The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
This tanto is signed 'Yusui-shin Sadayoshi' and dated January, Showa 57 (1982). Sadayoshi, a student of Gassan Sadakatsu, established his forge in Mishima, known for its clear spring water, and used the art name 'Yusui-shin'. He aimed to emulate master smiths of the Koto period like Soshu Masamune and Yamato Hosho Sadayoshi, researching jigane construction using recycled iron from old nails. This particular tanto is likely a homage piece, modeled after a work by Shimada Sukemune, said to have been owned by Takeda Shingen.


Shinshinto · Shizuoka · around 1926-1989
1 piece on the market now
Shinshinto · Settsu
36 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Sadakazu貞一 | 1864-1865 | 2 |
| Sadaharu貞晴 | 1865-1868 | 0 |
| Sadayoshi貞吉 | 1926-1989 | 0 |
| Yoshiaki吉明 | 1844-1848 | 0 |
| Sadayoshi貞吉 | 1830-1863 | 0 |
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
This tanto is signed 'Yusui-shin Sadayoshi' and dated January, Showa 57 (1982). Sadayoshi, a student of Gassan Sadakatsu, established his forge in Mishima, known for its clear spring water, and used the art name 'Yusui-shin'. He aimed to emulate master smiths of the Koto period like Soshu Masamune and Yamato Hosho Sadayoshi, researching jigane construction using recycled iron from old nails. This particular tanto is likely a homage piece, modeled after a work by Shimada Sukemune, said to have been owned by Takeda Shingen.


Shinshinto · Shizuoka · around 1926-1989
1 piece on the market now
Shinshinto · Settsu
36 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Sadakazu貞一 | 1864-1865 | 2 |
| Sadaharu貞晴 | 1865-1868 | 0 |
| Sadayoshi貞吉 | 1926-1989 | 0 |
| Yoshiaki吉明 | 1844-1848 | 0 |
| Sadayoshi貞吉 | 1830-1863 | 0 |
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.