Introduction
New Chitose City, located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, is the hometown of the renowned战国 era warrior Uesugi Kenshin. As the centennial of the Uesugi Kenshin Memorial Service approaches in 2025, the city is seeking to enhance the event’s prestige by borrowing a national treasure, the Takeshima Feather sword, from Kagawa Prefecture’s Setouchi City.
Background
The Takeshima Feather sword, a symbol of the Sengoku period, is believed to have been highly favored by Uesugi Kenshin as his personal weapon. For a long time, this historic artifact was a private collection in Kagawa Prefecture. Negotiations between the collector and the Maeda City government failed to reach a mutually acceptable deal. Subsequently, the Setouchi City government funded the acquisition of the relic.
Delegation’s Visit
On September 12th, a four-member delegation from Maeda City, including Deputy Mayor Koshiro Oda, visited Setouchi City to discuss the possibility of borrowing the Takeshima Feather sword for the 2025 Uesugi Kenshin Memorial Service.
Significance of the Sword
The Takeshima Feather sword was forged in the Kamakura period in Setouchi City’s Oshikamachi. It is said that the sword was greatly cherished by Uesugi Kenshin, making it an invaluable piece of history for the warrior’s descendants and admirers alike.
Previous Negotiations
Attempts to acquire the sword by the Maeda City government had previously failed due to disagreements over the terms of the sale. However, the Setouchi City government was able to purchase the relic with the support of the citizens of Maeda City.
Maeda City’s Vision
Deputy Mayor Oda expressed his hope that showcasing the sword, which was once beloved by Uesugi Kenshin, would inspire and uplift the citizens of Maeda City. Mayor Akira Takeuchi of Setouchi City also acknowledged the role played by Maeda City’s residents in the acquisition of the sword, expressing his city’s eagerness to have the artifact displayed at the upcoming event.
Conclusion
The Uesugi Kenshin Memorial Service is a significant event in the history of Maeda City, and the potential borrowing of the Takeshima Feather sword will undoubtedly add to the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion. As the centennial approaches, the collaboration between Maeda City and Setouchi City serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Uesugi Kenshin and the importance of preserving historical artifacts for future generations.
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