AUTHENTICATION PAPERS

These pages are intended only as a Basic reference, for the novice student of Nihonto.

NBTHK

NIHON BIJUTSU TOKEN HOZON KYOKAI

(Society for the preservation of the Japanese Sword)

The NBTHK was created in 1948, with the purpose of preserving the Japanese Sword. Since it's inauguration, a multitude of information has been made available to the world. All thanks to the hard work and dedication of this organization. One can only speculate in regards to what the future promises, but I am sure with the support of the Japanese Government as well as members worldwide the NBTHK will sail smoothly through the new milleneum.

If you do not already belong to the NBTHK, show your support and join today.

Here's how:  http://nbthk-ab.org/nbthkapplication.pdf  

As shown in the diagram above, from 1948- 1982 there were three  Kanteisho designations available below Juyo Token status, Kicho Token (white paper), Tokubetsu Kicho Token (gray-green paper), Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Token (aqua papers). Juyo Token was introduced in the late 1950's and remained the highest designation obtainable until the 1970's when the NBTHK introduced the Tokubetsu Juyo Token designation.

As any other organization the NBTHK has evolved over time into what we know today. As such, the Kanteisho papers have evolved into a two paper system below the Juyo designation of, Hozon-To (beige paper) and Tokubetsu Hozon-To (Brown paper).

Hozon Token - Worthy of preservation. (Beige paper)

Tokubetsu Hozon Token - Extraordinarily worthy of preservation. (Brown paper)

Juyo Token –  Important work.

Tokubetsu Juyo Token –  Extraordinarily important work.

 The following categories are not available to non Japanese citizens.

 Juyo Bijutsu Hin – Historically significant (no longer issued)

 Juyo Bunkazai – Cultural property

 Kokuho – National treasure

The older papers while no longer issued are still seen and still legitimate. Their meaning translates as follows.

Kicho = authentic work. (white)

Tokubetsu Kicho = Extraordinary work, (light green)

Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho = Special Extraordinary work (aqua)

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Current style of papers issued.

Hozon Token

Tokubetsu Hozon Token

Juyo Token

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NOTE: The above does not include broker, licensing, s/h, insurance fees.

NTHK

NIHON TOKEN HOZON KAI

The NTHK is another group of experts who issue authentication papers. Their origami or papers are highly regarded.

Their rankings are as follows:

SHINTEISHO - Genuine Work
KANTEISHO - Important Work
YUSHU SAKU - Very Important Work
SAI YUSHU SAKU - Special Important Work

FUJISHIRO

Fujishiro was a sword dealer / polisher who issued authentication papers. Papers by Fujishiro are regarded highly.

There were other individuals and groups which issued papers for the authentication of Japanese swords.

The three shown above are the most prevalent and most likely to be seen.