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Tenka-Goken
Tenka-Goken
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The Tenka-Goken (天下五剣; "Five [Greatest] Swords under Heaven") are a group of five Japanese swords.[1] Three are National Treasures of Japan, one an Imperial Property, and one a holy relic of Nichiren Buddhism. Among the five, some regard Dōjigiri as "the yokozuna of all Japanese swords" along with Ōkanehira (ja:大包平).[2]

Origin

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As of 2017, the term is widely-recognized among Japanese sword connoisseurs. For example, the national institute uses the word in an explanation for Mikazuki.[3] Although some researchers claim the term dates back to the Muromachi period (1333–1573),[2] its origin is unknown. Suiken Fukunaga cites a book Yorozu Kaimono Chohōki (万買物調方記) written in the fifth year of Genroku (1692–1693),[4] so the term is traceable back to at least the late 17th century if the citation is to be believed.

Kanzan Sato commented, in terms of pure quality from the viewpoint of modern sword connoisseurs, although they are undoubtedly five of the greatest swords, it is doubtful whether they are the five greatest swords.[5] He guessed the criteria of this selection include the values of legends associated to these famous swords.[5]

List

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Sometimes the selection differs from the following list. For instance, a list by Kanzan Sato includes Ichigo-hitofuri Yoshimitsu (一期一振吉光), an Imperial Property of Japan, instead of Onimaru [6] (although in other parts of the same book Sato contradicts himself and uses the same list as the following [2][5]).

All five swords in this list are included in the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō, a sword catalogue commissioned by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and compiled by the Hon'ami clan, who were renowned authorities in sword appraisal. Swords listed in the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō are traditionally given the honorary title meibutsu (名物; "celebrated item"), which is prefixed to their names.[7] Named Japanese swords are typically referred to in combination with the name of their swordsmith. For example, the Dōjigiri, one of the Tenka-Goken included in the catalogue, is referred to as Meibutsu Dōjigiri Yasutsuna (名物童子切安綱; "celebrated Dōjigiri Yasutsuna").[8]

Name Signature Bladesmith Classification Note
Dōjigiri (童子切; "Slayer of Shuten-dōji") 安綱 Hōki-no-Kuni Yasutsuna (伯耆国安綱) National Treasure 10–12th century.[8] Tachi. Length 80.0 cm, curvature 2.7 cm.[8] Owned by Tokyo National Museum.[8] Legends say Minamoto no Yorimitsu killed the monster Shuten-dōji with this sword.[2] Sometimes it is called "the yokozuna of all Japanese swords" because of its perfection; it is of great historical value as one of the oldest extant katana-type weapons, the quality and the artistic value of the blade is exquisite, it has been kept in good preservation, and the legend tied to the sword is notable.[2]
Onimaru (鬼丸; "Demon Circle") 國綱 Awataguchi Sakon-no-Shōgen Kunitsuna (粟田口左近将監国綱) Imperial Property Tachi. Length 78.3 cm.[9] Owned by the Imperial Household Agency. Along with Ōdenta and Futatsu-mei, the sword was considered to be one of the three regalia swords of the shōguns of the Ashikaga clan.[6][9] The epic Taiheiki includes a story that the sword moved by itself and killed an oni demon who was cursing Hōjō Tokimasa, from which the name Onimaru came.[9]
Mikazuki (三日月; "Crescent Moon") 三条 Sanjō Kokaji Munechika (三条小鍛冶宗近) National Treasure 10–12th century.[3] Tachi. Length 80 cm, curvature 2.7 cm, scabbard length 85.3 cm.[3] Owned by Tokyo National Museum.[3] It is called Mikazuki because of its "crescent-moon-shaped pattern (J. mikazuki) of the tempering".[3] Stated to be the favorite sword of the 13th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, and the sword with which he valiantly fought his final battle.
Ōdenta (大典太; "Great Denta" or "The Best among Swords Forged by Denta") 光世作 Miike Denta Mitsuyo (三池典太光世) National Treasure Tachi. Length 66.1 cm, curvature 2.7 cm.[6] Owned by Maeda Ikutokukai. Along with Onimaru and Futatsu-mei, the sword was considered to be one of the three regalia swords of the shoguns of the Ashikaga clan.[6] Later passed down to Maeda Toshiie.[6] A legend says the sword healed a daughter of Toshiie and another legend says birds never try to approach to a warehouse where this sword is stored.[6]
Juzumaru (数珠丸; "Rosary") 恒次 Aoe Tsunetsugu (青江恒次) Important Cultural Property Tachi. Length 81.08 cm, curvature 3.0 cm.[5] Owned by Honkōji Temple, Amagasaki.[5] The name came from a legend that Nichiren adorned the sword with a juzu (a loop of prayer beads) to cleanse evil spirits.[5]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Tenka-Goken (天下五剣), translating to "Five Swords under Heaven," is a revered group of five legendary swords from medieval , celebrated for their superior craftsmanship, historical provenance, and ties to lore and supernatural legends. The term "Tenka-Goken" itself originated in the Meiji period (1868–1912), grouping these historically renowned blades. Forged primarily during the late Heian (794–1185) and early (1185–1333) periods by master smiths, these blades exemplify the evolution of Japanese swordmaking techniques, featuring distinctive hamon (temper lines) and jihada (grain patterns) that contributed to their fame. The swords gained prominence during the (1336–1573) and were later documented in records like the Kyōhō Meibutsu Chō (1719), a catalog of renowned blades from the , and were often owned by shoguns, emperors, and temples, symbolizing power, protection, and divine favor. The five swords are: , a forged by Yasutsuna in the 10th–12th century and housed at the , famed for slaying the demon Shuten-dōji; Mikazuki Munechika, another by Sanjō Munechika from the mid-, also at the , noted for its crescent-moon hamon patterns; Ōdenta Mitsuyo, a attributed to Miike Denta Mitsuyo in the late , preserved by the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation, legendary for its healing properties; Onimaru Kunitsuna, an Imperial Property crafted by Awataguchi Kunitsuna in the , held by the and believed to ward off demons; and Juzumaru Tsunetsugu, an by Aoe Tsunetsugu from the , enshrined as a holy relic at Honkōji Temple in , linked to the founder of .

