Dedicating Swords to Shrines: Sacred Japanese Swords and the Realities of Dedication and Return Procedures

Shrines and Swords—From Tools of Faith to Divine Embodiments

In Japan, swords have been revered not merely as weapons but as sacred "divine implements" since ancient times. The Kusanagi sword (Amatsu Murakumo), one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is the most famous example of this symbolic significance. However, throughout Japan's shrines, countless swords beyond the Three Sacred Treasures have been enshrined and preserved, with their total number said to exceed tens of thousands.

The reasons swords are enshrined at shrines are manifold. Warriors heading to battle would enshrine "votive swords" (gantō) to pray for victory, while "gratitude swords" (hōshatō) were offered in thanksgiving for returning safely from war. Some were enshrined simply out of faith in offering the finest treasures to the deity. Such practices were established as a form of ritual in the aristocratic society of the Heian period, particularly at leading shrines such as Ise Shrine.

Types and Historical Evolution of Enshrined Swords

Swords enshrined at shrines can be broadly classified into three types. First, "divine body swords" (goshintatō) are enshrined as the receptacles for the deity and are typically housed deep within the shrine sanctuary, out of public view. Second, "sacred treasure swords" (shinpōtō) are managed as shrine treasures and may be displayed during festivals and special ceremonies. Finally, "enshrined swords" (hōnōtō) are brought and offered by believers themselves and are mostly stored in treasure vaults.

Historically, the enshrinement of swords by the warrior class became most active from the Kamakura through Muromachi periods. Multiple records document swords reportedly enshrined by Minamoto Yoritomo at Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, and these offerings carried political intentions to demonstrate the shogunate's authority before the kami. In the Edo period, regular enshrinement by the shoguns and daimyo became institutionalized, and renowned swords were enshrined annually at prestigious shrines such as Ise Shrine, Kasuga Shrine, and Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Contemporary Enshrinement Procedures

In contemporary Japan, the possession of swords requires a registration certificate based on the "Law Regulating Possession, etc. of Firearms, Swords, and Bladed Objects" (Gun and Sword Control Law). The handling of this certificate also becomes an issue when enshrining swords at shrines. There are broadly two forms of enshrinement: "permanent enshrinement" and "temporary enshrinement."

In the case of permanent enshrinement, ownership of the sword transfers from the donor to the shrine. At this point, the registration certificate must be changed in name, and notification must be filed with the prefectural Board of Education. The specific procedure involves the donor submitting an "owner change notification" to the Board of Education, after which the shrine is registered as the new owner. Note that a shrine, as a legal entity, can be registered as the owner on the certificate.

In the case of temporary enshrinement (deposit enshrinement), since ownership does not transfer, no changes to the registration certificate are necessary. However, when the deposit extends over a long period, the shrine may be held responsible for safekeeping, making it advisable for both parties to prepare a receipt and storage agreement.

Storage and Maintenance of Enshrined Swords

The storage conditions of swords enshrined at shrines vary greatly depending on the size and financial resources of the shrine. Large shrines have dedicated treasure vaults with climate-controlled environments, while smaller shrines often employ simple storage in wooden boxes.

Proper sword preservation requires periodic reapplication of oil (aburahiki) and wiping (nugui). A thin coating of clove oil or camellia oil prevents rust, and old oil must be regularly removed to prevent blade damage. However, shrine priests do not always possess knowledge of proper sword preservation, and it is common for swords that have been enshrined for decades to be discovered in deteriorated condition.

To address this problem, the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (NBTHK) conducts training and advisory services for shrines nationwide on sword preservation. Additionally, conservation and restoration projects utilizing government subsidies from the Agency for Cultural Affairs are underway, and important cultural property designated enshrined swords receive state-funded restoration.

Issues Surrounding the Return of Enshrined Swords

Cases exist where swords enshrined at shrines are later requested to be "returned." The most common scenario involves descendants of the donor requesting return, but legally, if ownership transferred through the enshrinement, the shrine retains ownership and has no obligation to return it. However, from moral and relationship-maintenance perspectives, shrines sometimes voluntarily agree to return them.

More complex is the issue of swords "requisitioned" from shrines by the military during wartime. In the final stages of the Pacific War, numerous swords were collected from shrines nationwide as part of "iron requisitions," but some that survived melting were confiscated and lost overseas after the war. Negotiations for the return of enshrined swords taken abroad continue to this day, with some returns realized through diplomatic channels.

In recent years, the handling of swords from abandoned shrines (haiisha) has become an issue. Unmanned shrines without priests sometimes harbor enshrined swords unknown to the public. These swords should be protected as regional cultural properties, but many are left in limbo with unclear ownership and management responsibilities.

The Transmission of Sword Culture Through Enshrined Swords

The practice of sword enshrinement serves not merely as a religious act but as an important means of transmitting Japanese sword culture to future generations. Through periods of warfare, the Suppression of Buddhism, and the post-World War II confiscations, swords enshrined in shrine treasure vaults were largely protected during these numerous crises.

Many contemporary swordsmiths regard enshrinement at shrines as the highest form of craftsmanship. The enshrinement of a commissioned blade at a shrine signifies that the swordsmith's skill and spirit are preserved eternally before the kami, giving it significance that differs from mere commercial transactions.

The practice of sword enshrinement continues to this day, with new enshrined swords being presented annually at shrines throughout the country. It is customary that new swords are enshrined during sengū (the relocation ceremony), a major Shinto ritual, and contemporary swordsmiths have created enshrined swords for the Ise Grand Shrine's sengū ceremony. The deep connection between swords and Shinto faith continues to thrive in modern Japan.