Raikou Select: The late Kunihiko Ogawa's (Kanekuni I) Touran Blade

Kunihiko Ogawa, a master swordsmith who worked under the smith name Kanekuni, took first prize (Toku-sho) at Japan's national sword-making competition in both 2002 and 2003, and placed in the competition results repeatedly between 2000 and 2003. He was certified mukansha by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai, the standing given to smiths who have taken the competition's top prize repeatedly and are thereafter exempt from further screening, which the register describes as the rank second only to Living National Treasure. He passed away at the age of 87 in 2012 and this blade, made in Gifu, Japan, is one of his last works. This blade is sold without appraisal papers. Buyers who want a formal appraisal can submit a blade for shinsa after purchase. This modern blade is representative of Kanekuni I's signature Touran Blade which depicts the crashing waves of the ocean upon the shore. The scabbard is made using a lacquering technique called Nashiji which utilizes gold and silver powder for a stunning effect. The Tsuba, or handguard, is formed in the shape of Chrysanthemums and Paulownias. Lastly, the handle is wrapped in fine black silk.

Browse through our pictures to see a video of how a blade like this is made by Kanekuni I's son and successor Kanekuni II.

*Each katana sold on our site is one of a kind. Prior to fulfilling your order we will personally reach out to confirm your order.

Every Japanese sword sold in Japan carries a torokusho, a registration certificate issued by the prefectural Board of Education under the Firearms and Swords Control Law. The certificate travels with the blade rather than the owner, and the new owner files a change-of-ownership notification with the issuing Board of Education within 20 days.

For an export sale we obtain an Export Inspection Certificate for Antiquities from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which confirms the blade is not a designated National Treasure or Important Cultural Property. The torokusho is then surrendered to the prefecture that issued it, because a registration ceases to have effect once the blade leaves Japan. Please allow 1 to 1.5 months from order to delivery.