【Summary】 Japanese Katana made by Bizen Osafune Ju Yokoyama Toshisaemon Fujiwara Sukekane(備前長船住横山俊左衛門藤原祐包). From here on, I will write “Yokoyama Sukekane". This is a very powerful Katana, with the blade portion alone measuring 73.7 cm. When I first saw it, I was overwhelmed by its size. The Hamon(刃文) is also beautifully expressed, making it a highly recommended sword for viewing. In addition, a very long Kanji(漢字) text is engraved on Mei(銘). The sword is authenticated by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) as "Tokubetsu Kicho Token(Special Valuable Sword)". This means that the NBTHK, the most prestigious organization in Japan for sword appraisal, recognizes the sword as being of exceptional quality. The certificate paper is included in the set. 【About Yokoyama Sukekane(横山祐包)】 Yokoyama Sukekane is a representative Bizen smith of the Shinshinto(新々刀) period.the 13th generation counting from Bizen Sukesada(祐定), and is Tomonari(友成)'s 58th grandson. He was born in Fukuda Village (now Fukuda, Bizen City) as the second son of Kichiroubei Moritoki(守時吉郎兵衛). Tomonari is one of the most prestigious swordsmiths of Kobizen(古備前), and along with "Sanjo Kokaji Munechika(三条小鍛冶宗近)" and "Yasutsuna(安綱)", he is one of the three oldest master swordsmiths in Japan. He is also positioned as the "founder of the Bizen Swordsmith" or "founder of the Osafune swordsmith. The relationship between Yokoyama Sukekane and Tomonari is clearly stated in Mei(銘). 【About Mei(銘)】 Bizen Osafune Ju Yokoyama Toshisaemon Fujiwara Sukekane Saku Kimi Banzai(備前長船住横山俊左衛門藤原祐包作　君万歳) It means “Made by Yokoyama Toshisaemon Fujiwara Sukekane, who lives in Bizen. This sword protects its owner from all evil.” Tomonari Gojuhachidaimago Ansei Sannen Nigatsu Kitijitsu(友成五十八代孫　安政三年二月吉日) It means “58th grandson of Tomonari. Engraved this on a wonderful day, February, 1856.” This Mei is very interesting. It is engraved with not only "Yokoyama Sukekane" but also his common name "Yokoyama Toshisaemon Fujiwara Sukekane", making it a very rare sword. Furthermore, it is engraved with the inscription "Kimi Banzai(君万歳)".These kanji are engraved with wishes for the owner's health, longevity, prosperity of offspring, and longevity of military fortune, as well as protection from all evil entities. 【Blade/condition】 The sword is extremely well preserved and has a unique yet very high level of detail. I would say the blade is in perfect condition. 【Attention before bid】 This is a truly domestic Japanese sword that has never left Japan. When exporting, an export permit must be obtained. It takes about 20 business days from the time the buyer makes payment to the time the transportation process begins. This is because exporting Japanese swords requires permission from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Export of Japanese swords from Japan to other countries is restricted. Depending on the situation of the shipping company and your country of residence, it may not be possible to ship. We will of course do our best to send the item, but if no carrier is available, we have no choice but to cancel the transaction. (So far we have been able to transport them without any problems in most cases.) Regardless of the carrier's situation, China and Russia are banned from importing Japanese swords.