Origin and History

Etymology and Definition

The term Tenka-Goken (天下五剣) literally translates to "Five Swords Under Heaven," signifying a quintet of legendary Japanese swords regarded as surpassing all others in fame, , and cultural reverence. This designation underscores their exalted position in Japanese history, where "tenka" evokes the vast expanse under the heavens, implying universal supremacy, while "goken" simply denotes five blades of exceptional renown. Conceptually, Tenka-Goken serves as a collective for these swords, selected not primarily for metrics of technical superiority such as edge sharpness or balance, but for their intertwined historical narratives, artistic mastery, and mythical allure that embody the soul of samurai culture. These blades represent timeless treasures, each carrying legends of heroic deeds, divine origins, or imperial ownership that elevate them beyond mere weapons to symbols of Japan's feudal heritage. The formal grouping of the Tenka-Goken as a distinct set first emerged in the early during the , when sword connoisseurs and appraisers began cataloging them as unparalleled exemplars amid a era of relative peace that shifted focus to artistic and historical evaluation of blades. This recognition cemented their status as the zenith of Japanese swordsmanship, influencing subsequent generations of collectors and scholars. The precise first use of the term itself remains debated, with some sources tracing it to the late and others to the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Historical Recognition

The concept of the Tenka-Goken as a distinguished group of five exceptional swords emerged during the (1336–1573), when these blades began to be collectively admired for their superior craftsmanship and storied pasts among and collectors. Although the precise origin of the term "Tenka-Goken" remains debated, with some accounts tracing informal references to this era, the swords themselves gained prominence through oral traditions and early records highlighting their legendary status. Formal recognition of these swords as preeminent masterpieces occurred in 1716 with the compilation of the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō, a comprehensive catalog of renowned Japanese blades commissioned by , the eighth of the . Prepared by the esteemed Honami family of sword appraisers, the catalog documented 248 (celebrated items), including all five swords of the Tenka-Goken—Dōjigiri Yasutsuna, Onimaru Kunitsuna, Mikazuki Munechika, Ōdenta Mitsuyo, and Juzumaru Tsunetsugu—as exemplars of artistic and historical excellence from the Heian to Nanbokuchō periods. This endorsement elevated their status, marking them as objects of national rather than mere weapons. The selection criteria for inclusion in the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō and their designation as the Tenka-Goken focused on factors such as legendary reputation derived from historical anecdotes, prestigious ownership by shoguns, emperors, and , and the aesthetic sophistication of their hamon (temper lines), which showcased intricate patterns like crescent moons or demon motifs. These elements underscored their value as symbols of refinement and imperial authority, distinct from evaluations based on practical combat effectiveness. The composition of the Tenka-Goken has endured with little variation since the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō. This stability reflects the catalog's enduring influence on Japanese sword appraisal traditions.

