This katana is signed Takamasa (高正) and dated January 1943 (Shōwa 18). Forged by Yasuda Yoshitarō, a swordsmith of Seki City in Gifu Prefecture, the blade represents the wartime craftsmanship of one of Japan’s most important sword-producing regions.
Measuring 66.6 cm in blade length with a graceful curvature of 1.6 cm, the sword possesses a notably robust construction. The blade is exceptionally thick and substantial in hand, giving it a powerful presence that reflects the practical requirements of military-era sword production. Its strong proportions are complemented by a dignified suguha hamon, a straight temper line that runs cleanly along the cutting edge, emphasizing the blade’s disciplined and purposeful character.
Following Japan’s defeat in 1945, the Allied Occupation authorities prohibited the manufacture of Japanese swords for several years. As a result, Takamasa, like many wartime smiths, was unable to continue his work. Unlike some craftsmen who later resumed sword production after restrictions were lifted, he never returned to the profession as a licensed postwar swordsmith. Consequently, surviving signed examples such as this blade serve as important evidence of his career and craftsmanship.
The sword is mounted in Type 98 guntō koshirae with an iron scabbard.