About “The Artisans of the Japanese Swords Exhibition” | Meiji Shrine |

This exhibition is based on the “15th Exhibition of New Japanese Swords, Polishing, Mountings, and Swordsmithing Techniques”. It features approximately seventy pieces, including award-winning works from the fields of sword making (Sakuto), polishing (kenma), mountings (gaiso), and sword fittings (tosogu), along with special exhibits like armor (katchu), all gathered in one location.

The purpose is to broadly share the traditional techniques and aesthetic sense embodied in the Japanese sword both domestically and internationally, and to pass on the craftsmanship and spirit of the masters to the next generation.

We believe it is truly significant for the sword world, as well as for people both in Japan and abroad, to introduce swords closely connected to Emperor Meiji in the historic setting of the Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine).

The space within the Treasure Museum (Homotsuden), completed in the Taisho era (1921), retains a distinct charm, as if one has traveled back a hundred years. Please enjoy the numerous exquisite works created by the masters’ techniques within this historical atmosphere.

Venue: Meiji Jingu Treasure Museum (Homotsuden), 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Dates: Saturday, October 25, 2025, to Sunday, November 16, 2025

Closed: Every Thursday

Organizer: The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords

Supported by: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Agency for Cultural Affairs; Japan Tourism Agency; All Japan Sword Traders Cooperative Association; Japan Armor and Arms Preservation Society; All Japan Swordsmith Association; Sakaki Town

Special Cooperation: Meiji Jingu

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:30 PM)

Admission Fee:

• General: ¥1,000
• Junior high school students and younger: Free
• Meiji Jingu Worship Association members: Free (for the member only)

• Gallery Talk: Starts at 2:00 PM each day in the Treasure Museum exhibition room:  Oct 26 (Sun), Nov 1 (Sat), Nov 2 (Sun), Nov 3 (Mon/Holiday), Nov 8 (Sat), Nov 9 (Sun), Nov15 (Sat)

 

Meiji Jingu Museum (Completed 1921, Important Cultural Property of Japan)

The Museum is located on the north side of the Meiji Jingu grounds. It was completed at the end of October in Taisho 10 (1921), the year after Meiji Jingu was founded. Known as the Azekura-fu Ōyuka-zukuri (Storehouse-style Raised Floor Construction), which imitates the Azekura (log cabin style) architecture of the Shosoin Repository in Nara, it is a representative example of early reinforced concrete architecture in Japan. It is a sturdy and elegant building faced with granite, which skillfully attempts a Wayo Secchū (Japanese-Western eclectic style) in its various parts. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in June 2011.

Collection Highlight

Kashi Zu Tsuba (Sword Guard with Oak Design)

• Artist: Umetada Myoju
• Era: Azuchi-Momoyama period
• Materials/Technique: Brass base with Shakudō (copper-gold alloy) and silver inlay.