Who is Fukushima Masanori, and what is “his tachi”? | Most Expensive Sword in the World

Updated: Sep 17

Who is Fukushima Masanori, and what is “his tachi”?

Fukushima Masanori (1561-1624) was a famous samurai general in Japan during the Sengoku and early Edo periods. Wikipedia
A tachi is a type of Japanese sword — older than the more commonly known katana, with a curved blade. They were status symbols among high-ranking samurai.
Part of his legacy includes owning one of Japan’s “Three Great Spears” (“Nihon-go” or Nihongo), though that’s a spear, not the sword. Wikipedia

According to sources (including his Wikipedia entry), Fukushima Masanori’s tachi is valued at US$105 million, and described as “the most expensive sword in the world.” Wikipedia
It’s said to be held by an art fund called Tamoikin Art Fund. Wikipedia

Things to take with a grain of salt:

Lack of independent verification: The $105 million figure seems to appear in secondary sources (e.g. Wikipedia), without a clear provenance (auction records, appraisal documentation) cited. That doesn’t mean it’s false, but it raises questions.
Art / antique valuations fluctuate a lot, especially for rare swords. Condition, provenance, documentation, previous ownership, market demand — all matter hugely.
“Most expensive sword in the world” claims tend to be sensationalist unless backed by auction results. A lot of “world record” items are claimed but rarely verified in open sales.
Tamoikin Art Fund doesn’t have a strong public profile (at least in the sources I saw), which makes verification harder.

Yes — there is a claim that Masanori’s tachi is valued at about US$100-105 million, making it one of (if not the) most expensive swords in existence.
But the claim is not solidly backed by public/private verified auction or appraisal records in the sources I found. It should be considered more of a rumoured or reputed figure, not a confirmed sale price.

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