Other Famous SwordsTachiLegendary blade (no confirmed extant example)

小狐丸

Kogitsune-maru

Aussi connu sous le nom de: Little Fox Blade

Forgeron

Sanjō Munechika

Époque

Late Heian period (late 10th – early 11th century)

Type

Tachi

Classement

Legendary blade (no confirmed extant example)

Lieu de conservation

Unknown (multiple candidates claimed)

Description

A legendary tachi said to have been forged by Sanjō Munechika with the divine assistance of a fox spirit sent by the deity Inari. The tale is immortalized in the Noh play 'Kokaji' (The Little Swordsmith), one of the most beloved works in the traditional performing arts. When Munechika was commanded by Emperor Ichijō to forge a blade but lacked a skilled assistant to strike the steel, he prayed to Inari, whereupon a fox spirit appeared and served as his hammer-striker. This legend symbolizes the sacred relationship between swordsmithing and the divine, forming a cornerstone of Japanese sword culture. Its appearance in Touken Ranbu has made it popular among younger audiences as well.

Légendes et récits

When Sanjō Munechika received Emperor Ichijō's command to forge a tachi, he was troubled by the lack of a skilled assistant to serve as his striker. He retreated to Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine to pray for divine aid, whereupon a young boy appeared and volunteered. Back at the forge, the boy revealed his true form as a fox spirit and, with supernatural skill, struck the steel in perfect rhythm with Munechika. The completed blade bore the inscription 'Kogitsune-maru' on one side and 'Munechika' on the other. This tale has been performed as the Noh play 'Kokaji' since the Muromachi period, preserving the mystique of the swordsmith's art. It is a foundational legend of Japanese sword culture, illustrating the deep bond between Inari worship and the forge.