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, "The Beauty of Japanese Swords: Form," traces the evolution of swords in line with the tactics of each era. Chapter 2, "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 three famous swordsmiths known as Toshiro Yoshimitsu, Goro Nyudo Masamune, and Go Yoshihiro will be on display from the collections of both museums.

Main Exhibits
National Treasure, Tachi, Signed: Masatsune, Heian period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure, Tachi, Signed: Ichi, Kamakura period, Private Collection
National Treasure, Tachi, Signed: Nagamitsu, (Meibutsu Tsuda Tōtōmi Nagamitsu), Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Tachi, Signed: Rai Kunimitsu, Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
National Treasure, Tachi, Signed: Rai Magotarō saku / (kaō) Sho'o 5-nen jinshin 8-gatsu 13-nichi, Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property, Katana, Gold-inlaid Signed: 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, Tanto, Signed: Masamune, (Meibutsu Fudō Masamune), Kamakura period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
Important Cultural Property: Sword, Vermilion Signed: Yoshihiro/Hon'ami (kaō), (Meibutsu Matsui-go), Kamakura period, Collection of the Sano Art Museum
Important Cultural Property: Katana, Unsigned (attributed to Go Yoshihiro) , (Meibutsu Samidare Go), Kamakura to Nanbokuchō period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum.
Important Cultural Property: Wakizashi, Unsigned, (Meibutsu Monoyoshi Sadamune), Nanbokuchō period, Collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum.