This is a very fine quality yasakuni sword made by one of the instructors of the Yasakuni shrine. Ikeda Yasumitsu, joined the NTK at its founding and left in Showa 15 (1940). He passed away in Showa 16 (1941). He made many fine blades and this is a great example of his work. This sword resembles the old koto era swords that were very desirable and the Yasakuni smiths made swords in this style. This sword has a well forged hada and a elegant hamon with good hataraki. The mounts are military and in very good shape.The swordsmith, Ikeda Yasumitsu, joined the NTK at its founding and left in Showa 15 (1940). He passed away in Showa 16 (1941).IKEDA YASUMITSU

(BORN 2ND NOVEMBER 1879, DIED JANUARY 1941). Given name: Shuji.
Originally from Yamagata Prefecture.

Became a member of Nihonto Tanren Foundation as well as Sakite, Abe Shigeo and Murakami Ensaku.
Given the Yasukuni smith name “ Yasumitsu “ by the war minister, Araki Sadeo on 15th of December 1933.
Retired on 4th of October 1939. He was still in a position of leadership and made a small number of swords after his retirement.
Left the foundation and went back to his hometown at the end of 1945.
Number of swords produced at Nihonto Tanren Kai: Approx. 1,100 swords.

MAIN WORKS
Donated a sword to the Yasukuni Shrine in 1933.
Made a sword for Prince Mikasa in the occasion of his coming-of-age celebration in 1934.
Donated a sword to the festival of the 700th anniversary of the retired- Emperor Gotoba in March 1939.
Had made uncertain number of onkashi-to
LINEAGE
Suishinshi Masahide_Ikeda Ishu(Nyudo)Ryuken_Ikeda Kazumitsu (or Ikko)
_10thIkeda Kazumitsu (Yasumitsu)

The smith name of “ Katzumitsu “(or IKKO) has been succeeded for generations since the second generation and they also signed “ Unshu Shonai Ju Ikeda Kazumitsu Saku

This is a link to information about the Yasakuni shrine.  It has a long and extensive history and is a place that that the Japanese people visit regularly.   YASAKUNI SHRINE