Nihonto Blog

Japanese sword registration certificate (torokusho) scroll beside a katana — ukiyo-e style illustration

Torokusho: The Japanese Sword Registration Cert...

Torokusho: The Japanese Sword Registration Certificate Explained Quick Summary The torokusho (登録証) is the registration certificate issued by a Japanese prefectural Board of Education that makes a nihonto legal to...

Torokusho: The Japanese Sword Registration Cert...

Torokusho: The Japanese Sword Registration Certificate Explained Quick Summary The torokusho (登録証) is the registration certificate issued by a Japanese prefectural Board of Education that makes a nihonto legal to...

Antique Japanese tachi sword on a stand showing its parts — ukiyo-e style illustration

Parts of a Japanese Sword: The Complete Anatomy...

Parts of a Japanese Sword: The Complete Anatomy Guide Quick Summary A Japanese sword (nihonto) is described in three sections: the blade, the nakago (tang), and the koshirae (mounting). Learning...

Parts of a Japanese Sword: The Complete Anatomy...

Parts of a Japanese Sword: The Complete Anatomy Guide Quick Summary A Japanese sword (nihonto) is described in three sections: the blade, the nakago (tang), and the koshirae (mounting). Learning...

Kantei Japanese sword identification jihada hamon analysis - Tokyo Nihonto

Kantei for Beginners: How to Attribute an Unsig...

Learn the 5-step kantei method used by NBTHK experts to identify unsigned nihonto. Step-by-step guide: sugata, jihada, hamon, boshi, nakago. With school reference table.

Kantei for Beginners: How to Attribute an Unsig...

Learn the 5-step kantei method used by NBTHK experts to identify unsigned nihonto. Step-by-step guide: sugata, jihada, hamon, boshi, nakago. With school reference table.

Best nihonto value $3000-$8000 authentic katana collection - Tokyo Nihonto

The $3,000-$8,000 Nihonto Sweet Spot: Best Valu...

Where the smart money goes in nihonto collecting. Specific schools, periods, and smiths that deliver the best authentic Japanese sword value between $3,000 and $8,000 in 2026.

The $3,000-$8,000 Nihonto Sweet Spot: Best Valu...

Where the smart money goes in nihonto collecting. Specific schools, periods, and smiths that deliver the best authentic Japanese sword value between $3,000 and $8,000 in 2026.

Showato vs Gendaito WW2 Japanese sword comparison - Tokyo Nihonto

Showato vs Gendaito: Is Your WW2 Japanese Sword...

Learn how to identify if your WW2 Japanese sword is a showato (machine-made) or gendaito (traditionally forged). Step-by-step guide with hot stamps, hamon analysis, and current values.

Showato vs Gendaito: Is Your WW2 Japanese Sword...

Learn how to identify if your WW2 Japanese sword is a showato (machine-made) or gendaito (traditionally forged). Step-by-step guide with hot stamps, hamon analysis, and current values.

Japanese sword scholar examining an antique katana with an authentication certificate — ukiyo-e style illustration

NBTHK Certificate Guide: Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon...

NBTHK Certificate Guide: Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Juyo, and What They Actually Mean Quick Summary The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) is Japan's authoritative body for authenticating and grading antique...

NBTHK Certificate Guide: Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon...

NBTHK Certificate Guide: Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Juyo, and What They Actually Mean Quick Summary The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) is Japan's authoritative body for authenticating and grading antique...