Appearances: FFI, FFIII, FFIV, FFV, FFVI, FFX, FFXI, FFXII
Kikuichimonji- Final Fantasy I (GBA)
Also sometimes abbreviated to Ichimonji, these swords are based on historical swords from 1208. In the Final Fantasy games these are high tier, though never top tier katana weapons.
The name kikuichimonji literally means 'chrysanthemum and one character'. These swords have the character for one, 'ichi', inscribed on the tang and may also have the Imperial chrysanthemum. As and Imperial emblem the chrysanthemum could only be used with Imperial permission.
In 1208 the former Emperor Go-Toba gathered together thirteen of the best swords smiths from across the land in order to learn to forge the perfect sword fit for the Imperial household. Each of the smiths was in attendance to Go-Toba for one lunar month of the Japanese calendar.
Go-Toba was an interesting character. He was more interested in the arts than politics, abdicating the throne at 18. He was an accomplished poet and patron to poetry but it seems his true passion was in swords. Even today his sponsorship and enthusiasm for blade working is considered responsible for Japan's Golden Age of swordsmithing.
These thirteen sword smiths that produced the kikuichimonji were not the only group to serve in attendance to the former Emperor. There was also a group of Twenty Four and and Exile group. These later groups, though slightly less famous, were equally accomplished craftsmen.
Kikuichimonji- Final Fantasy V artwork
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