Difference between revisions of "Famous Samurai Swords"

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This page is a partial list of the most famous Samurai swords, ordered by
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This page is a partial list of the most famous samurai swords, ordered by name of the owner. Most of those listed belonged to several owners during their history, and are today designated as [[National Treasures]]. In addition, note that while a given sword may be identified with a given historical figure, any given figure owned and used multiple swords over the course of their lives.
name of the owner. Obviously there were more then one sword available to
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every and each of the following personalities. Most belonged to several owners
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When a picture is not available, there is an ''oshigata'', a professional drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is sometimes flexible due to the high esteem Japanese often hold for these items. Nicknames always refers to the sword, never to the smith.         
during their history and reached the level of "Kokuho", National Treasures.  
 
When a picture is not available, there is an Oshigata, a professional  
 
drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is  
 
sometimes "flexible" due to the high esteem japaneses have of these items. Nonetheless for most of them there is no reason for debating.
 
When doubts arise in scholar environment, they are reported.         
 
 
    
 
    
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[[File:Ichimonji.jpg|center|thumb|919px|A 13th century blade known as Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, by the [[Kamakura period]] swordsmith Sukezane. Previously held by the [[Kii Tokugawa clan]]; now held at [[Tokyo National Museum]]. [[National Treasure]].]]
  
Takeda Shingen's (and then Katsuyori) sword : made by Go Yoshihiro
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* [[Akechi Mitsuhide|Akechi Mitsuhide's]] sword : made by Bishû Osafune ju Chikakage (active in Gen-O, 1319) [http://www.sho-shin.com/chikkag1.JPG Picture]
                                            (Born 1299 - Died 1325)
 
 
 
Oshigata: [http://www.www.sho-shin.com/Kai.JPG]
 
 
 
Mounting: [http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigkosh.JPG]
 
          [http://www.www.sho-shin.com/kaiparts.JPG]
 
          [http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigtsub.JPG]
 
          [http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigfuch.JPG]
 
 
 
 
 
Uesugi Kenshin's sword : made by Rai (Niji) Kunitoshi (active 1278-1316)
 
 
 
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/ken-niji.JPG]
 
 
 
Kuroda "Josui" Yoshitaka's sword: made by Hasebe Kunishige (active 1334)
 
                                  Kokuho, National Treasure. It was amongst
 
                                  Oda Nobunaga's favourite swords.
 
 
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/kunishig.JPG]
 
 
 
Tokugawa Ieshige and Ieharu's sword: made by Nobukuni (active 1334). This
 
                                      sword is an O-Tanto, a large dagger.
 
 
 
Oshigata:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/nobukuni.JPG]
 
 
 
Akechi Mitsuhide's sword : made by  Bishu Osafune ju Chikakage (active in
 
                          Gen-O, 1319)
 
  
Picture: [http://www.sho-shin.com/chikkag1.JPG]
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*The [[Ashikaga clan]] sword, Ebina Kokaiji: made in [[Yamashiro province]] by [[Sanjo Munechika|Sanjô Kokaiji Munechika]] ([[Heian period]]). The sword is 29.7cm in length, and was later owned by the [[Toyotomi clan]], and then recovered from [[Osaka Campaigns|Osaka castle]] by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]]. Extant today in the collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum.
  
Niwa Nagahide's sword : made by Chu Aoe school, signature lost by shorthening
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* [[Ashikaga Yoshiteru|Ashikaga Yoshiteru's]] sword : made by [[Osafune Nagamitsu]] (active 1264-1319). National Treasure. Nicknamed Daihannya (Great Wisdom Personified); changed hands several times as booty, reward or valued present. Amongst its owners were [[Miyoshi Chokei]], [[Miyoshi Yoshitsugu]], [[Oda Nobunaga]], [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]], [[Okudaira Nobumasa]], and then the [[Matsudaira clan]]. [http://www.sho-shin.com/Nagamits.JPG Oshigata]
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/niwa.JPG]
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* [[Chiyoganemaru]] - Japanese blade refitted with Ryukyuan furniture; associated with the [[Sho Dynasty|royal family]] of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû Kingdom]]. National Treasure.<ref>Gallery labels, Naha City Museum of History.</ref>
  
