Katana - Japan

This exquisite Yasukuni Shrine Yasunobu WWII sword. Rare 1944 Yasukuni Shrine gendaitō by Murakami Yasunobu NBTHK Hozon, Complete Type 98 mounts. Swordsmith: Yasunobu (Murakami Yasunobu, given name Ensaku). Date of forging: February 1944 — on an auspicious day. Certification: NBTHK Hozon. Token Overview: This exceptional wartime gendaitō was forged at the prestigious Yasukuni Shrine forge by Yasunobu, one of the last smiths to work under the Nihontō Tanren Kai (NTKF) during the final years of the Pacific War. Yasunobu received his smith name in November 1939 from War Minister Itagaki Seishirō, marking his formal induction into the elite Yasukuni project—a program dedicated to producing blades of both martial and spiritual excellence. Specifications: Nagasa (blade length): 66.8 cm; Sori (curvature): 2.0 cm; Weight: 690 g; Mekugi-ana: 1. Mountings: Original Type 98 military guntō fittings with officer’s tassel. Shirasaya: Custom-made, included and well preserved. Habaki: Copper. Blade Characteristics: Hamon: Precisely controlled suguha (straight temper line), a hallmark of Yasukuni artistry. Hada: tight ko-itame mixed with ko-mokume, demonstrating refined steel folding. Boshi: Executed in maru form, clean and well balanced. Polish: Professional high-grade polish that fully displays the smith’s craftsmanship. Historical & Artistic Significance: Elite Yasukuni Swordsmith: Formally appointed in 1939. Ceremonial Contributions: Donated blades to the shrine in 1939, including one commemorating the 700th anniversary of Retired Emperor Gotoba. Recognition: Recipient of the Chairman’s Award at the 2nd Guntō Tenrankai (21 Dec 1944). Lineage: Trained under Ikeda Yasumitsu (also known as Ikko or Kazumitsu). Forged in February 1944 — one of the final years of the Yasukuni forge — this sword embodies the rare convergence of wartime utility, spiritual dedication, and the highest level of Japanese sword artistry. The presence of its complete Type 98 guntō koshirae with officer’s tassel enhances its value to collectors of WWII militaria, gendaitō, and Yasukuni-project artifacts alike. Included: Signed Yasunobu katana blade; Original Type 98 military koshirae with officer’s tassel; NBTHK Hozon certificate; Custom shirasaya.