数珠丸恒次
Juzumaru Tsunetsugu
Also known as: Rosary Blade
Description
One of the Five Greatest Swords, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is famed as the sword carried by the Buddhist monk Nichiren. Forged by Aoe Tsunetsugu of Bitchū Province, it features the Aoe school's characteristically clear jigane with a graceful suguha-style hamon. The name 'Juzumaru' (Rosary Blade) comes from the prayer beads wound around its hilt. Nichiren reportedly wore the sword for protection during his years at Mount Minobu — a reminder of the dangerous times. After Nichiren's death, it was kept at Kuon-ji Temple on Mount Minobu before being lost and rediscovered at Honkō-ji Temple during the Taishō era. It is the only one of the Five Greatest Swords housed in a Buddhist temple.
Legends & Stories
During the Kamakura period, the monk Nichiren devoted his life to spreading the Lotus Sutra despite relentless persecution. During his years of ascetic practice on Mount Minobu, he carried this sword to defend himself against bandits. When questioned about the contradiction of a monk bearing arms, Nichiren is said to have replied: 'To protect the Dharma, one must first protect oneself.' The rosary beads wound around the hilt — blurring the line between sacred implement and weapon — embody Nichiren's indomitable spirit. Lost after leaving Kuon-ji Temple, the sword was dramatically rediscovered at Honkō-ji Temple in Amagasaki during the Taishō era.