三条宗近 Sanjo Munechika

What is Sanjo Munechika in Japanese Katana terminology?

Sanjo Munechika, also known as "Sanjo Munechika", was a swordsmith who made swords in Yamashiro Province (currently Kyoto Prefecture) during the Heian period and is counted as one of the "Three Great Swordsmiths of Japan". His representative works include "Mikazuki Munechika" and "Kogitsunemaru". There is an episode that when he was making "Kogitsunemaru" by the imperial command of Emperor Ichijo, the incarnation of Inari Myojin appeared as a response, which is handed down to the present day as the Noh song "Kokaji".