Kantei
Old black-and-white plate with four views of a tachi: the whole mounting, the point, the nakago with its holes and the blade.

文化財保護委員会 (Bunkazai Hogo Iinkai; 『国宝図録』, Kokuhō Zuroku, 1957), public domain, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Bibliography and credits

Sources

The sources of this monograph, consulted on 26 September 2026 and grouped by subject, and the credits for every image. Some leads were checked against commercial sources which, as a rule, are not cited: what only they give is not published, except for the odd figure given as attributed (AT) to the printed work they cite, such as the column from the 『日本刀大百科事典』 (Nihontō Dai Hyakka Jiten) in “The measurements, source by source”.

On this page
  1. Sources

Sources

Kawashima: profiles and competitions

  1. Zen Nihon Tōshōkai, profile of 川島一城 (Kawashima Kazuki)

    Signature, biography, training, motto and the sentence about his master’s mukansa title.
  2. Zen Nihon Tōshōkai, members of the Chūgoku-Shikoku branch

    Regional list with the signature 一城 (Kazuki or Ichijō).
  3. Zen Nihon Tōshōkai, 2nd Omamori-gatana Tenrankai (2007)

    6th place.
  4. Zen Nihon Tōshōkai, public vote (November 2014)

    5th place, 198 votes.
  5. NBTHK, results of the 現代刀職展 (Gendai Tōshokuten) 2025

    入選七席 (nyūsen shichiseki) and list of mukansa.
  6. NBTHK, results of the 現代刀職展 (Gendai Tōshokuten) 2026

    He is not listed; the nine mukansa.
  7. NBTHK, catalogue of the 現代刀職展 (Gendai Tōshokuten) 2024

    And those of 2023 and 2022: he does not appear.
  8. NBTHK, judging criteria

    “生存する作家の作品は審査対象外とする” (“works by living makers are excluded from judging”).
  9. NBTHK, page of the 現代刀職展 (Gendai Tōshokuten)

Press and events

  1. OHK, article of 3 July 2026

    Life at the forge, the Sanchōmō and the opinion of Yokoi Akimitsu.
  2. KSB, 28 November 2024

    The sword for Paris and the jūka-chōji.
  3. KSB, 22 May 2026
  4. Sanyo Shimbun, 20 May 2026

    The wakizashi for Paris.
  5. CLAIR Paris, 2026

    The 2026 exhibition and lecture.
  6. Maison de la culture du Japon, “Céramiques et sabres de Bizen” (2024–2025)
  7. Maison de la culture du Japon, lecture “Gendaitō” (28 May 2026)
  8. att.JAPAN, press conference of 23 October 2018

    Also in English.
  9. Official website of the documentary 『揺らぎの聲』 (Yuragi no Koe)

    The Yukie shrine tachi and the philosophy of the mamori-gatana.
  10. Kakuyomu, report by Wagahara Satoshi (2019)

    The visit to the forge and the twelve folds.
  11. Fūkei no aru ie (architecture studio), solo exhibition (2015)

The Sanchōmō

  1. Agency for Cultural Affairs, 文化遺産オンライン (Bunka Isan Online)

    Official measurements and description.
  2. Database of designated properties (国指定文化財等データベース, Kuni Shitei Bunkazai-tō Dētabēsu)
  3. City of Setouchi, record of the property
  4. Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, Sanchōmō page

    Ownership, custody and display.
  5. Sanchōmō leaflet (front)

    And the back: https://www.city.setouchi.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/108289.pdf
  6. City of Setouchi, project questions and answers (2019, archived copy)
  7. City of Setouchi, regional revitalisation plan (2020, archived copy)

    Chronology and final account of the donations.
  8. Okayama prefecture, record (with an error in the measurements)
  9. Japanese Wikipedia, 山鳥毛 (Sanchōmō; revision of 19 June 2026)

    Secondary source.
  10. Sankei, 12 January 2023

    Andō Hiroyasu’s utsushi.
  11. WANDER 国宝 (kokuhō)

