Wakizashi 25th Generation Fujiwara Kanefusa – 1986 (Showa 61) This elegant wakizashi, forged in January 1986 (Showa 61) by Fujiwara Kanefusa, the 25th generation of the distinguished Kanefusa lineage, represents the living continuity of one of Japan’s most enduring swordmaking families. Few lineages in Japanese sword history can claim such unbroken heritage, and the Kanefusa name carries a reputation for artistry, tradition, and refinement spanning centuries. The Swordsmith The smith’s personal name is Kato Kazuo (加藤賀津雄), second son of the 24th generation Kanefusa. In 1975, he began his apprenticeship under Gassan Sadakazu II (line of Sadakazu/Sadakatsu, represented at the time by Gassan Sadakazu III and Sadatoshi), masters of the celebrated Gassan school and custodians of a Living National Treasure legacy. Through this rigorous training, Kato Kazuo absorbed both the Gassan school’s advanced forging methods and its deep-rooted aesthetic philosophy. By 1984, he established his own forge and formally inherited the name 25th Generation Fujiwara Kanefusa, blending the Mino tradition of his family with the artistic refinements of the Gassan style. Artistic Features This wakizashi embodies the Kanefusa hallmarks: a powerful yet refined shape, balanced proportions, and a graceful curvature that unites elegance with strength. Its robust kasane emphasizes durability, while the design ensures harmony in hand. The horimono (carvings) elevate the blade’s artistry and spiritual presence: Omote (front): A plum tree (ume-ju), symbol of renewal and perseverance, blooming even in the winter frost. Ura (back): The character Kotobuki (寿), meaning “longevity” or “congratulations,” invoking good fortune and long life. These motifs are deeply auspicious, serving not only as decoration but as carriers of meaning, blessing the blade and its owner. Dimensions & Specifications Blade length (nagasa)  36.8 cm Curvature (sori)  0.5 cm Width at hamachi (motohaba)  3.25 cm Thickness (kasane)  7 mm Mune (back ridge)  mitsu-mune (three-sided ridge) Mekugi-ana  1 Era: Showa Period, 1986 Origin: Gifu Prefecture Lineage & Context The Kanefusa line belongs to the celebrated Mino tradition, one of the great classical schools of Japanese swordsmithing. For over twenty generations, the family faithfully transmitted its forging methods, adapting with the times while honoring classical principles of balance, utility, and beauty. Became an apprentice to swordsmith Gassan Sadakazu in 1975. In 1983, he studied under his father, the 24th Fujiwara Kanefusa. In 1982, he became a swordsmith certified by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. He received the Excellence Award and the Effort Award at the New Masterpiece Sword Exhibition. He is a director of the All Japan Swordsmiths Association, a director of the Sekiden Technique Preservation Society, and chairman of the Sekiden Swordsmiths Association. By the 20th century, Japanese swords were no longer weapons of war but revered as cultural treasures. The 25th Kanefusa forged in this spirit—his works bridging the ancient martial heritage with the aesthetic and cultural artistry of modern Japan.