薬研藤四郎
Yagen Tōshirō
別名: Medicine Grinder
解說
A tantō by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu — one of the 'Three Greatest Smiths' — and among his most celebrated works. When Hatakeyama Masanaga attempted to take his own life, this blade refused to pierce his belly, as if unwilling to harm its master. In fury, Masanaga drove it into a yagen (a metal medicine-grinding mortar), which it pierced effortlessly — hence the name 'Yagen Tōshirō.' The paradox of a blade that protects its master yet penetrates iron has made it one of the most storied tantō in Japanese history. It passed from the Ashikaga shōguns through Matsunaga Hisahide to Oda Nobunaga, but is believed to have been lost in the flames of the Honnō-ji Incident.
逸話與傳說
The legend of Yagen Tōshirō symbolizes the belief that Japanese swords possess a will of their own. During the Ōnin War, Hatakeyama Masanaga realized his defeat and attempted seppuku, but no matter how he tried, the tantō would not pierce his flesh — as if the blade itself refused to harm its master. When Masanaga furiously drove it into an iron medicine mortar, it punched through effortlessly. 'It refuses to cut a person, yet penetrates iron' — this tale was passed down with awe among the samurai class. At the Honnō-ji Incident, it vanished in the flames alongside Nobunaga, deepening its legend as 'the blade that perished with its lord.' In Touken Ranbu, it is portrayed as a tantō fiercely loyal to Nobunaga and enjoys great popularity.
相關名刀
村正
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正宗
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (multiple works)Masamune
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National TreasureDaihannya Nagamitsu
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