Sanada Gentarozaemon no Jo Nobutsuna's sword : made by Bitchu no Kuni
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* [[Emperor Go-Mizunoo]]'s sword : made by Ryumon Nobuyoshi - (active 1317). National Treasure. [http://www.sho-shin.com/ryumon.JPG Oshigata]
                                              (Junin) Moritsugu,
 
                                              dated En-Bun Roku Nen
 
                                              Ni-Gatsu, 1561 2nd Month
 
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/chu-aoe.JPG]
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*Fudô Masamune, a Kamakura period ''[[tanto|tantô]]'' given by [[Maeda Toshinaga]] to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who in turn gave it to the [[Owari Tokugawa clan]]. It is now in the collection of the [[Tokugawa Art Museum]].<ref>Morgan Pitelka, ''Spectacular Accumulation'', University of Hawaii Press (2016), 89.</ref>
  
Nabeshima Naoshige's sword : made by Etchu Go Yoshihiro school
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* Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, a 13th century ''uchigatana'' by the [[Kamakura period]] swordsmith Sukezane. Given to [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] as a gift from [[Kato Kiyomasa|Katô Kiyomasa]]; now held at [[Nikko Toshogu|Nikkô Tôshôgû]]. [[National Treasure]].
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/nabeshim.JPG]  
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* [[Hosokawa Yusai|Hosokawa Yûsai's]] sword made by Bungo no Kuni Yukihira (active 987). National Treasure. [http://www.sho-shin.com/hosokawa.JPG Picture]  
  
Oda Nobunaga's sword, used by his son Oda Nobuo to fight Okada Sukesaburo at
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* [[Ii Naomasa|Ii Naomasa's]] sword: made by [[Rai Kunimitsu]] (third head of the [[Rai school]]<ref>"Rai Kunimitsu, Sword Blade," gallery label, LACMA.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/16314786572/sizes/h/]</ref>, debated if Jirôbe or Beijô,  active from 1312 or 1350) [http://www.sho-shin.com/naomasa.JPG Picture]
                    Nagakute battle : made by Ichimonji Yoshifusa (active 1219)
 
                  (Kokuho, National Treasure, nicknamed "Okadagiri")
 
  
Oshigata: [http://www.sho-shin.com/okada.JPG]
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* Jiganemaru (治金丸) - a sword associated with the royal family of the Ryûkyû Kingdom. According to the ''[[Kyuyo|Kyûyô]]'', it was presented to King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] by [[Nakasone Toyomiya|Nakasone Tuyumya]] of [[Miyakojima]] in [[1522]]. The unsigned 15th century blade and the 17th century black [[lacquer]]ed furniture are believed to have been made in Japan; the hilt is wrapped in sharkskin, and the ''[[kozuka]]'' are decorated with designs of auspicious clouds. Today, held in the Naha City Museum of History.<ref>Naha City Museum of History, [http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/archives/item1/2059 Digital Museum], 2015.</ref>
  
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's sword : unknown maker, very early work (before 811)
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* A blade by [[Kunimune]] held at [[Terukuni Shrine]] in [[Kagoshima]]. Given to the shrine by [[Shimazu Tadashige]] in 1927, it is the only National Treasure held in [[Kagoshima prefecture]].<ref>"[http://www.shuseikan.jp/culture/culture10.html Terukuni jinja]," ''Shimazu-ke ga hagukunda bunka'', [[Shokoshuseikan|Shôkoshûseikan]] official website.</ref>
  
Picture : [http://www.sho-shin.com/tamura.JPG]
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* [[Kuroda Yoshitaka|Kuroda Josui Yoshitaka's]] sword: made by Hasebe Kunishige (active 1334). National Treasure. This was amongst Oda Nobunaga's favorite swords. [http://www.sho-shin.com/kunishig.JPG Picture]
  
