Tenka-Goken

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), 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. 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 (although in other parts of the same book Sato contradicts himself and uses the same list as the following Named Japanese swords are typically referred to in combination with the name of their swordsmith. For example, the Dōjigiri, one of the Tenka-Goken included in the catalogue, is referred to as . File:Tachi Sword - Dojikiri Yasutsuna.jpg|Dojikiri Yasutsuna File:Oni-mar.jpg|Onimaru Kunitsuna File:三日月宗近, Tachi Mikazuki Munechika.jpg|Mikazuki Munechika == See also ==