    Non-commercial guide to National Treasures.
  12. Enthusiast’s blog “ハンミョウ” (Hanmyō), compilation of sources

    Secondary source: 1898 Uesugi register and kasane.
  13. Markus Sesko, “The Yamatorige/Sanchōmō” (2018)
  14. Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, resident craftsmen

Videos

  1. 日本刀ができるまで。刀鍛冶職人が命を燃やす世界最高峰の刀剣。 (How a Japanese sword comes to be: the finest sword in the world, into which the swordsmith burns his life) (Japanese Industry (ジャパニーズインダストリー, Japanīzu Indasutorī))
  2. 夢の出発点から２３年…名刀・福岡一文字の山鳥毛を目指し炎と向き合う刀工・川島一城さん【岡山】 (23 years since the starting point of the dream: the swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki faces the fire with the goal of the Sanchōmō, the great sword of the Fukuoka Ichimonji [Okayama]) (OHK, Okayama Broadcasting (OHK公式チャンネル, OHK kōshiki channeru))
  3. "日本人が持つ美の感性"を見て…瀬戸内市の鉄の芸術品「備前刀」仏・パリの展示会で… (Let them see “the Japanese sense of beauty”: the Bizen-tō, Setouchi’s art in iron, at an exhibition in Paris…) (OHK, Okayama Broadcasting (OHK公式チャンネル, OHK kōshiki channeru))
  4. フランスで展示した日本刀のこだわりを刀匠川島一城氏が解説！ (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki explains the details of the Japanese sword exhibited in France) (Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru))
  5. 日本刀は家族や一族を守るお守りであり、芸術作品アートだと語る刀匠川島一城氏 (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki says the Japanese sword is an amulet that protects the family and the lineage, and a work of art) (Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru))
  6. 【刀鍛冶 川島一城さん】瀬戸内市民の皆さまの声を伺うシリーズ (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki: a series listening to the voices of Setouchi residents) (Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru))
  7. 日本刀製作の超重要工程・焼き刃土置き　刀匠・川島一城氏(備前伝) (A crucial step in making a Japanese sword, the tsuchioki: the swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki, Bizen-den) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  8. 【4K】日本刀鍛錬前の重要工程・積み沸かし (An important step before forging the Japanese sword: the tsumi-wakashi) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  9. 8月5日は奉納焼き入れ神事！ (On 5 August, the ceremonial hardening as an offering!) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  10. 備前長船の刀鍛冶を追うドキュメンタリー『揺らぎの聲』製作開始告知 (Announcement of the start of filming of Yuragi no Koe, a documentary following a Bizen Osafune swordsmith) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  11. 揺らぎの聲 予告編 (Yuragi no Koe, trailer) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  12. 映画『揺らぎの聲』クラウドファンディング ご支援への御礼 (The film Yuragi no Koe: thank you for supporting the crowdfunding) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  13. 刀鍛冶と映像屋 その1 (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 1) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  14. 刀鍛冶と映像屋 その2 刀とは? (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 2: what is a sword?) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  15. 刀鍛冶と映像屋 その3 (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 3) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  16. 縄文大工と刀鍛冶と私 (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji to watashi; The Jōmon carpenter, the swordsmith and me) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  17. 縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 2 (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 2; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 2) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  18. 縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 3 (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 3; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 3) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  19. 縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 4 (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 4; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 4) (Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki))
  20. 【THE BASE 出張版】片寄涼太が迫る！現代刀鍛冶・備前焼作家が語る未来 (THE BASE, special edition: Katayose Ryōta asks; a present-day swordsmith and a Bizen potter talk about the future) (MEET YOUR ART)
  21. 刀剣鍛錬奉納 奉納式 (Tōken tanren hōnō, hōnōshiki: ceremonial forging as an offering, the ceremony) (Kasahara Yoshihisa (笠原義久))

