Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most iconic and revered samurai, was known to have favored the practice of fighting with two swords, the katana and the wakizashi. However, the whereabouts and details of Musashi’s original swords, like many aspects of his life, are shrouded in mystery and lore, making it challenging to speak definitively about them.
It’s important to note that the idea of a samurai having a single, signature sword for their entire career is often a misconception perpetuated by pop culture. Samurai, in reality, might have used and owned several swords throughout their lives. Swords could break, be lost, gifted, or simply replaced for various reasons. Given Musashi’s long and adventurous life, it’s likely he would have used many swords.
Nonetheless, several existing swords are linked to Musashi, passed down in various schools or families related to him. Let’s discuss a couple of the more well-known examples.
1. The “Musashi Masamune”
One of the most famous blades associated with Musashi is the “Musashi Masamune,” named after the legendary swordsmith Goro Nyudo Masamune, who lived a couple of centuries before Musashi’s time. The sword is said to have been used by Musashi during his famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro on Ganryu Island in 1612.
While the sword carries the Masamune name, it is not actually forged by Masamune but is so named to honor the famed smith. The real maker of the blade is unknown, and it is assumed to have been one of the many quality blades from the Muromachi period.
READ MORE: The Legendary Katana of Miyamoto Musashi: A Story of Skill and Spirit
2. The “Enmei-Ryu” Katana
Another sword attributed to Musashi is the “Enmei-Ryu” katana, also known as the “Life Prolonging Sword.” This sword was reputedly made by Musashi himself during his later years when he retreated to a hermit’s life, creating artwork and refining his philosophy.
The “Enmei-Ryu” is not a finely crafted masterpiece like the works of renowned swordsmiths. Its forging technique and overall quality are considered crude, reflecting Musashi’s lack of professional training in sword-making. Nonetheless, it carries historical significance and serves as a reminder of Musashi’s later years, when he focused on arts and spirituality.
READ MORE: Eiji Yoshikawa’s ‘Musashi’ (Book 1: Earth)
Conclusion
While we may never know the true details of Miyamoto Musashi’s original swords, the ones associated with him reflect different stages of his life—from the legendary duels of his youth to the introspective philosophy and creativity of his later years. These swords, whether he held them in his hands or forged them himself, remain enduring symbols of Musashi’s lasting impact on samurai history and Japanese culture.