Minamoto (Gen San I) Yorimasa's sword : unknown maker, nicknamed "Shishi-O"
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* [[Kusunoki Masashige|Kusunoki Masashige's]] sword:  made by Osafune Kagemitsu (active 1321). Nicknamed Koryû ("little dragon"). National Treasure. [http://www.sho-shin.com/Koryu.jpg Picture]
                                        roughly translated "Lion's King"
 
  
Mounting: [http://www.sho-shin.com/lion.JPG]  
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* [[Emperor Meiji]]'s (favorite) sword  : made by Ayanokoji Sadatoshi (active 1232). National Treasure. [http://www.sho-shin.com/ayano1.JPG Picture]  
  
Minamoto Yorimitsu's sword : made by Hoki Yasutsuna "Daido" (active 806
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* [[Minamoto no Yorimasa|Minamoto (Gen San I) Yorimasa's]] sword : unknown maker, nicknamed Shishiô, roughly translated "Lion's King." [http://www.sho-shin.com/lion.JPG Mounting]
                            - questioned) nicknamed "Dojigiri Yasutsuna"
 
                            "The Monster-Cutter". Kokuho, National Treasure
 
  
Picture: [http://www.sho-shin.com/dojigiri.JPG]   
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* [[Minamoto no Yorimitsu|Minamoto no Yorimitsu's]] sword : made by Hoki Yasutsuna Daidô (active 806 - questioned) nicknamed Dôjigiri Yasutsuna ("Monster-Cutter Yasutsuna"). National Treasure. [http://www.sho-shin.com/dojigiri.JPG Picture]   
  
Minamoto Yoshitomo's sword : made by Choen (date debated)  
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* [[Minamoto no Yoshimitsu]]'s (Shinra Saburô's) sword: made by Ohara Sanemori (796-861; date debated) [http://www.sho-shin.com/sanemori.JPG Picture]
  
Picture: [http://www.sho-shin.com/choen.JPG]
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* [[Minamoto no Yoshitomo|Minamoto no Yoshitomo's]] sword : made by Choen (date debated) [http://www.sho-shin.com/choen.JPG Picture]
  
Minamoto Yoshimitsu (Shinra Saburo)'s sword : made by Ohara Sanemori (796-861
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* [[Nabeshima Naoshige|Nabeshima Naoshige's]] sword : made by the school of Etchû Go Yoshihiro.[http://www.sho-shin.com/nabeshim.JPG Picture]
                                              date debated)
 
  
Picture: [http://www.sho-shin.com/sanemori.JPG]
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*[[Niwa Nagahide]]'s sword : made by Chu Aoe school, signature lost by shortening. [http://www.sho-shin.com/niwa.JPG Picture]
  
Shotoku Taishi's sword : very early work, date debated. Horimono (carvings)
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*A blade called Nobeoka Mitsutada, forged around 1220 in Nobeoka, in modern-day [[Miyazaki prefecture]]. Long owned by the Naitô family of Nobeoka, it is believed stolen in 1946, and remains listed today on the FBI's National Stolen Art File.<ref>[http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/vc_majorthefts/arttheft/NSAF/010201/view FBI - NSAF - Nobeoka Mitsutada]</ref>
                        gave its nickname "Hei-Shi-Sho-Rin"
 
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/heishisho.JPG]  
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*[[Oda Nobunaga|Oda Nobunaga's]] sword, used by his son [[Oda Nobuo]] to fight [[Okada Sukesaburo|Okada Sukesaburô]] at the [[battle of Nagakute]]. Made by Ichimonji Yoshifusa (active 1219). National Treasure. Nicknamed Okadagiri. [http://www.sho-shin.com/okada.JPG Oshigata]
   
 
Taira Shigemori's sword : unknown maker
 
  
Mounting: [http://www.sho-shin.com/tairatch.JPG]  
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*[[Sakanoue no Tamuramaro]]'s sword : unknown maker, very early work (before 811). [http://www.sho-shin.com/tamura.JPG Picture]
  