Image credits

  1. Fukuoka Ichimonji tachi “Okadagiri”, signed Yoshifusa (吉房) (tachi-okadagiri-yoshifusa.jpg)

    Author: SLIMHANNYA. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons.
  2. The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in 2025 (museo-osafune-2025.jpg)

    Author: Ebiebi2. Licence: CC0 1.0. Wikimedia Commons.
  3. Tachi signed Sukezane (助真), Fukuoka Ichimonji (tachi-sukezane-lamina.jpg)

    Author: 文化財保護委員会 (Bunkazai Hogo Iinkai; 『国宝図録』, Kokuhō Zuroku, 1957). Licence: Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.
  4. Tachi signed Norimune (則宗), founder of the Fukuoka Ichimonji (Hie shrine) (tachi-norimune.jpg)

    Author: 文化財協会 (Bunkazai Kyōkai; 『国宝図録 第1集』, Kokuhō Zuroku, vol. 1, 1952). Licence: Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.
  5. Tachi signed Yoshifusa (吉房), of the Shimazu house (tachi-yoshifusa-shimazu.jpg)

    Author: 文化財保護委員会 (Bunkazai Hogo Iinkai; 『国宝図録』, Kokuhō Zuroku, 1957). Licence: Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.
  6. Tachi signed Sukezane (助真), the “Nikkō Sukezane”, Fukuoka Ichimonji (tachi-nikko-sukezane.jpg)

    Author: Kakidai. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons.
  7. Black-lacquered uchigatana mounting of the Nikkō Sukezane, 17th century (koshirae-nikko-sukezane.jpg)

    Author: Kakidai. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons.
  8. Unsigned Ichimonji tachi known as the “Hōjō Tachi” (北条太刀) (tachi-hojo-ichimonji.jpg)

    Author: Kakidai. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons.
  9. The “Nikkō Ichimonji”, National Treasure (tachi-nikko-ichimonji.jpg)

    Author: Unknown author (『黒田如水伝』, Kuroda Josui-den, 1916). Licence: Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.
  10. Poster of the video “日本刀ができるまで。刀鍛冶職人が命を燃やす世界最高峰の刀剣。” (How a Japanese sword comes to be: the finest sword in the world, into which the swordsmith burns his life) (video-Slw6V-8vzPE.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Japanese Industry (ジャパニーズインダストリー, Japanīzu Indasutorī). Used only as the front of its player.
  11. Poster of the video “夢の出発点から２３年…名刀・福岡一文字の山鳥毛を目指し炎と向き合う刀工・川島一城さん【岡山】” (23 years since the starting point of the dream: the swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki faces the fire with the goal of the Sanchōmō, the great sword of the Fukuoka Ichimonji [Okayama]) (video-vhrYyyZb6Mg.jpg)

    Still from the video, © OHK, Okayama Broadcasting (OHK公式チャンネル, OHK kōshiki channeru). Used only as the front of its player.
  12. Poster of the video “"日本人が持つ美の感性"を見て…瀬戸内市の鉄の芸術品「備前刀」仏・パリの展示会で…” (Let them see “the Japanese sense of beauty”: the Bizen-tō, Setouchi’s art in iron, at an exhibition in Paris…) (video--tIuPAoRBhc.jpg)

