Information about the Exhibition 2026
Gunjo Foundation to host a sword exhibition in Harajuku, Tokyo.The Gunjo Foundation (Office: Takatsuki City, Osaka; Representative: Hitoki Horie) is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 Special Exhibition: “Japanese Swords: Tamahagane and Beyond” to be held from April 5 to April 11, 2026, at Design Festa Gallery Harajuku in Tokyo. The theme of this exhibition is “The world of Japanese swords beyond Tamahagane,” with content curated for enthusiasts of both swords and naval vessels. Through this exhibition, the Gunjo Foundation aims to foster awareness of and contribute to the protection of cultural property.
Background of the Exhibition
This exhibition was planned with the cooperation of Botamaru-Yuki, a Virtual YouTuber (VTuber) sponsored by the Gunjo Foundation who actively shares information regarding Japanese swords. One of the Gunjo Foundation’s core missions is to prevent the dissipation of historical materials. Through this event, we hope to reaffirm that the internet can contribute significantly to cultural heritage protection, while also contributing to the further promotion of internet culture, including VTubers.
Exhibition Details
- Venue: Design Festa Gallery Harajuku, WEST 2-D
- Address: 3-20-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest Station: JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station” (Takeshita Exit)
- Dates: April 5, 2026 (Sunday) - April 11, 2026 (Saturday)
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Note: Last admission is at 7:30 PM
Organizer
- Gunjo Foundation, Inc.
Cooperation (in no particular order, titles omitted)
- Hiroyuki Sugano (Pencil Warship Artist)
- Keisuke Nakamura (Katana Case Shi)
- Botamaru-Yuki
Exhibited Swords
This exhibition will feature three modern and contemporary Japanese swords forged by mixing Tamahagane (traditional Japanese steel) with other types of iron. The swords on display are the Tachi “Seigaiha”, the Tanto “Hoshiakari”, and the Mikasa Dagger (Mikasa-to).
Tachi “Seigaiha (Blue Ocean Waves)”
The Seigaiha is a tachi (long sword) forged by mixing iron from the Battleship Mutsu with Tamahagane. The inscription on the blade, “To open peace for eternity (為萬世開太平),” and its name “Seigaiha” reflect a deep prayer for peace. Highlights include marine-themed designs, such as cherry blossom and anchor carvings, and a Habaki (blade collar) designed to resemble waves.
Tanto “Hoshiakari (Stardust Torch)”
The Hoshiakari is a tanto (short sword) forged by mixing meteoric iron with Tamahagane. Swords incorporating meteoric iron are known as “Ryusei-to (meteorite swords).” In these blades, meteors from space fuse with minerals from Earth to create a unique entity. The appeal of Ryusei-to lies in the distinct appearance of the jigane (steel grain) which differs from that of traditional Japanese sword.
Mikasa Dagger (Mikasa-to)
The Mikasa Dagger is a tanto (short sword) forged by mixing iron from the battleship “Mikasa” with Tamahagane. Swords forged using steel from the Mikasa’s main guns are known as “Mikasa-to” and were highly sought after by naval officers of that era. the Mikasa itself is now preserved as a memorial ship and has been honored with the Maritime Heritage Award in recognition of its status as the world’s oldest surviving steel battleship.
How to Participate
No advance registration is required.
Comment
We are pleased to present a comment from Botamaru-Yuki.
Regarding Cooperation for the Special Exhibition
I am Botamaru-Yuki, the owner of Hoshiakari. I am deeply honored to be invited to the “Japanese Swords: Tamahagane and Beyond” exhibition. While Japanese swords are traditionally made of Tamahagane, some rare blades incorporate other materials. This exhibition features three such unique examples: the Mikasa-to, Mutsu-to, and the Ryusei-to. I hope you enjoy the unique presence and the stories behind each of these blades. Wishing you a wonderful journey into the world of Japanese swords!
Related Links
About the Gunjo Foundation, Inc.
The Gunjo Foundation is dedicated to preserving and passing on records of telecommunications technology and modern maritime history, ensuring they are not lost to time. The operations are based in Osaka, Japan, and Honiara, Solomon Islands. The name “Gunjo” signifies “the blue beyond the sea”, symbolizing our deep connection to the ocean. The Foundation was established on April 1, 2025, as a new organization succeeding all operations - excluding memorial activities - from its predecessor.