Go Mizuno O Tenno's sword : made by Ryumon Nobuyoshi - (active 1317)
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*[[Sanada Nobutsuna|Sanada Gentarôzaemon no Jô Nobutsuna's]] sword : made by Bitchû no kuni (Junin) Moritsugu, dated ''Enbun roku-nen ni-gatsu'' (1561 2nd Month). [http://www.sho-shin.com/chu-aoe.JPG Picture]
                            Kokuho, National Treasure
 
  
Oshigata: [http://www.sho-shin.com/ryumon.JPG]
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*[[Shotoku Taishi|Shôtoku Taishi's]] sword : very early work, date debated. Horimono (carvings) gave it its nickname, "Heishishorin." [http://www.sho-shin.com/heishisho.JPG Picture]  
  
Hosokawa Yusai's sword : made by Bungo no Kuni Yukihira (acvtive 987)
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*[[Takeda Shingen|Takeda Shingen's]] (and then [[Takeda Katsuyori|Katsuyori's]]) sword : made by Go Yoshihiro (1299-1325). [http://www.sho-shin.com/Kai.JPG Oshigata]; Mounting: [http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigkosh.JPG][http://www.sho-shin.com/kaiparts.JPG][http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigtsub.JPG][http://www.sho-shin.com/kaigfuch.JPG]
                          Kokuho, national Treasure
 
  
Picture: [http://www.sho-shin.com/hosokawa.JPG]  
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*[[Taira no Shigemori|Taira no Shigemori's]] sword : unknown maker. [http://www.sho-shin.com/tairatch.JPG Mounting]  
  
Ashikaga Yoshiteru's sword : made by Osafune Nagamitsu (active 1264-1319),Kokuho, National Treasure. Nicknamed Daihannya (Great Wisdom Personified) changed hands several times as booty, reward or valued present. Amongst it's owners there were Miyoshi Chokei, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu,Oda Nubunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Okudaira Nobumasa and then the Matsudaira clan.
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*[[Takenaka Shigeharu|Takenaka Hanbei Shigeharu's]] sword : made by Osafune Nagamitsu (active 1264-1319). [http://www.sho-shin.com/takenaka.JPG Picture]
  
Oshigata: [http://www.sho-shin.com/Nagamits.JPG]
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*[[Tokugawa Ieshige]] and [[Tokugawa Ieharu|Ieharu's]] sword: made by Nobukuni (active 1334). This sword is an [[Tanto|Ô-tantô]], a large dagger. [http://www.sho-shin.com/nobukuni.JPG Oshigata]
  
Takenaka "Hanbei" Shigeharu's sword  : made by Osafune Nagamitsu (active 1264-1319)
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*Tomokirimaru, a sword owned by the man who killed the father of the [[Soga Monogatari|Soga brothers]]; in some versions of the story, he obtained this sword by stealing it from their father.<ref>Constantine Vaporis, "A Hero for the Masses: The Kabuki Play Sukeroku: Flower of Edo (1713)," in Vaporis (ed.), ''Voices of Early Modern Japan'', Westview Press (2012), 195-196.; James Brandon. ''Kabuki: Five Classic Plays''. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1992. pp49-92.</ref>
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/takenaka.JPG]
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*A sword called Torigai Kunitoshi, made in the Kamakura period and lost in the [[battle of Sekigahara]]; it was recovered by [[Tomita Nobutaka]], who gave it as a gift to Tokugawa Ieyasu in [[1601]]. Ieyasu then gave the sword to the Owari Tokugawa clan, and it remains today in the [[Tokugawa Art Museum]].<ref>Pitelka, 81.</ref>
  
Kusunoki Masashige's swordmade by Osafune Kagemitsu (active 1321) Nicknamed "Koryu", little dragon. Kokuho.
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*The [[Toyotomi clan]] sword Ichigo Hitofuri, made by the [[Kamakura period]] smith Yoshimitsu. Recovered after the Osaka Campaigns by [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]].
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/Koryu.jpg]
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*The Toyotomi clan sword Nansen, made by the Kamakura period smith Ichimonji. Recovered after the Osaka Campaigns by [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]].
  