Descriptions of the Swords

Dōjigiri Yasutsuna

Dōjigiri Yasutsuna is a renowned sword forged by the swordsmith Hōki-no-kuni Yasutsuna during the late , approximately the 10th to 11th century. Yasutsuna, active in the region of Hōki Province, is celebrated for his pioneering techniques in sword-making, establishing a school known for elegant and durable blades that influenced subsequent generations of smiths. This sword exemplifies the superior craftsmanship of the era, with its inscription confirming the maker's identity and origin. The blade measures 80.0 cm in length with a subtle of 2.7 cm, forming a gracefully arched suitable for mounted combat. Its hamon, or temper line, features a straight suguha with slight irregularities and complex variations, including small choji elements, showcasing exceptional control in the differential hardening process that produces a resilient yet sharp edge. The overall construction reflects masterful nie formation and a refined jihada ground , contributing to its status as a pinnacle of Heian . According to legend, Dōjigiri Yasutsuna was wielded by the warrior (also known as Raikō) to behead the notorious demon Shuten-dōji, an ogre who terrorized during the reign of Emperor Ichijō (986–1011). The sword earned its name, meaning "Child Demon Cutter" or "Demon Cutter," from this feat, as Shuten-dōji was depicted as a child-like in , symbolizing its reputed power against supernatural foes. This tale, rooted in medieval narratives, underscores the sword's mythic aura as a demon-slaying artifact. Today, Dōjigiri Yasutsuna is housed in the and was designated a of on January 23, 1933. Its inclusion in the Kyōhō Meibutsuchō, an early 18th-century registry of famed blades, further affirms its historical prestige among sword connoisseurs. Often regarded as the "yokozuna" or of the Tenka-Goken, it represents the of artistry.

Onimaru Kunitsuna

Onimaru Kunitsuna is a historic sword crafted by the renowned swordsmith Awataguchi Kunitsuna during the , around the 13th century. As one of the Tenka-Goken, it features a blade length of 78.3 cm and is distinguished by its exceptional clarity and perfect balance, attributes that made it a prized element of the Ashikaga shogunal regalia. Today, the sword is preserved by the Imperial Household Agency and classified as an Imperial Property, rarely displayed to the public. The name Onimaru, meaning "Demon Circle," reflects its legendary role as a demon queller, stemming from a supernatural incident involving Hōjō Tokimasa, the influential regent and founder of the Hōjō clan. Tormented nightly by visions of a , Tokimasa received guidance in a dream from an old man—manifesting the spirit of the —urging him to cleanse it. Upon doing so, the independently animated, leaping to sever the neck of the lurking in the ceiling beams, thereby lifting the curse and revealing its autonomous protective power. This tale, chronicled in the medieval epic , highlights Onimaru Kunitsuna's mystical agency and enduring reputation as a spiritual guardian among Japanese blades.