    Still from the video, © OHK, Okayama Broadcasting (OHK公式チャンネル, OHK kōshiki channeru). Used only as the front of its player.
  13. Poster of the video “フランスで展示した日本刀のこだわりを刀匠川島一城氏が解説！” (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki explains the details of the Japanese sword exhibited in France) (video-C6nl1mjNb3E.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru). Used only as the front of its player.
  14. Poster of the video “日本刀は家族や一族を守るお守りであり、芸術作品アートだと語る刀匠川島一城氏” (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki says the Japanese sword is an amulet that protects the family and the lineage, and a work of art) (video-qu0oVtTVbf4.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru). Used only as the front of its player.
  15. Poster of the video “【刀鍛冶 川島一城さん】瀬戸内市民の皆さまの声を伺うシリーズ” (The swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki: a series listening to the voices of Setouchi residents) (video-iBa6J4qj_e8.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Kuroishi Kentarō, mayor of Setouchi (黒石健太郎, Kuroishi Kentarō | 瀬戸内市長 チャンネル, Setouchi shichō channeru). Used only as the front of its player.
  16. Poster of the video “日本刀製作の超重要工程・焼き刃土置き　刀匠・川島一城氏(備前伝)” (A crucial step in making a Japanese sword, the tsuchioki: the swordsmith Kawashima Kazuki, Bizen-den) (video-HhSKJKC34Nw.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  17. Poster of the video “【4K】日本刀鍛錬前の重要工程・積み沸かし” (An important step before forging the Japanese sword: the tsumi-wakashi) (video-SD26_qZA6V4.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  18. Poster of the video “8月5日は奉納焼き入れ神事！” (On 5 August, the ceremonial hardening as an offering!) (video-vPVkcX5xbU8.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  19. Poster of the video “備前長船の刀鍛冶を追うドキュメンタリー『揺らぎの聲』製作開始告知” (Announcement of the start of filming of Yuragi no Koe, a documentary following a Bizen Osafune swordsmith) (video-BLJzJBp6vzI.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  20. Poster of the video “揺らぎの聲 予告編” (Yuragi no Koe, trailer) (video-G9MYzgz5HCw.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  21. Poster of the video “映画『揺らぎの聲』クラウドファンディング ご支援への御礼” (The film Yuragi no Koe: thank you for supporting the crowdfunding) (video-a3TEwu17WN4.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  22. Poster of the video “刀鍛冶と映像屋 その1” (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 1) (video-0O6Zw72pN8I.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  23. Poster of the video “刀鍛冶と映像屋 その2 刀とは?” (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 2: what is a sword?) (video-2MjAkZBOijw.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  24. Poster of the video “刀鍛冶と映像屋 その3” (The swordsmith and the filmmaker, 3) (video-L3RpaCxGbuA.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  25. Poster of the video “縄文大工と刀鍛冶と私” (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji to watashi; The Jōmon carpenter, the swordsmith and me) (video-kT9UrhkOsy4.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  26. Poster of the video “縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 2” (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 2; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 2) (video-eHo9RdA9NgQ.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  27. Poster of the video “縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 3” (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 3; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 3) (video-ffemYc-9_KU.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  28. Poster of the video “縄文大工と刀鍛冶の哲学 4” (Jōmon daiku to katanakaji no tetsugaku 4; The philosophy of the Jōmon carpenter and the swordsmith, 4) (video-wu0-VrV6p5o.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Tiny Mouse Factory (にしやまゆうき, Nishiyama Yūki). Used only as the front of its player.
  29. Poster of the video “【THE BASE 出張版】片寄涼太が迫る！現代刀鍛冶・備前焼作家が語る未来” (THE BASE, special edition: Katayose Ryōta asks; a present-day swordsmith and a Bizen potter talk about the future) (video-kJL8jN6raio.jpg)

    Still from the video, © MEET YOUR ART. Used only as the front of its player.
  30. Poster of the video “刀剣鍛錬奉納 奉納式” (Tōken tanren hōnō, hōnōshiki: ceremonial forging as an offering, the ceremony) (video-GIIyYVjYGjw.jpg)

    Still from the video, © Kasahara Yoshihisa (笠原義久). Used only as the front of its player.
  31. A katana and, below it, its koshirae: black-lacquered saya; ito and sageo in yellowish green (kawashima-01.jpg)

    Photo: dealer in Japan.
  32. The whole blade, in profile (kawashima-02.jpg)

    Photo: dealer in Japan.
  33. The upper third of the blade, up to the point, with the hamon (kawashima-03.jpg)

    Photo: dealer in Japan.
  34. Two sections of the chōji (丁子) hamon, in detail (kawashima-04.jpg)

    Photo: dealer in Japan.