The DISAPPEARANCE of Japan's Most Famous Sword - Honjō Masamune
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- Опубликовано: 15 июн 2024
- The Honjō Masamune has it all: It is MANY centuries old, it was crafted by what might be the greatest swordsmith that ever lived, and was owned by some of the most powerful men that Japan has ever seen. But, most importantly, the Honjō Masamune is a mystery, because on a fateful day in 1946, perhaps the finest sword ever made just… vanished, never to be seen again. Despite extensive search efforts, the disappearance of the Honjō Masamune has puzzled those who tried to find it for the past 80 years, leaving only two questions in everyone’s mind: HOW did it disappear, and WHERE is it now?
Today, we will take a look at the HISTORY of the Honjō Masamune, its legendary creator AND the theories surrounding its mysterious disappearance and potential current location.
#japan #history #mystery
SOURCES:
nihontoclub.com/sword-images/...
www.swordsofnorthshire.com/bl...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...)
www.tokyoupdates.metro.tokyo....
orientalsouls.com/blog/tradit...
www.everydaycommentary.com/ww...
allthatsinteresting.com/masam...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...)
swordis.com/blog/masamune-sword/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shint%C...
ihcsacafe-en.ihcsa.or.jp/news/...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
03:24 - A Legendary Swordsmith
07:23 - National Treasure
10:29 - Broken Bond
12:12 - Where did it go? 
Развлечения
Clearly the Shinto gods were willing to let most of the swords go but there was one where they said "absolutely not"
Curious what the 'Shinto gods' stance was on the marathon competitive Chinese beheading tournaments or all the Brit, Aussie & Yank POW disembowelments ..
@@DavidDiaz-zp4hu They weren't really benevolent, they're kinda in the same respect as Greek gods
Raijin for instance would eat children who left their windows open while they slept, for instance 😂
So I don't think they'd care
I grew up playing the Final Fantasy games, so I recognize 'Masamune' instantly, but never knew it was based on a real sword or sword-maker :)
Ditto
Cloud and Sephiroth are based on Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kōjiro respectively, but it was actually Musashi that owned a Masamune sword: the Musashi Masamune (named after the province, not the wielder).
Masamune was a main sword in Chrono Trigger as well.
@@thecalifornianadventurer3822It was used by Frog aka Glenn as the main weapon.
I think the answer is mystery is really simple. If Tokugawa knew what he had at the time, then he surely did not turn it in with the others and the historical documents are wrong. Or like so many other pieces of art that are considered national treasures and extremely valuable, I am sure by that time a copy was made, and that is the one that was turned in with his others. The original is still out there somewhere safely hidden, possibly lost to time. But definitely still exists.
This makes sense to me
He did turn it in and it was crated with 2 other swords at the Kyoto museum. My father traded them for firearms since my grandpa ran the armory in Pkinawa or Osaka...I forget now because the story is so old. So my dad was into martial arts as.a high achool-age army brat in the 40s. His friends were looting. They traded him 3 swords for firearms. Then dad brought them back undeclared. I've had the masamune my entire life. I'm the daughter of that army brat who went to high school in Osaka during the occupation. And there you have it.
The honjo masamune is in Arizona. With me. But I'm interested in selling it back to Japan, now, finally.
@@carrielcaz
Sounds like a steaming pile of BS
@@carrielcaz
No…..Tokugawa Iemasu was recorded as having owned the sword in 1939 when it was declared a national treasure it was NOT at the Kyoto museum.
He relinquished the Masamune with 13 other antique swords to the American depot in Mejiro in 1945. That’s when it disappeared it was not traded amongst American GIs during the post war occupation.
You’re a liar.
@@henrylivingstone2971 my friend. I thinks he’s just trying to troll
Imagining this Weapon of Power lying around some Basement-Trolls cave makes me feel uneasy tbh xD
It would be crazy if this video actually made some american actually check grandma's basement and find it just laying there, forgotten.
That was going through my mind the whole time while making this video lmao just imagine! Would be pretty damn good exposure for the channel as well 👀
@@anikihistorykeeping your eye on the long game, love it :)
@@anikihistory Exactly! Deserved too.
In a case full of golf clubs.
Just imagine this guy goes to Japan.
