Emperor Go-Toba had keen interest in swordmaking. At some time after his abdication in 1198 he has summoned 13 leading swordsmiths to Kyoto for his personal instruction and further development and perfection of Nihontō. These smiths were then called Goban Kaji [1]. They were summoned to work with the retired Emperor for one month during the year.

Old books mention three different groups of smiths. The first group had 12 smiths, one smith per month. The second group had 24 smiths, two per month. The last group which was formed after Go-Toba's banishment to Oki Island had 6 smiths [2].

Go-Toba selected Awataguchi Hisakuni and Ichimonji Nobufusa as his personal instructors. They are known as hoju kenko (swordsmiths selected for the honour of working with Go-Toba) [3].

It is not clear when exactly Goban Kaji were summoned. First two groups must have been in attendance some time between 1198 when (Go-Toba abdicated) and 1221 (Jōkyū war). The third group served him from 1221 until his death in 1239.

The list of Group 1 smiths comes from Showa Mei Zukushi, one of the oldest lists of swordsmiths. It was produced in Showa era (1312-1317) and now preserved at the Kanchiin Temple [3].

Goban Kaji (Group 1)

Goban Kaji (Group 2)

Oki Goban Kaji (Group 3)

References