Japanese Wakizashi by the 25th Generation Fujiwara Kanefusa January 1986 Gassan School with NBSK Certificate

Wakizashi by the 25th Generation Fujiwara Kanefusa – 1986 (Showa 61)

This elegant wakizashi was forged in January 1986 (Showa 61) by Fujiwara Kanefusa, 25th generation swordsmith of the distinguished Kanefusa lineage, based in Gifu Prefecture. Few families in Japan’s swordmaking tradition can claim such continuity; the Kanefusa name carries a heritage spanning centuries.

The Swordsmith

The smith’s personal name is Kato Kazuo (加藤賀津雄), second son of the 24th generation Kanefusa. In 1975, he began apprenticeship under the great Gassan Sadakazu II (line of Sadakazu / Sadakatsu, represented at the time by Gassan Sadakazu III and Sadatoshi), one of the most respected masters of the modern era and a bearer of Living National Treasure status. Under this demanding tutelage, he absorbed not only advanced forging techniques but also the spirit of classical sword aesthetics.

In 1984, Kato Kazuo established his own forge and formally inherited the title of 25th Generation Fujiwara Kanefusa, continuing his family’s prestigious legacy while blending it with the stylistic refinements of the Gassan school.

Dimensions & Specifications

• Blade length: 36.8 cm (1 shaku, 2 sun, 1 bu)

• Curvature (sori): 0.5 cm

• Width at hamachi (motohaba): 3.25 cm

• Thickness (kasane): 7 mm

• Back ridge (mune): mitsu-mune (three-sided ridge)

• Mekugi-ana: 1

• Era: Showa Period, 1986

• Origin: Gifu Prefecture

Artistic Features

This wakizashi bears all the hallmarks of the Kanefusa tradition: powerful form balanced by elegance. The harmony between length, width, and gentle sori gives it a graceful presence, while the robust kasane ensures strength.

The blade is further distinguished by horimono (carvings), executed with both technical mastery and symbolic intent:

• Omote (front): A plum tree (ume-ju), emblem of renewal and resilience, revered for blossoming amid the winter cold.

• Ura (back): The character Kotobuki (寿), meaning “longevity” or “congratulations,” invoking good fortune and long life.

These motifs are not decorative alone but carry profound auspicious meaning, imbuing the sword with spiritual dimension.

Lineage & Historical Context

The Kanefusa lineage originates in the Mino tradition, one of the great classical schools of Japanese swordsmithing. Across generations, the family upheld and transmitted its methods, adapting to changing times without losing fidelity to the principles of form, balance, and utility.

By the late 20th century, the line had already produced more than twenty generations of smiths. The 25th Kanefusa inherited this responsibility in an era when the sword had become a cultural treasure rather than a battlefield weapon. His work thus bridges two worlds: the continuity of ancient craftsmanship and the refined artistry of modern Japan.

His apprenticeship with the Gassan school—known for its distinctive ayasugi hada and its unbroken prestige—strengthened this bridge. The synthesis of Mino and Gassan traditions gives his works a unique place in the modern sword world.

Recognition & Appreciation

The 25th Kanefusa’s achievements earned him high recognition, including:

• Mukansa Certification – acknowledging his mastery as beyond the need for competitive judging.

• NBSK Special Certificate – further affirming the excellence of his artistry.

This wakizashi, with its ideal proportions, auspicious horimono, and profound lineage, is more than a weapon. It is a living testament to the endurance of Japanese swordmaking, embodying both preservation and renewal. For collectors and connoisseurs, it offers a rare chance to appreciate a blade that stands within centuries of tradition, yet resonates with the artistry of the modern era.