Sano Art Museum and the Tokugawa Art Museum present,
Exploring the Japanese Celebrated Swords Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Sano Art Museum and the 85th Anniversary of the City of Mishima
The Sano Art Museum (“Sanobi”) and the Tokugawa Art Museum (“Tokubi”) come together to present an exhibition that explores the fundamentals—the iroha—of appreciating Japanese swords by comparing and viewing highlights from both collections side by side.
Chapter 1, "Understanding the Beauty of Japanese Swords: Form," traces the evolution of swords in line with the tactics of each era. Chapter 2, "Understanding the Beauty of Japanese Swords: Steel and Blade Pattern," showcases the steel and blade patterns—the highlights of Japanese swords—through masterpieces. Chapter 3, "Japanese Swords and Samurai," focuses on the cultural aspects of swords.
This exhibition welcomes everyone—from first‑time visitors to long‑time enthusiasts—to enjoy Japanese swords from multiple perspectives.
The famed trio known as the Meibutsu Sansaku—works by Tōshirō Yoshimitsu, Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, and Go Yoshihiro—will be presented in comparative display using masterpieces from both museums’ collections.
Main Exhibits
National Treasure, Tachi, Signature: Masatsune, Heian period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure, Tachi, Signature: Ichi, Kamakura period, Private Collection
National Treasure, Tachi, Signature: Nagamitsu, (Meibutsu Tsuda Tōtōmi Nagamitsu), Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Tachi, Signature: Rai Kunimitsu, Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure, Tachi, Signature: Rai Magotarō saku / (kaō) Shōō 5 nen mizunoetatsu 8 gatsu 13 nichi, Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Katana, Gold-inlaid signature: Masamune suriage / Hon’ami (kaō), (Meibutsu Ikeda Masamune), Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Katana, Unsigned (attributed to Masamune), Kamakura period, Collection of the Sano Art Museum
IImportant Cultural Property, Tantō, Signature: Masamune, (Meibutsu Fudō Masamune), Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property: Wakizashi, Unsigned, (Meibutsu Monoyoshi Sadamune), Nanbokuchō period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum.
Outline
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Admission
Adults / University Students: ¥1,600
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥800
※ Free admission for visitors aged 65 and over on September 21 (Respect for the Aged Day)
※ Free admission for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays
※ A 20% discount is available for groups of 15 or more -
Advance Tickets (available until September 4, 2026)
Adults / University Students: ¥1,280
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥640
Sales locations:
〇 Sano Art Museum (until September 3, 2026)
〇 Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia / P Code: 687–500)
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Discount Tickets (during the exhibition period)
Adults / University Students: ¥1,440
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥720
Sales locations:
〇 Izu-Hakone Railway Sunzu Line staffed stations
〇 Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia / P Code: 687–500) -
Opening Hours
10:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30) -
Closed Days
Thursdays -
Organizers
Sano Art Museum, The Tokugawa Art Museum, Mishima City, Mishima City Board of Education -
Grant Support
Mishima Shinkin Bank -
Publicity Support
Izu-Hakone Railway Co., Ltd. -
Cooperation
Nitroplus Co., Ltd., Otsuka Kogeisha Co., Ltd.
Main Exhibits
Important Cultural Property, Tachi, Signature: Bungo no Kuni Yukihira saku, Late Heian to early Kamakura period, Collection of Sano Art Museum
National Treasure, Tanto, Signature: Yoshimitsu (Meibutsu Gotō Tōshirō), Kamakura period, Collection of The Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure, Tachi, Signature: Mitsutada, Kamakura period, Collection of The Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure: Tanto, Unsigned, (Meibutsu Hōchō Masamune) , Kamakura period, Collection of Tokugawa Art Museum.
Important Cultural Property, Tanto, Signature: Kunimitsu, Kamakura period, Collection of Sano Art Museum
Tanto, Signature: Yukimitsu (Meibutsu Fudō Yukimitsu), Kamakura period, Private collection
Important Art Object, Wakizashi, Signature: Sagami no Kuni jūnin Hiromitsu / Kōan 2 nen 10 gatsu hi, (known as Kashagiri), Nanbokuchō period, Collection of Sano Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Katana, Signature: Honsaku Nagayoshi, Tenshō 18 nen kanoetora 5 gatsu 3 ka ni Kyushu Hyuganokunihiro mei utsu / Nagao Shingorou Tairanoason Akinaga shoji Tenshō14 nen 4 gatsu 21 nichi Odawara sanpunotoki Yakata-sama yori kudashiokarerunari, Nanbokuchō period, Collection of The Tokugawa Art Museum
Yari, Signature: Fujiwara Masazane saku, (known as Tonbogiri), Muromachi period, Private collection
©2015 EXNOA LLC/NITRO PLUS
"Sano Art Museum and the Tokugawa Art Museum present, Exploring the Japanese Celebrated Swords" x "Touken Ranbu ONLINE" Collaboration
Period: Saturday, September 5 – Sunday, October 18
Please check theSpecial site andofficial X account for details!
Related Events
Experience Holding a Japanese Sword
2026.9.12 Sat 15:00–16:30
This beginner-friendly workshop offers the rare opportunity to appreciate Japanese swords that have been carefully preserved for centuries. Participants will learn the proper etiquette for handling and viewing swords, and enjoy a quiet moment reflecting on the spirit and craftsmanship of the swordsmiths.
Don’t miss this chance to hold and examine Japanese swords from the Sano Art Museum collection.
Workshop for Children: Experience Holding a Japanese Sword
This workshop allows elementary and junior high school students to handle authentic Japanese swords that have been carefully passed down for hundreds of years. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the proper etiquette and respectful handling of a Japanese sword.
The program is designed for parent–child participation and is open to children from Elementary School 4th Grade to Junior High School 3rd Grade.