 (Thursday) to July 7 (Tuesday), 2026. The museum is closed on Mondays, except for July 6, when it will be open.
Where is the exhibition venue?
It is held at the Nagoya Sword Museum 'Nagoya Sword World' located at 3-35-43 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.
What are the highlights of the exhibition?
A total of 31 Koshirae items are displayed, including the Important Sword Fitting 'Kin-nashiji-ji-saya Uchigatana-koshirae' and the unique carp-motif 'Shurunuri Koigata-saya Tanto-koshirae'.
How much is the admission fee?
General admission is 1,200 yen, seniors (65+) pay 1,000 yen, college/high school students pay 500 yen, and junior high/elementary school students pay 300 yen. Preschoolers and disabled guests (plus one assistant) enter for free.
Are there any related events scheduled during the exhibition?
Yes, a workshop on sword-grip wrapping (Tsukamaki) by artisan Mr. Naoya Hirayama (Tsukamaki-shi Misen) will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026.