Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto — Japanese Swords by Era Classification

Japanese swords are classified into three major eras.

Koto (Old Swords): Before 1596. The era when the five traditions flourished, considered to have the highest appreciation value.

Shinto (New Swords): From 1596 to approximately 1764. Beginning with Kunihiro, featuring masters like Kotetsu, Tadayoshi, Sukehiro, and Shinkai.

Shinshinto (New New Swords): From approximately 1764 to early Meiji. Starting with Masahide's revival movement, smiths like Naotane and Kiyomaro sought to recreate koto techniques.

Each era has its own distinctive beauty, and which period a collector prefers reveals their individual taste.