What is Shojimei in Japanese Katana terminology?

"Shojimei" (所持銘) refers to the inscription of the owner's name on the tang (Nakago) of the Japanese sword.

Not only the name, but also the circumstances leading to the possession of the sword and the title (Gou) of the Japanese sword are sometimes inscribed.

This practice of inscribing the owner's name and other details on the sword serves several purposes. It provides a record of the sword's ownership, which can add to its historical and cultural significance. The inscription of the circumstances leading to the possession of the sword and its title provides additional context and information about the sword. This highlights the importance placed on the provenance and history of the sword in Japanese culture."