TheTenka-Goken (天下五剣; "Five Swords under Heaven") are a group of fiveJapanese swords.[1] Three areNational Treasures of Japan, one an Imperial Property, and one a holy relic ofNichiren Buddhism. Among the five, some regard Dōjigiri as "theyokozuna of all Japanese swords" along withŌkanehira (ja:大包平).[2]
As of 2017, the term is widely-recognized among Japanese sword connoisseurs. For example, the national institute uses the word in an explanation for Mikazuki.[3] Although some researchers claim the term dates back to theMuromachi period (1333–1573),[2] its origin is unknown. Suiken Fukunaga cites a bookYorozu Kaimono Chohōki (万買物調方記) written in the fifth year ofGenroku (1692–1693),[4] so the term is traceable back to at least the late 17th century if the citation is to be believed.
Kanzan Sato commented, in terms of pure quality from the viewpoint of modern sword connoisseurs, although they are undoubtedly five of the greatest swords, it is doubtful whether they arethe five greatest swords.[5] He guessed the criteria of this selection include the values of legends associated to these famous swords.[5]
Sometimes the selection differs from the following list. For instance, a list by Kanzan Sato includesIchigo-hitofuri Yoshimitsu (一期一振吉光), an Imperial Property of Japan, instead of Onimaru[6] (although in other parts of the same book Sato contradicts himself and uses the same list as the following[2][5]).
All five swords in this list are included in theKyōhō Meibutsuchō, a sword catalogue commissioned byTokugawa Yoshimune, the eighthshogun of theTokugawa shogunate, and compiled by the Hon'ami clan, who were renowned authorities in sword appraisal. Swords listed in theKyōhō Meibutsuchō are traditionally given the honorary titlemeibutsu (名物; "celebrated item"), which is prefixed to their names.[7] Named Japanese swords are typically referred to in combination with the name of their swordsmith. For example, the Dōjigiri, one of the Tenka-Goken included in the catalogue, is referred to as Meibutsu Dōjigiri Yasutsuna (名物童子切安綱; "celebrated Dōjigiri Yasutsuna").[8]
| Name | Signature | Bladesmith | Classification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dōjigiri (童子切; "Slayer of Shuten-dōji") | 安綱 | Hōki-no-Kuni Yasutsuna (伯耆国安綱) | National Treasure | 10–12th century.[8]Tachi. Length 80.0 cm, curvature 2.7 cm.[8] Owned byTokyo National Museum.[8] Legends sayMinamoto no Yorimitsu killed the monsterShuten-dōji with this sword.[2] Sometimes it is called "the yokozuna of all Japanese swords" because of its perfection; it is of great historical value as one of the oldest extant katana-type weapons, the quality and the artistic value of the blade is exquisite, it has been kept in good preservation, and the legend tied to the sword is notable.[2] |
| Onimaru (鬼丸; "Demon Circle") | 國綱 | Awataguchi Sakon-no-Shōgen Kunitsuna (粟田口左近将監国綱) | Imperial Property | Tachi. Length 78.3 cm.[9] Owned by theImperial Household Agency. Along with Ōdenta and Futatsu-mei, the sword was considered to be one of the three regalia swords of theshōguns of theAshikaga clan.[6][9] The epicTaiheiki includes a story that the sword moved by itself and killed anoni demon who was cursingHōjō Tokimasa, from which the name Onimaru came.[9] |
| Mikazuki (三日月; "Crescent Moon") | 三条 | Sanjō Kokaji Munechika (三条小鍛冶宗近) | National Treasure | 10–12th century.[3] Tachi. Length 80 cm, curvature 2.7 cm, scabbard length 85.3 cm.[3] Owned by Tokyo National Museum.[3] It is called Mikazuki because of its "crescent-moon-shaped pattern (J. mikazuki) of the tempering".[3] Stated to be the favorite sword of the 13th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate,Ashikaga Yoshiteru, and the sword with which he valiantly fought his final battle. |
| Ōdenta (大典太; "Great Denta" or "The Best among Swords Forged by Denta") | 光世作 | Miike Denta Mitsuyo (三池典太光世) | National Treasure | Tachi. Length 66.1 cm, curvature 2.7 cm.[6] Owned byMaeda Ikutokukai. Along with Onimaru and Futatsu-mei, the sword was considered to be one of the three regalia swords of the shoguns of the Ashikaga clan.[6] Later passed down toMaeda Toshiie.[6] A legend says the sword healed a daughter of Toshiie and another legend says birds never try to approach to a warehouse where this sword is stored.[6] |
| Juzumaru (数珠丸; "Rosary") | 恒次 | Aoe Tsunetsugu (青江恒次) | Important Cultural Property | Tachi. Length 81.08 cm, curvature 3.0 cm.[5] Owned by Honkōji Temple, Amagasaki.[5] The name came from a legend thatNichiren adorned the sword with ajuzu (a loop of prayer beads) to cleanse evil spirits.[5] |
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Note: some of the existing swords are named after earlier legendary ones. | ||||||