Special Exhibition: "Three Great Spears of Japan"
A special exhibition, "Three Great Spears of Japan", will be held at Nagoya Swords World from Saturday, March 22, 2025, to Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The "Three Great Spears of Japan Reproduction Project"—an ambitious endeavor to recreate the three famously beautiful spears, Tonbokiri, Otegine, and Nihongo, using the techniques of Japan’s top swordsmiths—has been underway at the museum. Five years after the project’s launch, replicas of the Three Great Spears of Japan, all crafted by the same swordsmith, will be exhibited.
The individual responsible for the creation of the replicas of the Three Great Spears of Japan is Mr. Kohei Uebayashi, who holds the highest rank of modern swordsmith, "Mukansa," and is also a designated Important Intangible Cultural Property holder of Yamagata Prefecture. The elaborate carvings on the Nihongo blade were created by Mr. Sōju Yanagimura, a sculptor. The replicas of the Three Great Spears of Japan have now been completed as a result of the combined efforts of these two leading modern swordsmiths and sculptors.
In addition to the spears themselves, the exhibition will also feature swords and artifacts related to each spear and the warlords who wielded them. The Tonbokiri display will include swords of the Honda clan and a replica of Honda Tadakatsu’s armor. For Nihongo, swords related to the Kuroda clan and swords with prominent blade carvings will be on display. The Otegine section will exhibit swords made by Yoshimitsu, as well as swords related to the Yuki clan.
Spot Information
Nagoya Sword Museum Nagoya Swords World
With a concept befitting the area of Sakae "Honmachi-dori," which has built the foundation of the culture of the metropolis "Nagoya," the Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Swords World" has stood for over 400 years, since Honmachi-dori in Sakae was built as a main road connecting Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, along with the construction of Nagoya Castle in the early Edo period.
The museum exhibits many valuable swords and armor that have existed since ancient times, serving as both historical materials and works of art that Japan can proudly display to the world, ranging from Important Cultural Properties to other significant pieces.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of swords, an enduring testament to craftsmanship and history, at Sakae "Honmachi-dori" in the center of Nagoya, where history and the future coexist.
Dates: March 22, 2025 (Sat) – June 1, 2025 (Sun)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed on the following Tuesday)
Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Location: Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Swords World" 35-43 Sakae 3-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya
Fees:
- General: 1,200 yen
- University/High School Students: 500 yen
- Junior High/Elementary School Students: 300 yen
- Children under 6 are admitted free of charge.
- Senior (65 and over): 1,000 yen
- Disabled persons (including one attendant): Free
- Please present your disability certificate.
- Group (20 or more): 300 yen discount for general admission / 100 yen discount for other categories
Contact: Nagoya Sword Museum "Nagoya Swords World"
TEL: 052-262-6000
FAX: 052-262-6006
Access:
By train/railway:- Approximately 8 minutes walk from Yabacho Station on the Meijo Subway Line
- Approximately 9 minutes walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line
By expressway (interchange):
* 740m from Shirakawa IC on the Nagoya Expressway No. 2 Higashiyama Line
The Three Great Spears of Japan
The Three Great Spears of Japan, or "Nihon Sankō," are notable polearms from Japanese history, recognized for their craftsmanship and historical significance. These spears are linked to influential samurai and key events in Japan’s feudal era.
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Tonbokiri: This spear is associated with Honda Tadakatsu, a general under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The name "Tonbokiri" means "Dragonfly Cutter," inspired by a story where a dragonfly was cut by its blade, highlighting its sharpness. Crafted by the swordsmith Masazane, Tonbokiri is known for its balance and precision.
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Otegine: Linked to the samurai Maeda Toshimasu, also known as Maeda Keiji, Otegine is recognized for its length and battlefield presence. It reflects the strength and loyalty of its wielder, as seen in stories of Maeda’s dedication to his clan.
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Nihongo: This spear is connected to Uesugi Kenshin, a daimyo known for his military skill. Nihongo is admired for its design and the expertise needed to use it. It represents the martial spirit and artistry of the Sengoku period.
These spears are cultural artifacts that reflect the samurai spirit and Japan’s history. In Spring 2025, visitors to Nagoya Swords World can view these artifacts, offering a closer look at the craftsmanship and stories that make them significant symbols of Japanese heritage.
