Katana - Japan

Exceptional 1952 Kōwa Kinen Katana by Tanaka Kenji Akimori, San Francisco Peace Treaty Commemorative Sword, NBTHK Hozon

An Extraordinary Japanese Sword with Exceptional Historical Significance

An exceptionally rare and historically important Japanese katana forged in August 1952 by the renowned modern swordsmith Tanaka Kenji Akimori.

This remarkable sword was created to commemorate the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the restoration of Japanese sovereignty following the Second World War.

The nakago bears the rare and highly significant commemorative marking:

講和記念

Kōwa Kinen

Peace Treaty Commemoration

This is not an ordinary Shōwa period katana. It represents a defining moment in Japanese history, when traditional swordmaking began to emerge from the restrictions of the postwar occupation.

Traditionally Recorded as the Swordsmith's Final Work

One of the most remarkable features of this katana is the extensive historical sayagaki preserved on its shirasaya.

The inscription includes the words:

昭盛刀匠最後作と伝

Traditionally recorded as the final work of swordsmith Akimori.

This exceptional statement adds considerable historical and collecting interest to the sword.

The possibility that this commemorative katana represents the final work of an accomplished Japanese swordsmith makes it particularly fascinating.

The Swordsmith Tanaka Kenji Akimori

Tanaka Kenji Akimori was a highly accomplished Japanese swordsmith from Tochigi Prefecture.

In 1934, he became a student of the influential Kurihara Hikosaburō Akihide, one of the leading figures in the revival of traditional Japanese swordmaking.

Akimori received a prestigious Tokusen distinction at a Ministry of Education sword exhibition in 1935.

His craftsmanship is also recognized in Japan's cultural heritage. Another katana by Akimori was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Tochigi Prefecture in 1980.

This demonstrates the historical recognition of the swordsmith and the importance of his surviving work.

The Historical Kōwa Kinen Commemorative Project

The San Francisco Peace Treaty was signed on 8 September 1951 and came into effect on 28 April 1952, restoring Japanese sovereignty.

To commemorate this historic event, Kurihara Akihide initiated a special swordmaking project.

Authorization was granted for the production of up to 300 commemorative Japanese swords.

These swords were created during an extraordinary period in the history of Japanese swordmaking and represent the continuation of a centuries old tradition.

The present katana was completed in August 1952, just four months after the peace treaty came into effect.

Its rare Kōwa Kinen marking provides a direct connection to this historic occasion.

The Blade

The blade is preserved in attractive polished condition and displays elegant shinogi zukuri construction, a graceful curvature and a beautiful undulating hamon.

Its substantial proportions reflect the craftsmanship of an accomplished modern Japanese swordsmith.

The nakago retains its original signature, precise date and commemorative Kōwa Kinen marking.

Signature:

野州住昭盛作

Noshū jū Akimori saku

Made by Akimori, resident of Noshū.

Date:

昭和二十七年八月吉日

An auspicious day in August 1952.

Commemorative marking:

講和記念

Kōwa Kinen

Peace Treaty Commemoration.

Exceptional Japanese Koshirae

The sword is accompanied by a striking Japanese koshirae featuring distinctive skull themed fittings.

The tsuka has attractive purple tsukamaki over samegawa, complemented by decorative menuki.

The fuchi and kashira display skull motifs, while the iron tsuba provides a traditional appearance.

The black lacquered saya is completed with a matching purple sageo.

The combination creates an impressive presentation with considerable visual appeal.

The sword also comes with its historical shirasaya bearing the extensive handwritten sayagaki.

Measurements

Nagasa: 66.2 cm

Sori: 1.8 cm

Motohaba: 3.15 cm

Sakihaba: 1.95 cm

Motokasane: 8 mm

Sakikasane: 4.5 mm

Mekugi ana: 1

Period: Shōwa

Date: August 1952

Swordsmith: Tanaka Kenji Akimori

Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken

Certificate date: 28 May 2025

NBTHK Hozon Certification

The katana is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tōken certificate issued on 28 May 2025 by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Japanese Society for the Preservation of Art Swords.

This important certification supports the blade's authenticity and attribution.

A Rare Opportunity for the Serious Collector

This exceptional katana combines several highly desirable characteristics.

A recognized and award winning Japanese swordsmith.

A rare Kōwa Kinen Peace Treaty Commemoration marking.

A precisely dated blade from August 1952.

Historical sayagaki recording the sword as Akimori's final work according to tradition.

NBTHK Hozon certification.

An attractive skull themed Japanese koshirae.

A fascinating connection to one of the defining moments in modern Japanese history.

A remarkable opportunity to acquire a historically significant Japanese katana that combines traditional craftsmanship, documented authenticity and an extraordinary story.

A Japanese sword forged to commemorate peace, with a historical inscription identifying it as the final work of its maker according to tradition.