Ono Yoshimitsu Tanto Mukansa NBSK certificate year 1980 This tantō was forged by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a distinguished Japanese swordsmith born in 1948 in Niigata Prefecture. He began his training in 1969 under the guidance of the Yoshihara brothers, Yoshihara Yoshito and Yoshihara Shoji, both recognized as national swordsmiths. In 1975, he received official approval to forge swords, and by 1976, he had established his own forge: the Ono Yoshimitsu Swordsmith in Niigata.        Ohno Yoshimitsu has achieved national recognition, receiving: Takamatsunomiya Prize – Five times Encouragement Prize – Twice Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Prize – Once Effort Prize – Five times In 1987, he was designated mukansa (exempt from inspection), a prestigious title granted only to swordsmiths of exceptional and consistent quality. Blade Characteristics Sugata (Shape): Tantō Jihada (Grain): Fine itame-hada with a masu-gokoro pattern, displaying precision forging and a controlled steel texture Hamon (Temper Line): A complex, varied hamon alternating between suguha-style elements and koashi-iri tsubu-gachi-me, reflecting advanced heat treatment and artistic expression Mei (Signature): Omote (Front): 由光作 ("Made by Yoshimitsu") Ura (Back): 昭和五十五年八月吉日 長谷川誠氏之為 ("On an Auspicious Day in August 1980 [Showa 55], made for Mr. Hasegawa Makoto")  Japanese Tantō (Short Sword)  Ohno Yoshimitsu (小野由光) Date  August 1980 (Showa 55) Kurosaki-cho, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Nagasa 25.3 cm This blade was made when the smith was 32 years old and represents a mature work early in his independent career. It demonstrates the refined craftsmanship and elegant styling for which Ohno Yoshimitsu would become known. Condition Overall Blade Condition: Excellent – well-preserved with visible jihada and hamon Polish:  Original polish excelent condition . Mountings/Fittings: [Specify if in shirasaya, koshirae, or bare blade] Appraisal Assessment This tantō holds high value as a work by Ohno Yoshimitsu, a mukansa-level swordsmith. Its early date, documented dedication, and clear mei add to its provenance and historical interest. The blade's aesthetic quality, forging precision, and connection to a named individual increase its desirability among collectors of gendaitō (modern Japanese swords). NBSK Certificate.