Hōki no Kami Masayoshi (1733–1819) was one of the foremost swordsmiths of Satsuma Province during the Shinshinto period. Alongside his contemporary Motohira (元平), he is widely regarded as one of the “Twin Masters of Satsuma” (薩摩の双璧), who together represented the pinnacle of Satsuma swordsmithing.  They were undisputedly the best Satsuma swordsmiths of the Shinshinto period.

Born Ichiji Jiemon (市地治右衛門), Masayoshi initially signed his early works as Sasshū-jū Masayoshi (薩州住正良). As his reputation rose, he was appointed an official swordsmith in service to the powerful Shimazu clan, gaining the right to sign as Satsuma Kankō Taira Masayoshi (薩摩官工平正良)—a designation that marked him as a smith directly employed by the domain.

In 1789 (Kansei Gannen), Masayoshi received the honorary court title of Hōki no Kami (伯耆守), a prestigious mark of recognition from the imperial court. Upon receiving this title, he changed the kanji in his name from 正“良” (Yoshi) to 正“幸” (Yuki), though it continued to be read as “Masayoshi.” As a result, he is also sometimes referred to as Masayuki.

Masayoshi enjoyed an extremely long and prolific career spanning more than 50 years, with his last signed works dated to 1817. He passed away in 1819 at the remarkable age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important smiths of the Satsuma tradition.

This katana by Hōki no Kami Masayoshi is forged in shinogi-zukuri construction with an iori-mune and displays the distinct craftsmanship associated with the Satsuma tradition. The jihada is a refined itame-hada with flowing areas of mokume-hada, interwoven with prominent Satsuma-gane and a rich presence of ji-nie, lending the blade a vibrant, textured surface.

The hamon is a dynamic notare-midare in nie-deki, exhibiting depth and activity throughout. Notably, thick bands of inazuma streak through the habuchi and extend into the interior of the hamon. These striking elements, known as imozuru (potato vines), are a hallmark of Satsuma workmanship and serve as a signature of Masayoshi’s school. Both the jigane and hamon showcase the bold, expressive character that defines the finest swords of Satsuma.

This blade exemplifies the artistry and technical mastery of Hōki no Kami Masayoshi, a smith celebrated for preserving and elevating the unique swordmaking traditions of his province.