上田城

Connection to Swords

The Sanada clan were renowned warriors with a deep practical understanding of swords forged through countless battles. Masayuki and his son Nobushige (Yukimura) fought through numerous engagements; Yukimura's legendary charge into Tokugawa Ieyasu's headquarters at the Summer Siege of Osaka remains one of the most celebrated feats of arms in Japanese history. Sanada heirloom swords include works by Shinshū smiths as well as celebrated blades received as rewards for meritorious service. The Ueda City Museum displays weapons and swords associated with the Sanada clan. Shinshū was also an important source of quality whetstones, contributing to sword polishing culture. The martial spirit embodied by the Sanada's iconic red-armored corps is inseparable from sword culture.