Higo no Kuni Yatsushiro-jū Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru Katana
肥後國八代住赤松太郎兼照　写清麿　刀
Item TK030

  • Period: Modern (1994)

  • Mei (Signature): Higo no Kuni Yatsushiro-jū Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru Saku 肥後國八代住赤松太郎兼照作
    An auspicious day in March, Heisei 6 平成六年三月吉日

  • Nakago - 22cm - Ubu

  • Nagasa - 72.8cm

  • Sori: - 2.0cm

  • Motohaba - 3.4cm

  • Sakihaba - 3cm

  • Kissaki - 10.3cm

  • Motokasane - 0.76cm

Price: ¥ 800,000

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Kiyomaro Utushi with Horimono and O-Kissaki

The Akamatsu Tarō family of swordsmiths, based in Yatsushiro, Higo (Kyushu), are well-regarded among modern smiths in Japan.
Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru, whose real name is Kimura Kanehiro, was born in 1957 (Shōwa 32).
He is the second son of the renowned swordsmith Kimura Kaneshige, and the younger brother of Kimura Kanetsugu, who is also a swordsmith.  
Their blades are appreciated for their practical cutting performance, balance and refined workmanship, making them a popular choice among practitioners of iaidō and battōdō/tameshigiri.

They are also known for producing utsushi works inspired by the famous smith Kiyomaro, showing both their technical ability and respect for classical styles.
Speaking of which, in this particular example, Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru demonstrates his deep study of the Kiyomaro tradition through a faithful and powerful Kiyomaro utsushi. The tang is clearly inscribed “Utsushi Kiyomaro,” leaving no doubt as to the smith’s intent. This is not merely influenced by Kiyomaro, but a deliberate and confident recreation of his grand style.

True to the Kiyomaro aesthetic, the blade exhibits an impressively wide motohaba and maintains substantial width through the sakihaba, culminating in a massive ō kissaki measuring over 10 cm. The overall sugata conveys boldness and authority, capturing the heroic proportions that define Kiyomaro’s work. It is a commanding presence in hand, robust and forward assertive, yet balanced.

The horimono is tastefully executed and cleanly carved, adding visual interest without overwhelming the blade’s powerful form. It reflects both technical control and restraint, enhancing rather than distracting from the steel.

The hamon is a lively and expressive gunome chōji composition, rich with internal activity. Bright nie glisten along the habuchi, while energetic kinsuji streak and flash through the hardened edge like lightning cutting across a stormy sky. Fine lines of sunagashi weave through the hamon, creating layers of movement and depth. This abundance of hataraki gives the blade vitality and dynamism, characteristics strongly associated with the Kiyomaro school’s dramatic mid Edo revival style.

Altogether, this work stands as a compelling modern homage to one of the most celebrated and charismatic swordsmiths in Japanese history, executed with conviction, skill, and clear understanding of the original tradition.