"Hey, heard ya'll was lookin' for this."
Lays it on the desk
Refuses to elaborate further
Eats two bowls of ramen down the street
Nah, I don't think the universe looks too kindly on all the mass genocides & crimes against humanity that went unanswered for because for some reason Chinese lives and women & girls aren't that important, & then theres the senseless mass live slaughter of dolphins in that cove who's meat is among the most toxic, the continued slaughter of all those hundreds of Whales under the lie of "For science purposes" the cultural acceptance of pedophilia, the bizarre 'hostage justice' legal system, lets hope for their sake the gods dont exist, for if they do then theyd surely be in debt at least a few Super-Typhoons ..
This video made my husband go open a box that his grandfather sent him before his death, containing a sword he brought back from the reconstruction of Japan...
don't worry, it was just a type 32 otsu cavalry sword! No kokuhō in this attic!
Maybe Tokugawa just kept the Honjo? Maybe he walked into the station and was like “yup, that’s all of them. No fabulously historic and valuable swords hiding in my palatial crib”. That’s what I would’ve done.
even though japan at the time was absolutely insane and had already basically abandoned a majority of their edo period culture by the time ww2 happened, it still sucks that they had to give up something as culturally identifying as swords.
There was probably a ton of super cool swords that got melted for scrap and got turned into mass produced screws and bolts, and even modern day japan is so horrified at the idea of swords that they are really strict about anyone even owning one.
Imo it seems like it'd be cooler if japan became as patriotic about sword ownership as america is with guns, like imagine going to japan and being able to see someone's family sword hung up on a wall, that'd be cool as heck.
Damn they really did Last Samurai themselves
Really good video and I really appreciate the Chrono Trier song at the end lol I wonder if many people watching this know what that is from
One of the GOAT soundtracks, glad someone noticed 😬
I went to the comments to see who noticed almost immediately haha. Beautifully done.
Also music from snake eater!
This and the Kusanagi no Tsurugi are mysteries I would like to be solved and returned if they are outside Japan.
I love your content and want to see a lot more soon.❤ Thanks for all the fun videos!
Maybe i should do a video on the Kusanagi no Tsurugi and the Imperial Regalia as well!
Thanks for watching and for your support, much appreciated 😌🙏🏼
@@anikihistory That would be a Treat indeed! The Regalia is a unique set of treasures I find absolutely fascinating. The Mirror, The Sword, and the Jewel are beautiful symbols of Japanese smithing, culture, and spirituality. The Taira were fools to throw the blade overboard in their defeat, depriving the Japanese People of such a significant symbol of their Origins. It's heartbreaking 😢.
I pray, some day, it will be found and returned to it's rightful place beside it's siblings and the set completed.🇺🇲❤️🇯🇵
Just did a quick search for what's available in the National Archives for the last name. Willing to bet the first name was a nickname or wrong. Only a couple hits, one over 1000 pages of randomness, and the second was some initial plans for the invasion. Nothing on anyone in the US Military with that name that I saw. Is there any more info? Could they have been from another nation?
But, if it made it to the depot, it was probably destroyed. As much as I hate to think it, the US Military is notorious for destroying old equipment. And post WWII was when they earned that reputation.
If it made it to the states, then it's not so good either. A lot of GI's didn't understand the importance of swords they brought back, so they weren't taken good care of. I had a great uncle who bought a sword from a buddy who brought it back. He used it for yard work. Thankfully, it was one of the mass produced ones that you can still find all over. But that thing was trashed from years of work and kids playing with it.
Personally, and hopefully, I think one of the officers at the Police station probably knew that was it's likely fate and realized it might be important. They could have grabbed it and stashed it somewhere before US troops came in to pick it up. Would be funny if the building is still there, and they got a massive surprise taking down a wall for renovation.
They got his name wrong for sure....
It's either Cody(or any other variation of spelling, for example Kody, Coadie, Kodi, etc..)
Or
Colby(or any other variation of spelling)
I'm 100% sure it's one of those 2 names.
But...keep in mind that they used phonetics to spell his name, and if they got his given name wrong, they most likely got his surname incorrect as well. I am trying to decipher that one still...
It's a shame the sword was turned in, but I do feel like (or hope) it's more likely that someone in the chain took it rather than it simply being destroyed.