Mikazuki Munechika

The Mikazuki Munechika is a renowned sword attributed to the master swordsmith Sanjō Munechika, who worked in Kyoto's Sanjō district during the , approximately between the 10th and 12th centuries. Munechika, one of the earliest documented Japanese swordsmiths, is celebrated for pioneering curved blade designs that influenced subsequent generations of smiths. According to legend, the creation of his works involved divine intervention; Munechika reportedly prayed at the for assistance in forging exceptional blades, receiving help from the deity in the form of a spirit or apprentice figure to achieve unparalleled quality. Physically, the Mikazuki Munechika exemplifies Heian-era craftsmanship with a of 80.0 cm and a (sori) of 2.7 cm, featuring a strong koshi-zori (curvature concentrated in the lower half) that tapers to a more subtle (tip). Its most distinctive feature is the hamon, or temper line, which displays a intricate, minute pattern of clustered (martensite crystals) resembling multiple crescent moons (mikazuki), created through differential hardening that produces undulating white lines along the edge. This aesthetic hamon not only enhances the blade's visual elegance but also underscores its superior forging technique, blending hardness for cutting with flexibility to prevent breakage. The is currently housed in the , where it was donated in 1992 after passing through prominent collections, including those of the Tokugawa shoguns. It was designated a (kokuhō) of on January 19, 1931, recognizing its exceptional artistic and historical value as one of the earliest extant signed blades by a named smith. It is also cataloged in the Edo-period Kyōhō Meibutsuchō, a registry of celebrated sword masterpieces that solidified its fame among connoisseurs. A prominent legend associates the Mikazuki Munechika with , the 13th shogun of the (reigned 1546–1565), who reputedly favored it for its exquisite beauty rather than as a primary weapon of lethality. It is said that Yoshiteru wielded the sword in his final stand during the siege of Nijo Castle on June 17, 1565, when forces led by the and attacked, leading to his ritual suicide () after fierce defense; the blade's graceful appearance is often contrasted with its symbolic role in this tragic moment, emphasizing artistry over brute force.

Ōdenta Mitsuyo

The Ōdenta Mitsuyo is a renowned Japanese tachi sword attributed to the swordsmith Miike Denta Mitsuyo of the Miike school, forged during the late around the 11th century. This blade exemplifies the robust forging techniques of the Miike tradition, known for producing durable weapons suited to the era's warfare. As one of the Tenka-Goken, it served as part of the Ashikaga shogunate's regalia, symbolizing authority and divine favor among the elite. Physically, the Ōdenta Mitsuyo features a compact design with a blade length of 66.1 cm and a curvature of 2.7 cm, making it shorter and wider than typical tachi of the time, which enhanced its maneuverability in close-quarters combat. The inscription "Mitsuyo saku" (光世作) on the tang confirms its attribution, though few signed works from the first-generation Miike Denta survive, underscoring its rarity and historical value. Its broad motif and strong sori (curve) reflect practical adaptations for mounted and foot soldiers during turbulent periods. Currently housed by the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation in , the sword was designated a of on February 19, 1957, recognizing its exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance. The foundation, established to preserve the Maeda clan's heritage, safeguards it as a key artifact from the clan's collection, which acquired the blade during the late 16th century under . The Ōdenta Mitsuyo is uniquely associated with legends of healing and spiritual intensity. In one prominent tale from the Azuchi-Momoyama period, borrowed the sword from and placed it near the pillow of his daughter, Gōhime, who suffered from severe boils; within three days, her condition miraculously healed, only to recur upon its return, prompting Toshiie to retrieve it permanently for her recovery. Another tradition holds that the sword's formidable aura repelled birds from perching on its storage box in Castle's treasury; folklore describes the structure as "Toridomarazu no Kura" (the storehouse where birds do not alight), with birds either avoiding it entirely or perishing upon approach due to the blade's overpowering spiritual presence. These stories highlight the sword's perceived dual nature as both a and a protective .

Juzumaru Tsunetsugu

Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is a renowned attributed to the swordsmith Aoe Tsunetsugu of the Ko-Aoe school, forged during the early around the 13th century. This exemplifies the craftsmanship of the Aoe tradition, known for its robust construction and effective hamon patterns suited to the era's warfare needs. Physically, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu features a of approximately 81.08 cm with a subtle curvature of 3.0 cm, giving it a relatively straight profile compared to later styles, and it is traditionally adorned with on the or . The 's design reflects Kamakura-era aesthetics, with a signed tang (mei) reading "Tsunetsugu," confirming its attribution. Currently, the sword is housed at Honkōji Temple in , , , where it has been preserved since its rediscovery and donation in the early . It holds the status of an Important Cultural Property, designated by the Japanese government on August 29, 1950, recognizing its historical and artistic value. The sword's unique legend ties it to the Buddhist monk , founder of , who received it as a gift from a follower for protection upon entering Mount Minobu in 1274, following his periods of exile. is said to have wrapped around the , using the sword as a staff for purification and to ward off evil spirits, which inspired its name "Juzumaru," meaning "Rosary," symbolizing its role in dispelling iniquity and promoting righteousness.

