NihontoWatchKiyomaro Utushi with Horimono and O-Kissaki The Akamatsu Tarō family of swordsmiths, based in Yatsushiro, Higo (Kyushu), are well-regarded among modern smiths in Japan. Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru, whose real name is Kimura Kanehiro, was born in 1957 (Shōwa 32). He is the second son of the renowned swordsmith Kimura Kaneshige, and the younger brother of Kimura Kanetsugu, who is also a swordsmith. Their blades are appreciated for their practical cutting performance, balance and refined workmanship, making them a popular choice among practitioners of iaidō and battōdō/tameshigiri. They are also known for producing utsushi works inspired by the famous smith Kiyomaro, showing both their technical ability and respect for classical styles. Speaking of which, in this particular example, Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru demonstrates his deep study of the Kiyomaro tradition through a faithful and powerful Kiyomaro utsushi. The tang is clearly inscribed “Utsushi Kiyomaro,” leaving no doubt as to the smith’s intent. This is not merely influenced by Kiyomaro, but a deliberate and confident recreation of his grand style. True to the Kiyomaro aesthetic, the blade exhibits an impressively wide motohaba and maintains substantial width through the sakihaba, culminating in a massive ō kissaki measuring over 10 cm. The overall sugata conveys boldness and authority, capturing the heroic proportions that define Kiyomaro’s work. It is a commanding presence in hand, robust and forward assertive, yet balanced. The horimono is tastefully executed and cleanly carved, adding visual interest without overwhelming the blade’s powerful form. It reflects both technical control and restraint, enhancing rather than distracting from the steel. The hamon is a lively and expressive gunome chōji composition, rich with internal activity. Bright nie glisten along the habuchi, while energetic kinsuji streak and flash through the hardened edge like lightning cutting across a stormy sky. Fine lines of sunagashi weave through the hamon, creating layers of movement and depth. This abundance of hataraki gives the blade vitality and dynamism, characteristics strongly associated with the Kiyomaro school’s dramatic mid Edo revival style. Altogether, this work stands as a compelling modern homage to one of the most celebrated and charismatic swordsmiths in Japanese history, executed with conviction, skill, and clear understanding of the original tradition.
Offered by Toukentakarado
3 on the market
As written by the shop
Higo (Yatsushiro) · Heisei-Reiwa
3 pieces on the market now
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.
We offer a three-day inspection period. To initiate a return, you must notify us within three days of the package being delivered. Once we confirm your request, you have seven days to ship the item back to us. The item must be returned in its original condition, including all accompanying documents, certificates, and packaging materials. The buyer is responsible for covering the shipping costs and insurance for the return shipment.
¥800,000