Katana - Japan

NBTHK Hozon Minatogawa Shrine Katana Masakiyo Kikusui Gendaitō Imperial Japanese Navy Kaiguntō Mounts June 1942
"A rare shrine-forged gendaitō from the Minatogawa Jinja Tanrensho, crafted by Masakiyo in 1942 and preserved in original Imperial Japanese Navy Kaiguntō mountings."

Masakiyo Minatogawa Shrine Katana Kikusui Tradition NBTHK Hozon
Curatorial Overview
This exceptional katana was produced at the renowned Minatogawa Shrine forging workshop (Minatogawa Jinja Tanrensho) in Kobe. The blade was forged in June of Shōwa 17 (1942) by the shrine swordsmith Masakiyo (正清). Minatogawa shrine swords represent a unique chapter in modern Japanese sword history. During the wartime period, the shrine forge maintained the use of traditional swordmaking techniques and tamahagane steel, producing high-quality gendaitō for officers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Unlike many wartime military swords produced with industrial methods, Minatogawa blades were forged according to the principles of classical Japanese sword craftsmanship. The blade is accompanied by NBTHK Hozon Tōken certification, confirming its authenticity and recognition as a traditionally forged Japanese sword worthy of preservation.

The Minatogawa Shrine Forge
The Minatogawa Shrine forge was established with the intention of producing swords that reflected the spirit and discipline of Japan’s classical swordmaking tradition. The smiths working there had direct connections with the prestigious Yasukuni Shrine swordsmith association, where they refined their skills in traditional forging techniques before becoming official smiths at the Minatogawa Jinja Tanrensho. Among these craftsmen was Masakiyo, whose work is recognized for disciplined shaping, elegant sugata, and a carefully controlled hamon.

Blade
The blade exhibits a refined and balanced form typical of high-quality wartime gendaitō. The proportions are strong at the base and taper naturally toward the tip, creating a harmonious and functional profile. The sword has recently received a professional Japanese polish, revealing the internal activity within the steel and presenting the blade in outstanding condition. The polish highlights the lively nioiguchi and the elegant curvature of the blade, allowing the craftsmanship of the Minatogawa forge to be fully appreciated.

Kikusui Hamon
The hamon follows the celebrated Kikusui theme, a symbolic motif representing the chrysanthemum crest floating on water. This imagery references the historical association between Emperor Go-Daigo and the loyal samurai Kusunoki Masashige, whose spirit of unwavering loyalty became closely linked with the Minatogawa Shrine. The motif became a defining element of swords produced at the Minatogawa forge and is a characteristic feature of shrine-forged blades.

Kaiguntō Naval Mountings
Accompanying the blade is its original Imperial Japanese Navy officer mounting (Kaiguntō koshirae). The sword retains the black leather combat cover on the saya, a practical wartime feature intended to protect the scabbard during active service. Naval mountings are encountered less frequently than the more common Army Type 98 mounts, making them particularly sought after by collectors. Their distinctive design reflects the traditions of the Imperial Japanese Navy and adds significant historical interest to the sword.

Certification
The sword has been examined and authenticated by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai). It has been awarded Hozon Tōken certification, confirming:

Authenticity of the blade

Traditional forging methods

Recognition as a preserved Japanese sword of historical and artistic importance

Technical Specifications
Blade length Nagasa 64.9 cm

Curvature Sori 2.1 cm

Motohaba width at hamachi 3.0 cm

Sakihaba width at kissaki 2.0 cm

Kasane motokasane thickness 7.0 mm

Saki kasane 5.5 mm

Mekugi ana 1

Period Shōwa period dated June 1942

Province Origin Hyogo Prefecture Japan

Mounting
Original Imperial Japanese Navy Kaiguntō mountings

Black leather saya combat cover

Certification
NBTHK Hozon Tōken

Collectibility
This Minatogawa Shrine katana represents a rare intersection of traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship and wartime history. Minatogawa shrine blades are highly respected because they were forged using classical methods and tamahagane steel, preserving traditional swordmaking practices during the wartime era. Combined with its recent professional polish, NBTHK authentication, and original naval officer mountings, this sword stands as an exceptional example of a shrine-forged wartime gendaitō.

Conclusion
A historically important and highly collectible katana produced at the Minatogawa Shrine forge for an officer of the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Second World War. The sword unites traditional craftsmanship, symbolic Kikusui hamon and preserved wartime mountings, making it a remarkable piece for serious collectors of Japanese arms and military history.