Kokaji (The Swordsmith) : PhotoStory

A mysterious youth appears when swordsmith Sanjo no Kokaji Munechika prays to the gods.

Munechika has received an imperial command to make a sword. His prayer was for an able assistant. The youth somehow knows this.

At times, the youth seems like an old man. He relates an ancient legend about a sword and offers to be Munechika’s assistant.

Munechika has prepared a platform for forging the sword. To clear his mind for the task, he prays once more to the gods.

Carrying a hammer, the fox deity appears.

With the help of Inari deity, Munechika’s hands are filled with strength as he hammers the blade.

Their two names are engraved on the sword: Kokaji Munechika on the front, Kogitsune on the back. The great sword Kogitsune-maru is complete.

Aizuchi Inari shrine in Awataguchi, Kyoto. Inari deity, who helped forge Kogitsune-maru, is said to be enshrined here.