Significance and Legacy

Cultural Importance

The Tenka-Goken embody a profound symbolic fusion of divine craftsmanship with core elements of Japanese spiritual and martial traditions. Crafted during the Heian and periods, these swords represent the pinnacle of swordsmithing artistry, where reverence for sacred objects intersects with Buddhist notions of purification and , and codes of honor and discipline. For instance, legends associated with blades like Yasutsuna portray them as instruments for slaying demons, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over chaos and the ritual cleansing of impurities, thereby bridging mythological narratives with the . This layered symbolism underscores their status not merely as weapons, but as talismans of spiritual and moral authority, reflecting the intertwined influences of , , and on Japanese cultural identity. Beyond their spiritual resonance, the Tenka-Goken have exerted a lasting influence on Japanese artistic and literary expressions, serving as archetypes of heroic virtue and supernatural prowess. In literature and visual arts, these swords frequently appear as emblems of unparalleled excellence and destiny, inspiring works that explore themes of loyalty, fate, and the sublime beauty of impermanence. Their aesthetic qualities—such as the intricate hamon patterns and jigane textures—elevate them to objects of contemplation, celebrated in historical catalogs like the Kyoho Meibutsucho from the Edo period, which documented renowned blades as cultural icons. In performance arts like Noh theater, swords in general evoke the ethereal power of legendary warriors, with the Tenka-Goken's motifs indirectly informing narratives of divine intervention and martial glory, reinforcing their role in perpetuating samurai ideals across generations. Politically, the Tenka-Goken functioned as that bolstered the legitimacy of feudal rulers, particularly within the Ashikaga and Tokugawa shogunates. Passed among shogunal lineages as treasured heirlooms, they signified continuity with imperial authority and the divine mandate to govern, intertwining martial prowess with symbolic endorsement of the realm's order. Ownership of such blades conferred prestige, linking rulers to ancient craftsmanship and heroic lineages, thereby reinforcing the shogunate's claim to unified control amid turbulent eras. This role as emblems of highlights their enduring societal impact, transforming them into cornerstones of Japan's historical narrative.

Preservation and Current Status

The Tenka-Goken swords are protected under Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, enacted on May 30, 1950, which establishes a designation system to safeguard tangible cultural assets through restrictions on export, alteration, and transfer, along with state subsidies for maintenance. Three of the swords—Dōjigiri Yasutsuna, Mikazuki Munechika, and Ōdenta Mitsuyo—are designated as National Treasures, the highest category for pre-1945 artifacts, requiring rigorous conservation protocols and periodic expert inspections to prevent deterioration. Onimaru Kunitsuna holds the status of Imperial Property under the custody of the Imperial Household Agency, subjecting it to specialized preservation measures that limit public access to protect its historical integrity. Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is classified as an Important Cultural Property, a secondary tier that still mandates detailed documentation and conservation plans to ensure long-term stability. These swords are housed in secure institutional settings with controlled environmental conditions to mitigate age-related wear, such as corrosion from humidity or mechanical stress. Dōjigiri Yasutsuna and Mikazuki Munechika reside in the Tokyo National Museum's collection, where they are exhibited in rotation during special shows to minimize light exposure, typically for periods of a few months every few years, and public handling is strictly prohibited to avoid surface damage. Ōdenta Mitsuyo is preserved by the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation, occasionally loaned for museum displays under similar protective guidelines that include climate-controlled transport and non-contact viewing. Onimaru Kunitsuna remains in the Imperial Household Agency's vaults, accessible only for scholarly study or rare ceremonial purposes, with no routine public viewing to preserve its sanctity. Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is kept at Honkō-ji Temple in Hyōgo Prefecture, displayed annually in November during a brief public opening aligned with temple rituals, under supervised conditions that prevent direct contact. Preservation efforts address the swords' vulnerability to natural disasters and material degradation through targeted restoration, seismic safeguards, and technological documentation. Historical restorations, such as polishing and mounting repairs by certified artisans, have been conducted to counteract centuries of patina and micro-fractures without altering original craftsmanship. Earthquake protections include reinforced storage in vibration-dampening cases and facility retrofits compliant with 's seismic standards, as implemented in museums and temples post-2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to secure artifacts during seismic events. Digital archiving initiatives, such as high-resolution imaging and projects, enable non-invasive study and global dissemination; for instance, the supports scanned replicas of swords to facilitate research while reducing physical handling.

References

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