Katana - Japan

Named Katana by Takahashi Hidetsugu (Ryūunshi), Osaka, August 1943

NBTHK Hozon Tōken | Star Mark | Complete Koshirae

An exceptionally fine named katana by the Osaka swordsmith Takahashi Hidetsugu (高橋秀次), who worked under the art name Ryūunshi. The sword is signed and dated August 1943 and is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tōken certificate issued on 28 May 2025.

Hidetsugu studied under the celebrated Gassan Sadakatsu. His training connects him to the Osaka Gassan tradition, which played an important role in preserving classical Japanese swordmaking during the Shōwa period. In 1941, Hidetsugu achieved First Seat at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Tenrankai. This katana was forged only two years later.

Hidetsugu also associated himself with the older Fuyuhiro tradition. Some of his surviving swords identify him as the twenty-third generation descendant of that lineage. His connection to both the historic Fuyuhiro lineage and the modern Osaka Gassan school makes him a particularly interesting twentieth-century swordsmith.

The blade has a powerful and elegant sugata. It measures 66.8 cm in length, with a broad motohaba of 3.15 cm, a substantial motokasane of 7.5 mm and a sori of 1.8 cm. Its width remains a generous 2.30 cm towards the kissaki. The blade shows restrained, classical workmanship and a beautifully composed straight hamon. It is preserved in excellent polish, with the steel and hamon clearly visible.

The nakago is signed 浪花住 龍雲子 高橋秀次作, reading Naniwa-jū Ryūunshi Takahashi Hidetsugu saku: “Made by Ryūunshi Takahashi Hidetsugu, resident of Naniwa, Osaka.”

The reverse is dated 昭和十八年八月吉日, reading Shōwa jūhachi-nen hachigatsu kichijitsu: “A fortunate day in August 1943.”

The nakago retains its original patina and has two mekugi-ana. It also bears a star mark associated with the Japanese Army’s wartime swordsmith system. The star mark is specifically recorded on the NBTHK certificate together with Hidetsugu’s signature and the 1943 date.

The katana is accompanied by an attractive complete traditional koshirae. The deep black lacquered saya, traditionally constructed tsuka with samegawa and dark tsukamaki, complementary metal fittings and tsuba, and blue and white sageo create an elegant presentation. Its civilian-style appearance is distinct from the standard military mounts commonly encountered on wartime swords.

Nagasa: 66.8 cm
Sori: 1.8 cm
Motohaba: 3.15 cm
Motokasane: 7.5 mm
Sakihaba: 2.30 cm
Sakikasane: 5.0 mm
Mekugi-ana: 2
Period: Shōwa 18, August 1943
Place of manufacture: Osaka, Japan

The NBTHK Hozon Tōken certificate, dated 28 May 2025, identifies the katana by its signature and records its August 1943 date and star mark.

This sword combines the work of a nationally recognised Osaka swordsmith with an impressive blade in excellent polish, a complete traditional koshirae, a documented star mark and recent NBTHK Hozon certification. It is a compelling example of traditional Japanese swordmaking from the Shōwa period.