Moritaka
Master Blacksmith Profile
Moritaka Cutlery was founded in 1293 (during the Kamakura Period) by Kongouhyoueminamotono-Moritaka, who was the Head Swordsmith for the Buddhist priests at Mt. Houman in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
His descendants then inherited his business and followed his footsteps in the same city for 13 generations. In 1632, the family followed Higo Daimyo Mitsunari Hosokawa (the feudal ruler of Higo) and moved to Miyaji-machi, Yatsushiro, Kumamoto. For another 13 generations in this city, they forged swords for the Buddhist armies, the Daimyo’s army, and also the Daimyo himself. Kongohyoue’s swords were very unique because they were made to be used to help attain Buddhahood.
