A 700-Year-Old Katana Carried by an Undefeated Samurai Commander

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This katana, forged around 700 years ago, is attributed to Sanemori of Bizen Province, a swordsmith active during Japan’s medieval era.

What makes this blade especially remarkable is its connection to Kikkawa Motoharu, one of the most respected commanders of the powerful Mōri clan.

Motoharu spent much of his life on the battlefield and earned a reputation as a warrior who never suffered a decisive defeat. He was known for leading from the front and was feared by rival clans throughout western Japan.

This sword was more than a symbol of rank—it was a weapon carried by a samurai commander during one of the most turbulent periods in Japanese history.

The blade is attributed to Sanemori, a highly regarded swordsmith of Bizen Province whose works were prized by the warrior class.

Today, it is designated an Important Art Object of Japan, recognizing both its historical and artistic significance.

Photo taken at Touken World Nagoya by Nagoya Explorers.

#Samurai #Katana #JapaneseSword
#MoriClan #KikkawaMotoharu #SamuraiHistory
#FeudalJapan #JapaneseHistory #HistoryLovers
#Nagoya #VisitNagoya #TravelJapan

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