Takaoka
The Hirosaki Domain History Museum in Takaoka, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is holding a special exhibition, "Swords of the Hirosaki Domain," at the museum. A special exhibition focusing on swords related to the history and people of the Hirosaki domain. There are 38 pieces lined up, mainly swords. Until May 31st.
The highlights are the "Tachi sword with the inscription Tomonari" and "Tachi sword with the inscription Mamoru," both of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. This is the first time the two have exhibited together in two years The sword with the inscription "Made by Tomonari" is said to have been given to the first feudal lord, Tsugaru Tamenobu, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was handed down to the Tsugaru family as a treasured sword The sword with the inscription "Mamoru" was used by the fourth generation Nobumasa.
In 1821 (Bunsei 4), a sword believed to have beheaded Soma and Seki was also on display in connection with the attempted attack on the 9th head of the clan, Yasuchika, by former Morioka samurai Shimotome Hidenoshin (commonly known as Soma Daisaku) and Seki Ryosuke The striking red inscription reads, "We have cut two heads off evil villains for the sake of our country."
In 52 (Kaei 5), the mother of Akaishi Aitaro, a samurai of the Hirosaki domain, was murdered by a ronin, and in 54 (Kaei 7), Akaishi killed the enemy in what is now Ibaraki Prefecture. Also on display is the sword with the inscription "Bizen Kunizumi Kagemitsu," which was used at the time. A newspaper version that describes Akaishi's revenge is also on display.
Other items on display include the unsigned "flat triangular spear" that is said to have been owned by Tanaka Tarogoro, who was killed in battle as Tamenobu's double, and swords related to the feudal lord and his family.
Ikenotani Masasuke (44), a curator at the museum, said, "There are also swords on display that are quite episodic, so I hope people will take this opportunity to come and see them."
As an event related to the special exhibition, a basic course on sword appreciation will be held at the museum on the 26th and May 16th.
For more information click here.
Event details
