Nicholas Fu

New Additions – October 2025 | Touken Takarado We’ve just added several exciting new pieces to our collection this month — a mix of important historical works and fascinating mountings that showcase the rich evolution of Japanese sword culture. Juyo Token — Ko-Mihara Masahiro Tachi (Nanbokuchō Period) A remarkable ubu zaimei (signed, unaltered) tachi by Masahiro of the Ko-Mihara school, designated Juyo Token. This masterpiece from the Nanbokuchō period is accompanied by a beautiful Handachi-style koshirae, combining classical elegance with outstanding preservation. 🔗 View the piece here - https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk019-juyo-token-mihara Katana in Shikomizue Koshirae — Fujiwara Kuniyoshi Something truly unique — a katana mounted in a shikomizue (sword-cane) koshirae, designed for concealed carry after the Haitōrei sword ban of 1876. This rare mounting perfectly captures Japan’s transitional Meiji-era spirit, when traditional craftsmanship adapted to a rapidly changing society. 🔗 View the piece here - https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk023-fujiwara-kuniyoshi-katana Shintō Katana in Kyu-Guntō Mounts — Harima no Daijō Fujiwara Shigetaka A fine Shintō-period blade that was later shortened and remounted as a Japanese Navy officer’s Kyu-Guntō. It’s always fascinating to see how earlier swords were repurposed for military service, carrying centuries of tradition into modern warfare. 🔗 View the piece here - https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk022-harima-no-daijo-fujiwara-shigetaka Gendaitō — Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru Katana A modern sword by Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru, known for producing exceptionally well-balanced blades that are highly regarded by iai and battōdō practitioners. Lightweight yet lively in hand, it’s an excellent piece for both appreciation and practical use. 🔗 View the piece here - https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk026-akamatsu-taro-kaneteru-katana Heianjō Unzenshi Sadahide Katana — “Kinnoto” (Royalist Sword) A long, wide, and powerful blade forged during the turbulent Bakumatsu era, associated with the Kinnoto (勤王刀) movement — “swords of loyalty to the Emperor.” These were carried by samurai who supported the imperial cause against the shogunate, embodying the passionate spirit of the Meiji Restoration. 🔗 View the piece here - https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk024-heianj-unzenshi-sadahide-katana We hope you’ll take a moment to explore them on our website. We look forward to serving you. Warm regards, Nicholas Fu Touken Takarado 🌐 www.toukentakarado.com

New Additions – A Month of Bizen-den at Touken Takarado We're excited to share four newly listed swords now available on our website. This month carries a distinct Bizen flavor, with three of the four works forged in the revered Bizen tradition—including two Shinshinto-era blades and one exceptional Koto period katana from the Den Iwato Ichimonji lineage, designated Juyo Token. Newly Added to Inventory: Den Iwato Ichimonji Katana – Juyo Token A powerful and dignified Koto-era work by the enigmatic Den Iwato Ichimonji school. A rare opportunity to acquire a Juyo-class piece. https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk017-juyo-den-iwato-ichimonji Izumo Daijō Fujiwara Yoshitake Wakizashi A dynamic Shinshinto blade with a vigorous jigane and an energetic midare hamon, showing strong Horikawa influences. https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk016-izumo-daijo-fujiwara-yoshitake Biyō Osafune-jū Yokoyama Shunzōemon Sukekane Katana A finely crafted Shinshinto katana by the Yokoyama school, descended from the famed Osafune lineage. Robust and elegant workmanship. https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk015-yokoyama-sukekane Kuwana-jū Gisen-sai Mishina Hiromichi Katana A beautifully forged katana from the Mishina tradition, showcasing the regional style of Ise/Kuwana. https://www.toukentakarado.com/item-tk014-kuwana-mishina-hisamichi We invite you to explore these new listings and welcome any inquiries or questions you may have. Best Regards, Nicholas Fu Touken Takarado

We are pleased to announce the addition of three exceptional Tokubetsu Hozon Katana to our inventory, now available for viewing on our website. Each of these swords is accompanied by elegant koshirae and reflects a unique facet of craftsmanship and tradition: A refined yet more accessible Satsuma Katana by Houki no Kami Ason Masayoshi, showcasing hallmark Satsuma traits and ideal for collectors seeking quality with value. A superb Katana by the 4th Generation Hizen Tadayoshi, representative of the dignified Hizen tradition during the Genroku era. A rare collaborative work (Gassaku) from the Mishina school, forged by Omi no Kami Hisamichi and his heir Rai Hisatsugu, blending the legacy of two generations in one blade. All three swords bear the prestigious Tokubetsu Hozon designation from the NBTHK, attesting to their historical and artistic significance. We invite you to explore these new listings and welcome any inquiries or questions you may have. www.toukentakarado.com/nihonto Warm regards, Nicholas Fu Touken Takarado

