Gendaito made in commemoration of Japan's declaration of war on America and Britain

[ManInJapan]

A recent acquisition; tachi blade by Minamoto Moritaka (Yasuhiro 靖博) which was forged on the same day Japan declared war on the US and Great Britain - December 7/8, 1941.

 

In original wartime polish with ubu-ha.

 

Ura Inscription: 対米英宣戦之吉辰作

Tai Bei-Ei sensen no kisshin-saku

"Made on the Auspicious Occasion [of the] Declaration of War Against America & Britain"

 

Omote inscription: 皇敵無骨

Kōteki Bukotsu

“The Emperor’s Enemies are boneless” 

 

Omote mei: 源盛高

"Minamoto Moritaka" + kao (花押)

 

 

Swordsmith information:

Minamoto Moritaka (源盛高)

/Yasuhiro (靖博)

Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989)

Kumamoto (源盛高)

 

Real name Moritaka Yoshio (盛高良夫), born October 30th 1908, he was a late smith from the lineage of Chikuzen Kongōbyōe Moritaka (盛高). 

 

He first signed Akihiro (煕博), then changed his name in 1927 to Yasuhiro. 

In 1933 he learned the art of jūmonji-yari (十文字鎗) forging from Enju Tarō Nobushige (延寿太郎宣繁). 

Gō name Tetsuō (鉄王). 

Kihin no retsu (Akihide), First Seat at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Denrankai (新作日本刀展覧会, 1941).

[Allen0820]

Sai-Jo saku!!!  Is the sword for sale?

[ManInJapan]

On 5/4/2025 at 8:44 PM, Allen0820 said:

Sai-Jo saku!!!  Is the sword for sale?

Thank you!

Not at the moment - I only recently got it.

Also, I am in Japan and I think anyone in the States would now have to pay an extra 25% extra just to get it into the country.

[Allen0820]

Yes, quite possible although I don't know if "antiques" are subject to "tariff" charges ... Thanks, and regards, Allen

your sword sounds like the nicest gendaito I've heard of within the past few years!

 

[ManInJapan]

22 hours ago, Allen0820 said:

Yes, quite possible although I don't know if "antiques" are subject to "tariff" charges ... Thanks, and regards, Allen

your sword sounds like the nicest gendaito I've heard of within the past few years!

 

That's extremely kind of you to say, Allen. Alas, I think a sword of this age might well be included in the tariff blight as it's less than 100 years old.

 

I have another gendaito I'm very proud of; it's a Yasukuni Shrine sword by the master smith Yasutoku, dated 1938. Being in Japan, it was very easy (less so now) for me to submit swords to appraisal panels and that sword was awarded 'Tokubetsu Hozon' - very unusually for a military gendaito.

 

Best,

Simon

[Allen0820]

Shinsa, neh?  I wasn't thinking about the date issue.  You're quite right.  When I said "the nicest..." I meant it was the most interesting Gendaito I heard of in some time!  Thanks again, Best regards, Allen

Oh, meant to comment about the YasuKuni daito ... Culturally important!