A modern Japanese sword that captivated audiences in Paris is now back on home soil. The wakizashi blade known as 花都和心 (Hana no Miyako Wagokoro), created for a sword promotion held in France, is being exhibited at the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum in Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.
Homecoming Exhibition Details
| Period | June 19 (Fri) to July 20 (Mon, public holiday), 2026 |
| Venue | Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, 1F Exhibition Room (966 Osafune, Osafune-cho, Setouchi City) |
| Admission | Standard museum admission required: General ¥500 / High school & university students ¥300 / Junior high school students and under Free |
About the Sword 花都和心 (Hana no Miyako Wagokoro)
The piece was made specifically for a sword promotion event held in Paris, France (May 27 to June 3, 2026), and incorporates motifs representing both France and Setouchi City.
The tsuba (sword guard) features engravings of the chrysanthemum — the municipal flower of Setouchi City — alongside the iris, the national flower of France. The other fittings (collar and pommel) bear a design of the rooster, France's national bird.
The sword is decorated throughout in black and gold. Even the scabbard lacquer is finished in black rouiro (lacquer polished to a mirror sheen) with gold makie (lacquer sprinkled with gold powder) evoking the Seine River. The maker's inscription carved into the nakago (tang) of the blade reads "花都和心" (はなのみやこわごころ), expressing the thoughts the creators poured into this work.
Makers
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Swordsmith (blade) | 川島 一城 |
| Polisher (blade polishing) | 横山 智庸 |
| Shirogane-shi (habaki fitting) | 小池 重之 |
| Shirogane-shi (seppa fitting) | 武藤 健 |
| Metal artist (tsuba) | 片山 重恒 |
| Sayashi (scabbard base) | 石崎 三郎 |
| Lacquerer (scabbard finish) | 岸野 輝仁 |
| Tsukamaki-shi (handle wrapping) | 山田 真也 |
Sword Promotion in Paris
Setouchi City carried out a sword promotion in Paris from May 27 to June 3, 2026, aimed at spreading awareness of Japanese swords both at home and abroad and supporting the training and retention of swordsmiths who carry on the tradition of sword culture.
During the event, the mayor led top-level sales activities, and the team held lectures, media PR sessions, and exhibitions, introducing the appeal of modern swords to many French visitors and others. Concrete outcomes were also achieved, including receiving orders for custom-made modern swords.
