The ABCs of Japanese Swords

2026/10/02-12/20

Permanent exhibition room 1

Japanese swords—one of the nation's most iconic forms of craftsmanship—possess a mysterious allure that captivates people, even those without detailed knowledge of them. At the same time, the specialized terminology used to describe these swords can make the subject seem intimidating or inaccessible to the uninitiated.
This exhibition aims to serve as an approachable entry point, introducing the fundamentals of Japanese swords through pieces from our collection.
In addition, thanks to the cooperation of Kotohira-gu Shrine, we are presenting a special exhibition of two Important Cultural Properties—the *Tachi* (long sword) by Nagamitsu and the *Tachi* attributed to Moromitsu—which underwent polishing in the 2025 fiscal year with national government support. This marks their first public display following the polishing process.

Dates

2026/10/02-12/20

Hours of operation

9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)

Days closed

October 5 (Mon), 13 (Tue), 16 (Fri)–21 (Wed), 26 (Mon) November 2 (Mon), 17 (Tue)–19 (Thu), 30 (Mon) December 1 (Tue)–2 (Wed), 14 (Mon)

Venue

The Kagawa Museum (5-5 Tamamo-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture) Permanent Exhibition Room 1

Admission fee

General: 500 yen / Groups (20 or more people): 400 yen

*During special exhibition periods, admission is covered by the special exhibition ticket.

*Free admission for: high school students and younger; residents of Kagawa Prefecture aged 65 or older; and holders of a disability certificate, a certificate for specific medical expenses (designated intractable disease), or a certificate for medical expenses for specified pediatric chronic diseases (along with their caregivers). Please present the relevant proof.

*Admission is free on Thursday, December 3, in observance of “Kagawa Prefecture Citizens’ Day.”

Product Information

Important Cultural Property, Tachi Long Sword Inscription: Motoshige, Nanbokucho Period (Collection of The Kagawa Museum)

A tachi sword crafted by a master smith of Bizen Osafune.

This *tachi* (long sword) was handed down within the Takamatsu Matsudaira family. It bears the signature of Motoshige, a swordsmith active in Bizen Osafune—a region renowned for producing many masterpieces. Although the blade was shortened—a process known as *suriage*—it retains traces of its original form. It was a gift from the Kii Tokugawa family, with whom the Takamatsu Matsudaira family shared close ties, and was carefully preserved over generations. The inscription reads “Motoshige.”

Related Events

Museum Talk ※Free (admission ticket required)

Staff members will provide clear explanations of the exhibits!

October 11(Sunday); November 3 (Tuesday, national holiday); December 12(Saturday) All sessions start at 14:00 (lasting approximately 30 minutes)

Venue: Permanent Exhibition Room 1 (2nd floor)

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