* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Kashū Kiyomitsu
加州清光
Also known as: Kashū Kiyomitsu
Description
Kashū Kiyomitsu refers to the generations of smiths named Kiyomitsu from Kaga Province (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture), who served as official smiths to the Maeda clan. The name is widely known through Okita Sōji, the genius swordsman and captain of the Shinsengumi's first squad, who wielded a Kashū Kiyomitsu blade. Okita's exploits at the Ikedaya Incident are especially celebrated. The Kashū Kiyomitsu school is noted for the beauty of its jigane, carrying on the forging traditions of Kaga. In Touken Ranbu, Kashū Kiyomitsu is one of the starter characters and has become an iconic face of the game.
Legends & Stories
Okita Sōji was known as the most gifted swordsman in the Shinsengumi. Said to have mastered Tennen Rishin-ryū while still a teenager, he overwhelmed loyalist samurai at the Ikedaya Incident with his renowned three-stage thrust technique. Yet Okita contracted tuberculosis at a young age and died at just 25, unable to fight in the Boshin War. The Kashū Kiyomitsu blade he supposedly favored has become a symbol of the brilliant yet tragic swordsman, holding special esteem among Bakumatsu fans. In Touken Ranbu, Kashū Kiyomitsu is depicted as a beautiful and spirited character and serves as one of the starter swords, making him a gateway into the game for countless players. The resulting influx of 'sword girls' visiting Ishikawa Prefecture has cast new light on Kaga's swordsmithing heritage.
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