Meiji Tenno's (favourite) sword : made by Ayanokoji Sadatoshi (active 1232)
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*[[Uesugi Kenshin|Uesugi Kenshin's]] sword : made by Rai (Niji) Kunitoshi (active 1278-1316). [http://www.sho-shin.com/ken-niji.JPG Picture]
                                  Kokuho, National Treasure
 
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/ayano1.JPG]   
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{{stub}}
  
Ii Naomasa's sword :  made by Rai Kunimitsu (debated if Jirobe or Beijo,
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==References==
                      active from 1312 or 1350)
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*Morgan Pitelka. "Art, Agency, and Networks in the Career of Tokugawa Ieyasu." in ''A Companion to Asian Art and Architecture''. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, 460.
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<references/>
  
Picture:  [http://www.sho-shin.com/naomasa.JPG]
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[[Category:Arms and Armor]]

Latest revision as of 09:44, 2 December 2016

This page is a partial list of the most famous samurai swords, ordered by name of the owner. Most of those listed belonged to several owners during their history, and are today designated as National Treasures. In addition, note that while a given sword may be identified with a given historical figure, any given figure owned and used multiple swords over the course of their lives.

When a picture is not available, there is an oshigata, a professional drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is sometimes flexible due to the high esteem Japanese often hold for these items. Nicknames always refers to the sword, never to the smith.

A 13th century blade known as Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, by the Kamakura period swordsmith Sukezane. Previously held by the Kii Tokugawa clan; now held at Tokyo National Museum. National Treasure.
  • Jiganemaru (治金丸) - a sword associated with the royal family of the Ryûkyû Kingdom. According to the Kyûyô, it was presented to King Shô Shin by Nakasone Tuyumya of Miyakojima in 1522. The unsigned 15th century blade and the 17th century black lacquered furniture are believed to have been made in Japan; the hilt is wrapped in sharkskin, and the kozuka are decorated with designs of auspicious clouds. Today, held in the Naha City Museum of History.[4]
  • Emperor Meiji's (favorite) sword : made by Ayanokoji Sadatoshi (active 1232). National Treasure. Picture
  • Minamoto no Yorimitsu's sword : made by Hoki Yasutsuna Daidô (active 806 - questioned) nicknamed Dôjigiri Yasutsuna ("Monster-Cutter Yasutsuna"). National Treasure. Picture
  • A blade called Nobeoka Mitsutada, forged around 1220 in Nobeoka, in modern-day Miyazaki prefecture. Long owned by the Naitô family of Nobeoka, it is believed stolen in 1946, and remains listed today on the FBI's National Stolen Art File.[6]
  • Shôtoku Taishi's sword : very early work, date debated. Horimono (carvings) gave it its nickname, "Heishishorin." Picture
  • Tomokirimaru, a sword owned by the man who killed the father of the Soga brothers; in some versions of the story, he obtained this sword by stealing it from their father.[7]
  • The Toyotomi clan sword Nansen, made by the Kamakura period smith Ichimonji. Recovered after the Osaka Campaigns by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

References

  • Morgan Pitelka. "Art, Agency, and Networks in the Career of Tokugawa Ieyasu." in A Companion to Asian Art and Architecture. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, 460.
  1. Gallery labels, Naha City Museum of History.
  2. Morgan Pitelka, Spectacular Accumulation, University of Hawaii Press (2016), 89.
  3. "Rai Kunimitsu, Sword Blade," gallery label, LACMA.[1]
  4. Naha City Museum of History, Digital Museum, 2015.
  5. "Terukuni jinja," Shimazu-ke ga hagukunda bunka, Shôkoshûseikan official website.
  6. FBI - NSAF - Nobeoka Mitsutada
  7. Constantine Vaporis, "A Hero for the Masses: The Kabuki Play Sukeroku: Flower of Edo (1713)," in Vaporis (ed.), Voices of Early Modern Japan, Westview Press (2012), 195-196.; James Brandon. Kabuki: Five Classic Plays. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1992. pp49-92.
  8. Pitelka, 81.