Sasaki Ippō Katana with Historical Cutting Test and NBTHK Certification

“Immortal Sword” with Keiki*

Personified and described in the tester’s own words – to possess immortality.

With “Tokubetsu Saidan”, Rare 3 Body Cutting Test, 320 + Years Old

Blade personally named by the tester, “Fujimi Hairu”*

Tokubetsu Kicho Ninteisho by the N.B.T.H.K.

*Keiki – Official Definition from Hawley’s: a physic feeling thought to be generated by the living spirit of the blade…

* Fujimi definition – forever, perpetual, never die…

This article documents a Japanese katana attributed to Gōshū Jūnin Sasaki Nyūdō Minamoto Ippō, an early Edo period swordsmith of the Ishidō school based in Ōmi Province. The sword bears historical significance due to its rare three-body cutting test inscription, NBTHK “Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō” certification, and attribution to a documented cutting test performed in 1687.

Swordsmith Background

Sasaki Ippō (佐々木一峯) was active circa 1648 and is associated with the Ishidō tradition, which developed in Ōmi Province. His blades are recognized for high-quality construction and are rated Wazamono (noted for sharpness) and Jō-saku (superior craftsmanship). The first and second generations of Ippō likely overlapped, and many extant works show similar characteristics, making precise attribution between generations difficult.

A sword signed by Sasaki Ippō was also documented as having been presented by General Douglas MacArthur to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in 1945. That example was mounted in military fittings and accompanied by a full provenance file.

Inscription and Cutting Test

The blade described here includes a three-body cutting test inscription (san-nin giri), dated to the 4th year of Jōkyō (1687). The test took place in Musashi Province (Bushu). The testing official, named Yoshisada (吉貞), inscribed an account of the test on the nakago (tang). He described the cut as being completed swiftly and effectively through all three bodies in one motion.

The blade was named “Fujimi Hairu” by the tester:

• Fujimi (不死身) translates as “immortal” or “undying.”

• Hairu (入る) means “to enter” or “to be imbued with.”

While such naming is uncommon, it reflects the traditional belief in sword spirit or presence (keiki) found in certain blades. The term keiki, as defined in Hawley’s, refers to a psychic sensation or life force associated with the sword.

Certification

The sword is accompanied by an official certificate from the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (NBTHK). The paper is of the Kōshu Tokubetsu Kichō Ninteisho class, issued in Showa 53 (1978). This level of certification was used between 1973 and 1979 and is considered a high rank below Juyō Tōken (Important Sword designation). The certificate includes:

• Signature: Gōshū Jūnin Sasaki Nyūdō Minamoto Ippō

• Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 1 bu (approx. 70 cm)

• Certification issued to: Tada Tarō

• NBTHK Chairman at time: Honma Junji

Characteristics of the Blade

• Period: Early Edo period (approx. 1648–1681)

• Style: Bizen-influenced Ichimonji-style hamon typical of Ishidō school

• Nakago: Inscribed with maker’s signature, cutting test details, and named by the tester

• Test Type: Rare tameshigiri on three bodies (Tokubetsu Saidan)

Historical Context of Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri, or test cutting, has been practiced since at least the Heian period. By the Edo period, formal cutting tests were conducted using criminal corpses, and successful tests were sometimes inscribed onto the tangs of swords. Multi-body cutting tests are rare and usually indicated blades of significant sharpness and durability.

This katana is a documented work by Sasaki Ippō, featuring a rare cutting test inscription and NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichō certification. The combination of its maker, documented cutting performance, and preserved inscription make it historically notable within the field of Japanese sword collecting.