Ono Yoshimitsu Katana Mukansa Auspicious day August 1980

Ono  Yoshimitsu  Master Swordsmith,

With great honor and respect i proudly present.

Born: 1948, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Title: Mukansa Swordsmith (Exempt from Judging)
Specialty: Traditional Japanese art swords (Nihontō)

Yoshimitsu Ohno is one of Japan’s foremost contemporary swordsmiths, renowned for his deep respect for tradition, mastery of classical techniques, and commitment to the spirit of the blade. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become a vital figure in the preservation and evolution of Japanese sword-making.

Ohno’s passion for swords began in his student years. In 1969, he took a decisive step toward mastery, apprenticing under two giants in the field—Yoshito Yoshihara and Shoji Yoshihara, the latter a nationally recognized swordsmith. Through rigorous training and dedication, Ohno developed both the technical precision and the philosophical insight that would define his life’s work.

In 1975, he was officially licensed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to create fine art swords, marking the beginning of his professional career. That same year, he exhibited at the prestigious Shinsaku Meitō Exhibition, receiving the Encouragement Award—the first in a long line of accolades. Over the years, he has received  the highest honors in the field, including:

• Takamatsunomiya Award

• Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Award

• Mukansa Certification (1987) – recognizing his work as beyond the need for competition judging

Signature Works

Ohno’s creations are admired for their elegance, power, and technical perfection. Among his most celebrated works:

• “Ohno Chōji” – A luxurious double flower-clove hamon (temper line) known for its visual rhythm and depth, reflecting his refined sense of beauty and precision.

• Yamadori-ke Replica – A faithful reproduction of the early Kamakura-period style. Through this work, Ohno achieved a flawless Nioi-guchi—the mist-like crystalline line along the blade’s edge, a hallmark of truly exceptional craftsmanship.

His blades exemplify harmony between functionality, artistry, and soul—principles at the heart of traditional nihontō. Each sword carries not only the legacy of Japan’s martial culture but also Ohno’s personal dedication to excellence.

Philosophy & Legacy

Despite his status and achievements, Yoshimitsu Ohno is known for his humble spirit, gentle demeanor, and unshakable dedication to the way of the sword. Fellow artisans and collectors alike often refer to him as a “swordsmith among swordsmiths“—a title earned not only through skill, but through character.

He continues to live and work by the same principles he began with: devotion to craftsmanship, respect for tradition, and a quiet but powerful pursuit of perfection. His work is held in private collections, exhibited internationally, and serves as a model for aspiring swordsmiths across Japan and beyond.
He can truly be said to be one of the most famous swordsmiths in the modern swordsmithing world since the Meiji period.

In this pursuit, there is no room for pride, only gratitude. The path to an authentic blade is neither loud nor fast. It is steady. It is earned.

Honoring the sword begins with honoring the process. Let that be your guide.

Katana Signed front side Echigonokuni Yoshimitsu Horidousaku.

Backside  Signed Auspicious da of August 1980.

Echigo no kuni YOSHIMITSU kore wo
tsukuru hori dosaku / Showa 55 nen 8 gatsu kichijitsu

Nagasa Length  74.4 cm.

Sori curvate 1.8 cm.

Carvings on the blade both side’s
Bonji Dai Koku Ken
Bonji Fudo Myo-o

NBSK Special  Certificate .

Great Swords speak for themselves.