Katana - Japan

Rare NBTHK Hozon Hirakawa Akimitsu Katana 1944

Named Japanese Officer Miyata Kiyoshi | Complete Original Type 98 Shin Guntō | Shirasaya | Excellent Condition

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a traditionally forged Japanese katana by Hirakawa Akimitsu, dated February 1944 and accompanied by the prestigious NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate.

This remarkable sword combines several highly desirable features: a traditionally forged and signed Gendaitō, an original inscription identifying its wartime officer, beautifully preserved Type 98 Shin Guntō military mounts and a custom made shirasaya.

A particularly attractive and historically significant example for the serious Japanese sword collector.

The Swordsmith: Hirakawa Akimitsu

The blade bears the signature:

富士山麓住 平川昭光作之

Fuji Sanroku Jū Hirakawa Akimitsu Saku Kore

Made by Hirakawa Akimitsu, resident at the foot of Mount Fuji.

Hirakawa Akimitsu was a traditional Japanese swordsmith active during the Shōwa period, continuing the centuries old art of Japanese sword forging at a time when many military swords were being manufactured using industrial methods.

Unlike mass produced wartime blades, this katana represents the craftsmanship of the traditional Japanese swordsmith, displaying the elegant proportions, refined workmanship and distinctive characteristics appreciated by collectors of genuine Nihontō.

The sword is dated to an auspicious day in February 1944, placing its manufacture during the final years of the Second World War.

Historical Provenance: Officer Miyata Kiyoshi

One of the most fascinating and desirable features of this katana is the original inscription preserved on its tang:

宮田澄佩刀

Miyata Kiyoshi Haitō

This inscription identifies the sword as belonging to or carried by Officer Miyata Kiyoshi.

The preservation of an original owner's inscription adds an important historical dimension. Rather than being an anonymous military sword, this katana retains a personal connection to the Japanese officer for whom it was intended.

For collectors of Japanese military history, such inscriptions are especially interesting, offering an identifiable link between the sword, its original owner and the period in which it was carried.

NBTHK Hozon Token Certification

This katana is accompanied by its official NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate, issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.

The Hozon designation recognises the blade as a genuine Japanese sword worthy of preservation.

This respected certification is an important distinction, providing independent specialist appraisal and significantly enhancing its appeal to serious collectors.

Complete Original Type 98 Shin Guntō Koshirae

The katana is preserved in its complete original Type 98 Shin Guntō military mounts, representing the classic Japanese Army officer's sword configuration of the Second World War.

The koshirae remains in excellent condition and presents beautifully, retaining the historical character and appearance of an authentic wartime officer's sword.

Complete original military fittings are increasingly appreciated by collectors, especially when accompanying a traditionally forged and NBTHK certified blade.

Also included is the custom made wooden shirasaya, allowing the blade to be stored and preserved separately from its military mounts.

Having both the complete military koshirae and shirasaya makes this a particularly desirable and complete collector's ensemble.

Blade Condition

The blade is preserved in excellent polished condition, with its traditional workmanship clearly visible.

Its elegant curvature, balanced proportions and carefully executed forging reflect the qualities associated with traditionally made Japanese swords.

The presence of the original signature, wartime date, officer inscription and NBTHK certification makes this a compelling example of Shōwa period swordmaking.

Measurements and Specifications

Swordsmith: Hirakawa Akimitsu (平川昭光)

Signature: Fuji Sanroku Jū Hirakawa Akimitsu Saku Kore

Period: Shōwa, February 1944

Date Inscription: An Auspicious Day in February 1944

Officer Attribution: Miyata Kiyoshi (宮田澄)

Blade Length (Nagasa): 67.3 cm

Curvature (Sori): 1.5 cm

Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.1 cm

Width near Tip (Sakihaba): 2.2 cm

Thickness at Base (Motokasane): 7.0 mm

Thickness near Tip (Sakikasane): 5.0 mm

Mekugi Ana: One

Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token

Koshirae: Complete Original Type 98 Shin Guntō

Additional Mounts: Custom Made Shirasaya

Condition: Excellent

An Outstanding Collector's Opportunity

Finding an authentic traditionally forged Japanese officer's katana is one thing. Finding an example that combines a respected named swordsmith, an original dated signature, an identifiable officer's inscription, NBTHK Hozon certification, complete original Type 98 military mounts and shirasaya is considerably more difficult.

This Hirakawa Akimitsu offers an impressive combination of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, historical interest, certified authenticity and exceptional presentation.

A superb addition to an advanced collection of Gendaitō, Japanese military swords or authentic Nihontō.

A complete and historically fascinating Japanese officer's katana from 1944, preserved for the next generation of collectors.