History of the Museum
Around 1981, plans began to take shape for a sword exhibition at Tenno Shrine’s Sword Forest, a site closely associated with the history of Japanese swordmaking. Bizen Osafune was renowned as one of Japan’s major centers of sword production, and the nearby Saifukuji Temple’s Jigen-in was known as a memorial temple connected with swordsmiths. To display valuable swords safely and protect them from theft and humidity, a permanent museum was considered necessary.
In the same year, Tenno Shrine’s Sword Forest was designated an Okayama Prefecture Local Historic Monument, accelerating plans for the museum. Construction began in 1982 on a 2,758-square-meter site. The reinforced-concrete building had two floors and a total floor area of 666 square meters. The facility opened as a municipal museum on September 10, 1983.
A sword-forging workshop was completed in 1984, allowing visitors to observe traditional swordmaking. In 1998, the Bizen Osafune Folk Materials Museum was built next to the main museum. It included a recreated workshop belonging to swordsmith Toshimitsu Imaizumi, helping visitors understand the tools and working environment associated with the craft.
Recent Developments and the National Treasure Yamatorige
In March 2020, Setouchi City purchased the National Treasure Tachi, unsigned, Ichimonji school, known as Yamatorige. The following year, plans were approved to create a virtual reality experience featuring this celebrated sword. The city’s mayor, Akiya Takehisa, expressed the intention to use Yamatorige to promote tourism and establish a center for sharing information about Japanese swords.
Yamatorige is an outstanding example of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school of swordsmiths, which flourished during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). It is admired for its powerful, imposing blade and exceptionally ornate temper pattern. The museum offers an opportunity to explore the artistry, history, and cultural significance of Japanese swords, including masterpieces closely connected with the Bizen region.
Collection and Exhibitions
The museum displays approximately 40 Japanese swords at any given time. Bizen swords form the core of the collection, alongside sword fittings, materials explaining the processes of swordmaking and polishing, and historical documents relating to the development of the Osafune swordmaking tradition. Around five special exhibitions are held each year, each exploring a particular theme.
Some exhibitions have also connected traditional craftsmanship with contemporary popular culture. Past projects have included weapons associated with characters from the video game series Sengoku BASARA and the creation and exhibition of the Spear of Longinus from Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Among the museum’s notable swords are the following:
Tachi, unsigned, Ichimonji school (Yamatorige): A celebrated Kamakura-period sword associated with the Fukuoka Ichimonji school, distinguished by its bold blade form and elaborate temper pattern.
Katana, unsigned, attributed to Toshitsune: A sword attributed to Toshitsune, a swordsmith of the early Bizen tradition.
Kodachi, signed Yoshifusa: A short sword made by Yoshifusa, a swordsmith of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school.
Tanto, signed Bishu-ju Osafune Katsumitsu, dated September 1488: A short sword from the late Muromachi period (1336–1573), bearing an inscription that includes the words indicating it was made for a military encampment.
Exhibition Areas and Facilities
Main Exhibition Galleries
The first and second floors display approximately 40 swords, with explanatory exhibits introducing the history of Japanese swordmaking, the names of the different parts of a sword, and the historical background of each period. Visitors can also watch videos showing the swordmaking process and use a touchscreen viewer to explore Yamatorige in greater detail.
Toshimitsu Imaizumi Swordsmith Memorial Hall
This memorial hall celebrates the achievements of Toshimitsu Imaizumi, who is regarded as a key figure in the revival of Bizen swordmaking. Tools used by the master swordsmith are also displayed, offering insight into the techniques and equipment behind traditional Japanese blades.
Bizen Osafune Sword-Forge
At the sword-forging workshop, swordsmiths work on shaping the steel blades of Japanese swords. Traditional forging demonstrations are held during approximately 60% of the year, giving visitors the chance to see tamahagane, a special steel used in Japanese swordmaking, heated to high temperatures and repeatedly hammered and stretched.
Bizen Osafune Swordmaking Workshops
Visitors can observe various stages of sword production at the workshops, including blade polishing, blade engraving, and the making of scabbards and handles. These demonstrations provide a closer look at the many specialized skills required to complete a traditional Japanese sword.
Training Hall
The multipurpose training hall hosts research presentations, lectures, and group exhibitions open to the public. Regular courses include small-knife-making workshops and lessons on the proper care and maintenance of Japanese swords.
Fureai Local Products Hall
The Fureai Local Products Hall displays and sells Japanese swords, Bizen-made small knives and other blades, Bizen pottery, and traditional crafts. A tea area is also available, making it a pleasant place to relax after exploring the museum.
Visitor Information
The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Regular closing days include Mondays, except when Monday falls on a public holiday, the day after public holidays, and the period from December 28 to January 4. Temporary closures may also occur when exhibitions are being changed.
Admission Fees
Admission is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for university and high school students. Children of junior high school age and younger can enter free of charge. Groups of 20 or more receive a reduced adult admission fee of 400 yen. Fees may vary for special exhibitions.
Access
The museum is approximately 10 minutes by taxi from JR Osafune Station, or around 20 minutes by car from the Bizen Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, traditional craftsmanship, and samurai culture, the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum offers more than a display of beautiful blades. Its collection, working forge, and specialist workshops provide a fascinating introduction to one of Japan’s most celebrated swordmaking traditions.