Ever since your first video I've been thinking it's nice to see a new channel dedicated to Japanese history. I still wish there was a channel that focused on the Heian Period, since there seems to be relatively little content about it while it's my favorite period.
The Heian Period is indeed very fascinating! I can definitely see myself covering it more in the future, so let me know if you have any topics in particular from that period that you would like to see me cover 😁
Just found this channel by gods grace lmao, so good bro keep up the great work!
I saw an indepth documentary about this, the aerican soldiers name is probably wrong, as the japanese that wrote down his name did so phonetically, which is why he was never found. Fun lil tidbit
Was there any ideas on what the name could have been? If I have a name I can see if I can find something.
I was familiar with the story of the sword going missing but I have never heard anyone go so deeply into both its background and historical context of the time it was created; good stuff as always :)
Aniki never disappoints, you get to keep your pinky finger once again, gokuru da ne ma ashita ne
Lmao! Thank god, i'm quite fond of my pinky fingers 🥲
Never heard of anyone named "Coldy" before, but it sounds like the name "Colby".
Or maybe what they heard at the police station was "Cody", that was my first idea
@@anikihistory I think Cody is a newer name. Not 100% on that. There are older and newer names. Gertrude used to be common, now it's nowhere to be found. Not that I watch a lot of pieces of that era, but I don't remember anyone named "Cody" from that era. Not 100% sure.
Or "Cole D."
@mariomene2051 The name Cody is of Irish origin and means “decent” or “helpful person.” It derived from the Gaelic surnames Ó Cuidighthigh and Mac Óda, meaning a descendant of Cuidighthigh. It also refers to the son of Oda. Cody in Hebrew means “cushion,” while in the Bible, it refers to “a helpful person.”
The name Cody sounds more like a nickname. And has multiple variations like Coady, Codey, Kotey, Koty, Coty, and Koady, to name a few. Cody as a surname was first used in Ireland and Devon by the Cody family, who settled in the countries after the Norman conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy in 1066 AD. The name Cody also bears a strong connection with Samuel F. Cody and his designed Cody kite in 1901, which was used in World War I to lift soldiers high in the air.
Cody was also used as a nickname for Dakota. The name is also popular as a unisex name. According to the Social Security Administration data, Cody is the 312th most popular boy name in the US in 2021.
Cody is a popular name in the US, UK, and Scandinavian nations. The name has made a significant impact in popular culture, with a host of fictional characters being given the name Cody. The name first appeared in 1884 and started gaining gained popularity in 1982.
Popularity of the name Cody for Boys
First Year in the Top 1000: 1888
Last Year in the Top 1000: 2006 (latest year for which we have data)
Average Age: 31.67
Highest Percentage: 1.083% in 1992
Best Rank: #24 (in 1991)
Represented in the Top 1000 names in: 59 of 127 years (46.46%)
@@mariomene2051 Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show 1880s to early 1900s.Very famous American name and show.
Studying Japanese, this Japanese content fits right in.
Same here, making this content fits right in for me too 😬
@@anikihistory 😂
I really hope it survived the war and ended up in some thief's hands. While I'd love the sword to already be returned to the Tokugawa museum for preservation, as long as it survived there's a chance someone will unearth it and let the world see its beauty once more.
A buddy brought back dozens , 30 at a time.. of swords shipped home from Japan.. and still has many.. Thank you Navy
Kudos to using Zeals theme from chrono trigger.❤❤
Coldi Bimore sounds a lot like “can I buy more”
There used to be a game "Brave Fencer Musashi" Thats where i first heard of the masamune/ and final fantasy. I heard they gave it to McArthur of whoever signed the end of war papers on that ship with the emperor. I thought they gave it to the Americans on that day. The sword is probably in some attic in Nebraska or something. Some soldier probably got it without knowing the history. I think that's why it was lost in the first place. The American's didnt know it was a super sword. They probably just thought it was just a dumb trinket and treated it as such. Wasn't it supposed to be forged from the fang of a dragon? I know not really, but i thought that was the story.
Hey good news! Got back from Tokyo last year and did a bunch of research, I think the Honjo is at a military base in Cherry Hill North Carolina, they use it to teach material science, pretty cool right?
