Shichishito

Introduction

The Shichishito, known in Japanese as the Shichishitō or “Seven-Branched Sword,” is one of the most distinctive ceremonial weapons in East Asian history. Preserved at the sacred Isonokami Shrine in Nara Prefecture, this sword is more than a rare artifact—it is a powerful emblem of ancient diplomacy, ritual devotion, and royal legitimacy. Its unusual structure, featuring a central blade with six branch-like protrusions extending symmetrically from the sides, sets it apart from typical Japanese weaponry and reveals its purpose as an object meant for reverence rather than warfare. The Shichishito occupies an important place in both Japanese tradition and scholarly research, embodying the deep connections between mythology and early international politics in East Asia.

Origins

The origins of the Shichishito trace back to the 4th century CE, a transformative period marked by active cultural exchange between the Baekje Kingdom of the Korean Peninsula and the rising Yamato Court of Japan. The Nihon Shoki, one of Japan’s oldest historical chronicles, records that the sword was offered as a diplomatic gift to a Yamato ruler during the reign of the semi-mythical Empress Jingū. This act served to strengthen political association and symbolize mutual respect between the two regions.

Modern archaeology reinforces this narrative. CT imaging conducted in recent decades has made the sword’s gold-inlaid inscriptions more legible, confirming references to Baekje and indicating that the blade was likely forged in 369 CE, during the Eastern Jin dynasty’s Taihe era. Its design—an elongated body with three branch protrusions on either side and a single tip counted as the seventh blade—matches artistic motifs seen in Baekje royal regalia, particularly tree-shaped crowns. These features make it clear that the Shichishito was created as a ceremonial masterpiece, intended to communicate prestige, authority, and divine favor.

Powers

Although the Shichishito was never designed for battle, it held profound symbolic power in both ritual and early statecraft. Its branching structure suggests cosmological meaning, possibly reflecting fertility, abundance, or the harmony between heaven and earth—a concept deeply rooted in early East Asian thought. The richly inscribed blade also proclaims that it was made of “hundredfold steel” and capable of defeating many enemies, a poetic exaggeration that underscores its function as a token of protection and divine endorsement.

In Shinto tradition, ceremonial swords form a spiritual bridge between the human realm and the world of the kami. The Shichishito’s presence at Isonokami Shrine elevated it to a sacred talisman believed to repel evil forces and maintain political stability. Even as Japan’s mythological swords—such as Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi—appear frequently in heroic narratives, the Shichishito’s “power” derived from its status: a symbol of legitimacy, unity, and the ruler’s connection to higher cosmic authority.

Owners/Users

The earliest recorded owner of the Shichishito was a ruler of the Yamato court, who received it as a diplomatic treasure from the king of Baekje. While the precise identities of both the giver and receiver are debated, inscriptions indicate that the sword originated in Baekje’s royal workshops and was intended for a person of exceptional rank in the Wa (Japanese) kingdom.

Once in Japan, the sword did not travel through the hands of warriors but instead entered the care of Isonokami Shrine. Shinto priests served as its custodians, preserving it as a sacred relic tied to imperial authority. Over time, legends connected the sword to prominent figures such as Empress Jingū, who is often portrayed in classical texts as a divinely guided leader. The Shichishito thus became a symbol of early imperial unity, safeguarded not by soldiers but by religious stewards who ensured its ceremonial relevance remained intact.

Instances used

Unlike famous battle swords found in Japanese legend, the Shichishito does not appear in combat stories. Its historical and cultural “use” lies entirely in symbolic application. Its gifting marked one of the earliest documented examples of state-level diplomacy between Japan and Korea, representing peace, alliance, and acknowledged authority. Within Japanese texts such as the Nihon Shoki, the sword is mentioned to affirm the divine and political legitimacy of the ruling Yamato clan.

In later centuries, the Shichishito’s significance shifted to scholarly and cultural exploration. The sword continues to be studied through advanced imaging technologies that reveal previously hidden inscriptions, offering rare insights into ancient metallurgy, diplomatic relations, and religious ritual. Although the original remains out of public view, replicas and artistic reinterpretations allow historians and enthusiasts to appreciate its design and mythic aura.

The Shichishito has also inspired countless fictional depictions in video games, anime, and modern literature, often portrayed as a weapon infused with supernatural abilities. While these portrayals embellish the legendary qualities of the sword, they highlight how deeply its unique form has imprinted itself on global imagination.

Source

Hamada, K. (n.d.). Theory on Seven-Branched Sword origins. Kyushu University Publications. (Derived from historical analysis in Wikipedia).​

Nihon Shoki. (720). Chronicles of Japan. Imperial Household Agency. (Primary source for Jingū era).​

Roberts, J. (2000). Japanese mythology A to Z. Chelsea House Publications.​

Swordis. (2024). Famous examples of Japanese swords from mythology. https://swordis.com/blog/mythical-japanese-swords/​

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Seven-Branched Sword. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven-Branched_Sword​

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Glossary of Shinto. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saishi​

Scribbling Geek. (2025). 15 legendary Japanese mythological swords and weapons. https://www.scribblinggeek.com/index.php/2025/08/19/japanese-mythological-weapons​

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Japanese sword: A journey through history. https://fireandsteel.ca/blogs/blogs/japanese-sword-a-journey-through-history-and-evolution​