The Only Known Jūyō Wakizashi by Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo

A Museum Class Masterpiece of the Satsuma Tradition

Every once in a great while, a Japanese sword emerges that transcends its role as a collectible and becomes a true historical treasure. This extraordinary NBTHK Jūyō Tōken wakizashi by Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo, also known as Ichinohira Yasuyo, is one of those rare masterpieces.

Recognised during the 41st NBTHK Jūyō Tōken Session, this blade represents the highest achievements of the Satsuma sword tradition and embodies the artistry of one of the most celebrated swordsmiths of the Edo period. It is not simply an Important Sword. It is a benchmark for Yasuyo's craftsmanship.

A Swordsmith Honoured by the Tokugawa Shogunate

Ippei Yasuyo was born in 1680 in Satsuma Province as the eldest son of Ippei Yasutaka. He first studied under his father before further developing his skills within the renowned Naminohira tradition. His extraordinary talent soon attracted national attention.

In 1721, Yasuyo was summoned to Edo together with the distinguished Satsuma swordsmith Masakiyo. Their work impressed the Tokugawa government, and Yasuyo's craftsmanship was recognised by the eighth Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune.

As a mark of exceptional distinction, Yasuyo received permission to engrave the Ichiyō Aoi Mon, the single leaf hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa family, on the tangs of his finest swords. Only a select number of swordsmiths in Japanese history received this extraordinary privilege.

This wakizashi proudly bears that rare engraved crest above its beautifully preserved signature: 主馬首一平安代, Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo.

The combination of a fully preserved signature, original ubu tang, and Tokugawa Aoi crest makes this sword exceptionally desirable for collectors and museums alike.

A Unique Place in Japanese Sword History

Rarity alone does not determine importance. It is the combination of rarity, quality, historical significance, and official recognition that creates a truly exceptional sword.

At the time of writing, only thirteen swords by Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo have been designated NBTHK Jūyō Tōken. Among those thirteen Important Swords, this blade is believed to be the only wakizashi.

That distinction places this sword in a category of its own. Rather than being simply another Important Sword by Yasuyo, it represents a unique reference work within his entire recognised corpus of Jūyō masterpieces. For advanced collectors of Satsuma swords, opportunities of this calibre are extraordinarily rare.

A Blade That Defines Yasuyo's Art

The NBTHK appraisal leaves little doubt regarding the significance of this wakizashi. The blade is forged in a beautifully compact ko itame hada enriched with abundant ji nie and countless fine chikei. One of its most remarkable characteristics is the rich, dark appearance of the steel, often described by Japanese connoisseurs as kurogane.

This darker steel is highly unusual among Shintō period swords and gives the blade an appearance more commonly associated with the finest Koto masterpieces. The jihada is further enhanced by traces of imozuru, the distinctive sweet potato vine forging activity found almost exclusively in the Satsuma tradition. This subtle feature is one of the hallmarks that experienced collectors immediately associate with the finest Satsuma workmanship.

The hamon is equally impressive. A refined suguha with gentle notare movement forms the foundation for a spectacular display of activity. Thick, brilliant nie illuminate the hardened edge, while long nie suji, vivid kinsuji, and flowing sunagashi create a constantly changing landscape within the steel. These activities are precisely what Yasuyo is celebrated for and represent the highest level of Satsuma metallurgy.

Praise from the NBTHK

The Jūyō appraisal repeatedly emphasises the exceptional quality of both the forging and tempering. Among its strongest statements are: "Yasuyo's true abilities are displayed here without the slightest reservation," and "Both the ji and ha are healthy and exhibit exceptionally superior workmanship."

Such praise is significant. The NBTHK reserves this language for blades that fully represent a swordsmith at the height of his abilities. Rather than merely confirming authenticity, the appraisal identifies this wakizashi as a representative masterpiece of Yasuyo's career.

A Koshirae Created for a Personal Collection

Equally remarkable is the bespoke koshirae accompanying the blade. This mounting was commissioned by Mr. Kei Uchihara, President of Touken Takarado, for what was originally intended to become part of his own personal collection.

Rather than using newly produced fittings, Mr. Uchihara carefully selected antique components that harmonise around the theme of the Shishi, the mythical guardian lion symbolising courage, strength, and protection.

The tsuka is wrapped in the prestigious Jabara maki style, one of the most technically demanding forms of traditional tsukamaki. Its elegant two tone silk wrap, combined with exceptional Shishi fittings and a beautifully lacquered saya decorated with floral motifs, creates a mounting that complements the blade without overshadowing it. The project was supervised by a retired Mukansa ranked tsukamakishi, ensuring that every element met the highest standards of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The result is not merely a sword mounting but a work of art worthy of the blade it houses.

An Exceptional Opportunity

Finding an authentic sword by Ippei Yasuyo is already uncommon. Finding a signed example bearing the Tokugawa Aoi crest is considerably rarer. Finding one that has achieved NBTHK Jūyō Tōken designation is rarer still.

To encounter what is believed to be the only Jūyō designated wakizashi by Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo makes this sword an extraordinary opportunity for the serious collector. Its exceptional state of preservation, fully preserved signature, original ubu tang, powerful Satsuma character, outstanding Jūyō appraisal, and museum quality custom koshirae combine to create a sword that stands among the finest surviving works of this celebrated master.

More than three hundred years after it was forged, this remarkable wakizashi continues to demonstrate why Shume no Kami Ippei Yasuyo is regarded as one of the greatest swordsmiths of the Satsuma tradition, and why this blade deserves its place among the most important Japanese swords in private hands today. View the wakizashi in our collection at /shop/juyo-token-wakizashi-by-shume-no-kami-ippei-yasuyomasterpiece-of-the-satsuma-tradition.

Exclusively presented by Kyodai Originals. Museum grade Japanese swords.