Japanese Samurai Wakizashi Kunimatsu NBTHK Hozon Heisei period 2001

Swordsmith & Background

Kunimatsu real name Miyake Teruyoshi is a unique figure within the contemporary Japanese sword world. In addition to being a licensed swordsmith, he is also a polisher, appraiser, and scholar, with deep practical and academic knowledge of the Japanese sword. He studied sword appraisal under Ikeda Suematsu-sensei and learned sword making from Hiroki Hirokuni.

Beyond his own forging work, Miyake Teruyoshi is widely respected as a collector of famous swords and fittings and serves as a director of the Japanese Sword Accessories Museum, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the preservation and study of traditional Japanese arms and craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship Description

The wakizashi displays a well-balanced, dignified sugata, with calm proportions typical of high-level modern work executed fully within the classical tradition. The moderate curvature (sori) is elegant and functional, giving the blade a natural flow without exaggeration.

The shinogi-ji is clean and even, showing careful shaping and finishing. The planes are well defined, indicating confident forging and polishing control. The ji appears tight and refined, with a smooth, uniform surface that reflects disciplined steel preparation rather than decorative excess.

The kissaki is well proportioned, neither overly extended nor shortened, and transitions naturally from the body of the blade. The yokote is clearly defined, reflecting correct geometry and traditional standards.

At the nakago, the mei 邦松 (Kunimatsu) is cleanly and confidently cut, accompanied by the date Heisei 13 (2001). The yasurime are orderly, and the overall finish of the tang is consistent with a smith who fully understands not only forging, but also appraisal criteria.

Mukansa

As expected from a Mukansa swordsmith, this wakizashi does not aim to impress through flamboyance. Instead, it reflects what Mukansa truly represents:
consistency, correctness, and mastery without excess.

Certified Hozon by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword), this work represents the continuity of Japanese sword culture into the modern era, forged with deep scholarly understanding and respect for historical precedent.

Specifications

• Type: Wakizashi

• Swordsmith: Kunimatsu (Miyake Teruyoshi)

• Period: Heisei era, February 2001

• Province: Tokyo, Japan

• Nagasa: 32.6 cm (1 shaku 0 sun 7.5 bu)

• Sori: 0.4 cm

• Motohaba: 3.15 cm

• Kasane: 5.0 mm

• Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token