* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu
笠間一貫斎繁継
Description
Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu's Training
Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu was a modern swordsmith born in Shizuoka Prefecture in Meiji 19 (1886); his real name was Yoshikazu. Shigetsugu learned sword-making from his uncle, a swordsmith; he later studied under Morioka Masayoshi, and then, in Meiji 36 (1903), moved to Tokyo, where he continued his training.
Tokiwamatsu Forge and the o-katana-gakari
Shigetsugu served as an instructor at the Nihontō Tanren Denshūjo, which Kurihara Hikosaburō had opened in Akasaka, and then, around Shōwa 10 (1935), became chief swordsmith of the Tokiwamatsu forge, set up within the grounds of Tōyama Mitsuru's residence. He was also appointed to the o-katana-gakari of the Imperial Household Ministry, where he worked on swords connected with the Imperial Household. He forged many commemorative swords and devoted himself to reviving and passing on the traditional forging techniques of Japanese swords.
Teacher of a Living National Treasure
Shigetsugu died in Shōwa 40 (1965) at the age of 80. Among his disciples were Miyairi Akihira (later Miyairi Yukihira), who later became a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure), and Tsukamoto Okimasa; he is known as one of the key leaders of the modern sword world.