Token: Japanese Sword

December 08, 2016

TokenThere are two swordsmith groups which represents Higo (present day Kumamoto Pref, Southern Japan): the Enju school which is famous for Kikuchi Senbon Yari (spears invented by Kikuchi clan in 14c for collective combats), and Doutanuki school which created glorious and sharp standing swords of Kumamoto Castle by earning the trust of KATO Kiyomasa (the feudal lord in Higo Domain reigned from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period, 16-17c).

The blade of Higo swords are wider and thicker compared to other regional swords, and optimized for battles. The style of the sword is dynamic and simple without much decoration, while enhancing robustness and strength.

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Token: Japanese Sword

Translated by: Junna Kawaguchi

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