Okita Soji’s Kashu Kiyomitsu: The Samurai’s Broken Blade
In the pantheon of Japanese swordsmanship, few names evoke as much romantic tragedy and lethal skill as Okita Soji. As the captain of the first unit of the Shinsengumi—the special police force of the late Edo period—Okita was a genius swordsman whose life was cut short by tuberculosis. Yet, equally famous is the steel he wielded: the Kashu Kiyomitsu.
While many samurai swords are celebrated for their pristine condition or aristocratic lineage, the Kashu Kiyomitsu is famous for being a weapon of war—chipped, broken, and beloved. For travelers and history enthusiasts, understanding this blade offers a window into the bloody, turbulent end of the samurai era.
Origins: The Smith of the Riverbanks
To understand the sword, one must understand its creator. “Kashu” refers to the Kaga Province (modern-day Ishikawa Prefecture), and “Kiyomitsu” was the name of a lineage of smiths working in that region.
The specific blade owned by Okita is believed to have been forged by the 6th generation Kiyomitsu, a smith famously referred to as the “beggar Kiyomitsu” (Hinin Kiyomitsu). Historical accounts suggest this smith lived in poverty in makeshift housing on the riverbanks. Unlike the polished, artistic blades commissioned by Daimyo for display, Kiyomitsu blades were practical, sharp, and relatively affordable. They were weapons designed for actual combat rather than ceremony.
This utilitarian background suited the Shinsengumi perfectly. They were not high-ranking lords but a ronin squad focused on practical policing and combat in the narrow streets of Kyoto. Okita, despite his immense skill, wielded this “working class” sword, cementing the image of the Shinsengumi as gritty warriors of the people.
The Legend: Fracture at Ikedaya
The defining moment for both Okita Soji and his Kashu Kiyomitsu was the Ikedaya Affair (Ikedaya Jiken) on July 8, 1864. This raid on a Kyoto inn prevented a massive plot by anti-shogunate rebels to burn down the city.
According to historical records and subsequent legends, the fighting inside the cramped inn was ferocious. Okita fought with terrifying speed until he reportedly collapsed—not from an enemy wound, but from the tuberculosis that would eventually kill him.
During this intense melee, it is recorded that the tip of Okita’s sword broke (a damage known as boshi-kake). In the world of Japanese swords, a broken tip is often a fatal flaw for the weapon. While other swords used by Shinsengumi members were repaired and preserved, records indicate that Okita’s Kiyomitsu was deemed irreparable. It was likely discarded or left with a smith in Kyoto, never to be wielded by him again. The tragedy of the sword “dying” in the same battle where its master’s illness first debilitated him has created a poetic link between the two that persists in literature today.
Modern Culture: From Steel to Superstar
For over a century, the Kashu Kiyomitsu was known only to history buffs. However, the 21st century sparked a massive revival of interest through pop culture, specifically the franchise Touken Ranbu.
In this game and anime series, famous swords are anthropomorphized into handsome warriors. Kashu Kiyomitsu is depicted as a young man who is obsessed with appearing cute and well-groomed. This characterization is a poignant nod to his history: because he was a “riverbank” sword used by a poor samurai and eventually discarded after breaking, the character fears being unloved or thrown away again if he isn’t “pretty.”
This cultural phenomenon has led to a surge in tourism. Fans now flock to museums to see other surviving blades by the Kiyomitsu smiths, trying to connect with the physical history of their favorite digital character. The sword has transcended its physical form to become a symbol of loyalty and the fear of abandonment.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking in Shinsengumi Footsteps
If you are fascinated by the legend of Okita and his sword, Kyoto is your primary destination. Here is how to trace the history:
1. The Site of Ikedaya
Though the original inn is long gone, the site where the battle took place still exists in the Sanjo area of Kyoto. For years it was a pachinko parlor, but it currently houses an Izakaya (pub) named Ikedaya Hana no Mai. The restaurant is themed around the Shinsengumi, featuring servers in the iconic blue-and-white haori coats and decor celebrating the battle.
2. Mibu-dera Temple
This temple served as the headquarters for the Shinsengumi. You can visit the Mibu-zuka (burial mound) to pay respects to Commander Kondo Isami and see the bust of Okita Soji. It is a solemn place that grounds the anime legends in historical reality.
3. Sword Museums
While Okita’s specific broken sword is lost to history, swords forged by the Kiyomitsu lineage can be viewed in various museums, such as the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo or during special exhibitions in the Kyoto National Museum. Keep an eye on exhibition schedules, as “Touken Ranbu” collaborations often bring these specific smiths’ works out of storage.
Sources & Further Reading
To separate the man from the myth, consult the following historical and literary works:
- Shinsengumi Shimatsuki by Shimozawa Kan – The foundational text that popularized many Shinsengumi legends, including details on Okita’s sword.
- Moeyo Ken (Burn, O Sword) by Shiba Ryotaro – The definitive historical novel regarding the Shinsengumi.
- Touken Ranbu Online – For an understanding of the modern cultural interpretation.
- Nihon To (Japanese Swords) encyclopedias referencing the Kaga province smiths.