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

Kunihiko Ogawa, a master swordsmith, who often went by the pen name Kanekuni, was considered one of Japan's National Living Treasures. He passed away at the age of 87 in 2012 and this blade, made in Gifu, Japan, is one of his last works. It holds the distinguished title of being unauthenticated. While this may sound odd, it is a sign of deep respect which demonstrates the mastery of the swordsmith whose skills is so great that the blade does not need to be authenticated to be considered a cultural artifact. 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.

Each Japanese sword is registered under the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan. Upon transfer of ownership, such as through a purchase on our site, a new registration paper must be issued for its owner to legally possess it. This registration paper serves to authenticate the origins of the blade.

To legally export a sword such as this from Japan to other countries, we will have to apply for a transfer of ownership permit from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and return the original registration paper to the Board of Education. This process normally typically takes 4 weeks. And so please be aware that it may take 1-1.5 months before you may receive your blade.