Origin
As of 2017, the term is widely-recognized among Japanese sword connoisseurs. For example, the national institute uses the word in an explanation for Mikazuki. Although some researchers claim the term dates back to the Muromachi period (1333–1573), its origin is unknown. Suiken Fukunaga cites a book written in the fifth year of Genroku (1692–1693),Fukunaga, 1993. vol. 3, p. 302 and vol. 5, p. 379. so the term is traceable back to at least the late 17th century if the citation is to be believed. Kanzan Sato commented, in terms of pure quality from the viewpoint of modern sword connoisseurs, although they are undoubtedly five of the greatest swords, it is doubtful whether they are ''the'' five greatest swords.Sato, 1990. pp. 138–140. He guessed the criteria of this selection include the values of legends associated to these famous swords.List
Sometimes the selection differs from the following list. For instance, a list by Kanzan Sato includes , an Imperial Property of Japan, instead of Onimaru Sato, 1990. pp. 127–129. (although in other parts of the same book Sato contradicts himself and uses the same list as the following ). Officially each sword is called by the combination of , name, and the personal name of its bladesmith, for example, , often shortened as ''Dōjigiri Yasutsuna''.See also
* Three Great Spears of JapanNotes
References
* Sato, Kanzan (1990) (in Japanese) . Akita Shoten. . * Fukunaga, Suiken (1993) (in Japanese) . Yūzankaku. . {{Notable swords Ashikaga shōguns Individual Japanese swords Mythological swords National Treasures of Japan Nichiren Buddhism Regalia