Sin dudas un gran guerrero samurai gracias
Is that Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty soundtrack music in the background ? LOL I just noticed that brought back memories but interesting take on such a historical sword nevertheless the honjo masamune sadly is likely lost to history I do think the family should have held on to the sword at least until all other political channels have been exhausted still there is hope that it's out there and some household or basement of some American family somewhere but I don't think the sword is in Japan anymore but very well could have been melted down which would be a tragedy
Your videos have promise , thank you
my great grandpa brought home sword from Japan, unfortunately my grandmom sold it long time ago after his death, I doubt it was anything special tho.
Lol at the xenogears background music 😊 or maybe chronotrigger I forget
It will 100%ly first be discovered on r/swords as part of the 1000th "i got this sword, how much is it worth"-post that day and will have 4 upvotes.
I'm in Kentucky, so I'll check the basement. If I happen to find it, the Honjo Masamune will be returned to where it rightfully belongs.
I see what you did there ! Using the Chrono Trigger music
Don't think he handed it off. If it was of a major relic figure a appeal of some kind was made to the government or never made it too the occupation round up or just maybe some random soldier just picked up a shipment and handed most off to be disposed of. Don't believe a tokugawa knowing a sword he would give up likely end up as scrap, bottom of Tokyo bay or souvenir would just hand off a important Japanese treasure and if someone just gave up a good number of swords i would assume his house would be overlooked and as such kept out of searches
The sword isnt made by masamune. but still does have quite rich history.
Any chance you could do a video on each of the Tenka Goken, or a video on all five? They are as famous if not more than the Honjo Masamune
Mark my words, this sword is going to resurface on an episode of Antique Roadshow someday.
Yet another reason for you to never ever kowtow to the gov when they try and confiscate weaponry.
Masamune’s spirit probably took it back because he saw it as too precious and valuable to be turned into a national treasure.
Rumored to be worth as much as a Leonardo DaVinci.
It wouldn’t be the first time American military pilfered historical artifacts and other things from countries!
Lots of Americans who LOVE weapons have real Katanas that were stolen from Japan and sold.
It’s a shame this part of brilliant Japanese history was lost.
I hope the sword can be found and returned
I have an old Japanese sword and I hope you will be able to let me know the word writing on its.
Some Japanese industrialist, whose fortune extends back in his family to the Occupation black market, probably has it locked up in a vault somewhere. Whether he knows it's there or not is another matter; as many rich Japanese men carry their secrets to the grave, even from their heirs.
the sword now lies in australia in a town called 'rosewood'
i have it
some japanese cop from the police department where the sword was turned in has a family heirloom to be secretly kept for eternity.
My grandpa was in WW2. Went and checked through all his old war stuff, all I found was his electrician helmet with two lightning bolts
Hope one of your viewers finds it in his/her attic ❤😁✌️
no Masamune but I do have a Tachi Shirasaya! cheers from Park City!
This is like "the elder wand" of the Harry Potter series, a wand of great story and lineage, lost to history, 😊😊
Probably in a private collection somewhere
There’s no way he turned it in. He hid that sword at home or somewhere else
I think my great grandpa has it well I have it and that name exist but it’s Colby bymore
Bruh.. im from kentucky. Boutta start a hunt
i have it...i'm using it to chop firewoods
worry not History!!! I have 10 Honjo Masamune!!!!
It’s probably sitting in Dana White’s weapons room
🍡
Feel sad about the Japanese people for the loss of their national treasure.
I feel that legendary sword is not in japan anymore.
It was most likely destroyed sadly 😢
30 seconds ago and im first lol
Someone's got those notifications turned on i see 👀
This blade must be sitting in some random olligarch mansion somewhere in Siberia.
US government has it. Always had since WW2.
Clearly it was a British guy that took the sword. You know, given how throughout the history, Brits love to -plunder- collect all kinds of historical artifacts. :D
It's called theft, or would be if anyone but the Americans did it
The great american thieves
So it basically fell victim to the same humiliation the americans forced on the rest of the country. the allies should never be forgiven for what they did in ww2
For what ? Winning ? Beating Imperialism and Fascism and Nazism ? Shame on those stupid guys ….