Emura Saku Katana NBTHK Hozon WWII Japanese Army Guntō

EMURA SAKU KATANA NBTHK HOZON

Shōwa Period WWII Japanese Army Guntō

A historically fascinating Japanese military sword combining the martial history of wartime Japan with the craftsmanship of a traditionally forged Japanese blade.

This impressive katana is signed:

江村作 Emura Saku
“Made by Emura”

The sword dates from the Shōwa period and the Second World War and is preserved in its Japanese Army military mounts.

Most importantly, the blade has recently been successfully submitted to the NBTHK and has passed Hozon Tōken shinsa. The official NBTHK Hozon certificate is expected in December 2026.

This provides important recognition of the blade as an authentic Japanese sword worthy of preservation.

Emura and the Okayama Tradition

The name Emura occupies a fascinating position within the history of Japanese wartime sword production.

Emura was associated with Okayama Prison, where a sword-making operation was established during the wartime period. Traditionally forged swords bearing the signature Emura Saku are today a distinct and increasingly appreciated field of study among collectors of both Nihontō and high-quality Japanese military swords.

The Okayama workshop is also historically associated with the respected Rikugun Jumei Tōshō Ichiryūshi Nagamitsu.

The precise organisation of production and the extent to which individual Emura Saku blades were personally forged by Emura have long been subjects of research and discussion. For that reason, this sword is correctly presented according to its actual signature: Emura Saku.

What distinguishes this example further is its successful NBTHK Hozon assessment.

The Blade

The katana has a powerful and substantial sugata, with a wide and thick blade and relatively gentle curvature.

The jigane displays ko-itame hada, while the hamon is an attractive chōji-influenced rounded gunome-midare.

The combination gives the blade considerably more character than one normally associates with mass-produced wartime military swords.

Measurements

Nagasa: 66.8 cm
Sori: 1.8 cm
Motohaba: 3.33 cm
Sakihaba: 2.05 cm
Kasane: 0.78 cm
Mekugi-ana: 1
Blade weight: approx. 785 grams
Habaki: solid copper, one-piece construction

Original Japanese Army Koshirae

The blade is accompanied by its attractive Japanese Army military koshirae.

The mounts retain considerable period character, with the traditional military fittings, tsuka, samegawa and wrapping, metal sakura decoration, suspension ring and military saya.

Rather than being simply a traditionally forged blade without context, the surviving military mounting gives the sword a strong historical presence and preserves its connection to the period in which it was carried.

NBTHK Hozon Tōken

An especially important aspect of this katana is its recent submission to the NBTHK Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai.

The sword has passed NBTHK Hozon Tōken shinsa.

The physical certificate is expected to arrive in December 2026.

This is an important distinction for the collector. While many surviving Japanese military swords exist today, examples combining an Emura Saku blade, traditional construction, wartime military mounts and modern NBTHK Hozon recognition are considerably more desirable.

A Sword with Two Histories

This katana represents two closely connected worlds of Japanese sword collecting.

It is a Nihontō, appreciated for its forging, jigane, hamon and craftsmanship.

At the same time, it is a tangible artefact of Shōwa-period Japanese military history, preserved in the mounts created for that purpose.

With its Emura Saku signature, substantial 66.8 cm blade, characteristic hamon, Japanese Army koshirae and confirmed NBTHK Hozon status, this is an excellent opportunity for the collector seeking a Japanese military sword that goes far beyond the ordinary wartime guntō.

NBTHK Hozon Tōken Passed
Official certificate expected December 2026.

Kyodai Originals Japanese Swords & Samurai Art