Hello my fellow Nihonto enthusiasts, Welcome to Touken Takarado, a licensed dealer in Japanese fine arts, specializing in Japanese swords (Nihonto) and Japanese sword fittings (Tosogu). With a deep appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and history embedded in these treasures, we are dedicated to connecting collectors and enthusiasts with authentic and high-quality pieces. Touken Takarado is a licensed antique dealer based in Japan, operating under Japan’s strict regulations to ensure the authenticity and legality of every item we offer. Our name, Takarado (宝刀堂), translates to "Treasure Sword Hall," reflecting our commitment to curating exceptional pieces that embody the spirit of Japanese tradition and culture. We specialize in: - Authentic Nihonto: From historic blades by renowned smiths to exquisite gendaito (modern swords). - Japanese Sword Fittings: Including tsuba, fuchi-kashira, menuki, and koshirae, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of these essential components. - Consultation, Appraisal and Buyer Agent Services: For those seeking guidance on acquisitions, sales, or the history of their collection. At Touken Takarado, we see Japanese swords as more than just artifacts; they are living pieces of history, embodying the spirit of the samurai and the craftsmanship of generations past. Our goal is to share this legacy with collectors and enthusiasts around the globe, ensuring these treasures are preserved and appreciated for years to come. We are a licensed Japanese sword dealership based in Japan. While we do not currently have a physical storefront, we operate on a mail-order and online basis. Additionally, we have a separate office located in Melbourne, Australia. If you are interested in a specific product, we can arrange a meeting depending on your location and the location of the product, whether in Japan or Australia. As a licensed antique Japanese dealer with strong connections in Japan, we have access to dealer-only Japanese auctions and trusted networks. This allows us to source blades and fittings that may not currently be on the market. If you are looking for a specific piece, we may be able to assist you in finding it through our network. Website: https://www.toukentakarado.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToukenTakarado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toukentakarado Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571504296191 Please feel free to contact me via email at info@toukentakarado.com

Hi everyone, Currently looking for the Tokubetsu Juyo Zufu Nado book - Particularly volume 18 that was published in 2004-2005. Thanks in advance. Nick

Hello! Thank you everyone for the kind words. I think it was a joke, but I'd like to take this oppurtunity to say that I consider John a good friend! and I look forward to working along side him in this field and hope that we can support each other! 👍👍 We don't have a physical store yet, but a viewing can be arranged, both in Japan and Australia. Prices are in Yen because the main business is in Japan and payments are typically to be made to the company account based in Japan, but we keep some of the inventory here in Australia and some in Japan. I look forward to working with you all!

Thank you!

Dear Nihonto Enthusiasts, I am incredibly fortunate and thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. After years of dedicated passion for Japanese swords and antiques, I have partnered with a licensed Japanese antique dealer in Japan to bring a curated selection of authentic nihonto and related artifacts directly to collectors worldwide. It is with great excitement that I introduce our new website: www.toukentakarado.com. Who We Are: Tōken Takaradō (刀剣宝堂) is the culmination of a shared dedication to preserving and sharing the cultural and historical significance of Japanese swords. Our team consists of knowledgeable professionals, both in Japan and internationally, who are committed to offering genuine pieces, clear provenance, and exceptional service to collectors of all levels. What We Offer: A selection of high-quality nihonto, including katanas, wakizashis, and tanto, each carefully sourced and authenticated. Various sword fittings (koshirae, tsuba, menuki, etc.) and related antiques that embody the artistry and craftsmanship of Japan’s rich history. Our goal is to create a reliable and approachable platform for collectors to access authentic items while fostering an appreciation for the art and history of Japanese swords. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of nihonto, we are here to guide and assist you. We invite you to explore our website, and we would be delighted to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thank you for your support as we embark on this exciting journey. Please feel free to reach out with any inquiries or questions—we’re always happy to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Warm regards, Nicholas Fu www.toukentakarado.com

Hello everyone, Currently in the market for a Houki no Kami Ason Taira Masayoshi Katana Preferably with his latest signature with the Houki no Kami title. Its probably a long shot but wondering if there is any out there P.S. I am aware of the ones currently available on Aoiart etc.

SOLD!!