Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum 25th Anniversary Special Exhibition: The World of Local Swords — Inheriting Beauty in the Blade

About this event

Held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum, the special exhibition 'The World of Local Swords: Inheriting Beauty in the Blade' introduces the world of technique and beauty nurtured by Japanese swords through masterpieces by swordsmiths associated with the Yonezawa and Okitama regions. The exhibition showcases works by swordsmiths such as the Kato and Ogata families who served as Yonezawa clan smiths, as well as the 'Edo Sansaku' (Three Masters of Edo)—including Suishinshi Masahide, the founder of the Shinshinto (New-New Sword) era, his senior disciple Taikei Naotane, and Minamoto Kiyomaro, who was active during the same period—exploring their lineages and distinctive characteristics. In addition, swords imbued with unique stories will be introduced, including celebrated blades handed down in the Uesugi clan that Yonezawa clan smiths admired, as well as swords presented to other families as rewards. Furthermore, the exhibition highlights the production process from Tamahagane (jewel steel) to the completion of a single sword, as well as the outstanding craftsmanship and collaboration among artisans such as swordsmiths, polishers, and scabbard makers, offering an opportunity to deeply understand the appeal of the sword culture thriving in the region, the brilliance of celebrated swords nurtured by Okitama, and the Japanese craftsmanship and spirit behind them.

Venue

Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum

1-2-1 Marunouchi, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-0052