If a simple metal nameplate isn’t eye-catching enough for your house, try one of these gigantic engraved swords for size.
Swords are back in a big way. You might argue they never really left – with the revival of medieval aesthetics and weaponry in video games and one happy couple even using a sword to cut their wedding cake, the allure of huge blades is one that won’t be going away any time soon.
And for the truly sword-obsessed, there’s a way to mark your devotion on your very house itself.
A nameplate, or hyosatsu, is a common enough sight in Japanese residential areas. As you walk past house after house, you’ll see the sunlight glint across squares of metal or wood emblazoned with the family name – usually in kanji, but often in Roman letters as well.
▼ A beautiful wooden hyosatsu of the surname Yamagishi.
ひさびさ作りました。
— 向井 恭介 (@hatsurist) February 19, 2019
杉のハツリ表札
15cm×15cmhttps://t.co/XCqITgwnuv pic.twitter.com/5W0DYXyB9W
But you aren’t here to see classy geometric shapes with beautiful calligraphy on them. No, the fire in your veins demands something more intense. Thankfully there exists a company, Mino Craft, that’s willing to engrave your name in kanji and roman text onto a huge sword replica and have it serve as your hyosatsu instead.
Here it is in its natural habitat: a regular suburban neighborhood.
ようやく新居に伝説の聖剣(表札)が届いたから記念写真。
— 社長 (@syatyou_eddie) February 22, 2019
ちなみに個人宅での設置は全国初らしくてカタログに載るぽいw
てか思ったよりでけぇw pic.twitter.com/AB74ishwTh
“The Holy Sword (hyosatsu) that I ordered finally arrived at my new address, so I snapped a photo to commemorate it. I think mine was the first one to ever be installed in a private house, so they’re likely to post the photo in their catalog… Also, it’s way bigger than I thought it would be.”
The incongruity of the massive sword jutting out of a very serious and mature looking home makes for a great photo, so no wonder @syatyou_eddie took multiple shots. Commenters were delighted and immediately flexed their Photoshop skills:
▼ “Sorry, I looked at it and could only see a promotional ad for Dr*gon Qu*st so I made this. Sorry.”
すいません、どうしてもドラ〇エの広告にしか見えなかったので作ってみましたすいません(;´д`) pic.twitter.com/RFbhuWmxbq
— shin (@takesinn_1989) February 22, 2019
Another commenter asked where his name was engraved, but @syatyou_eddie had apparently engaged in a little Photoshop manipulation of his own before uploading the photos – he edited the name off of the sword, but assured commenters that “in real life, it bears the name of a hero”.
▼ You can see some examples of engraved swords in the catalog, plus…other designs.
話題になってた聖剣表札カタログにあったんだけど魔王バージョンもあるんだよな…しかも20万近くすんの……他にもいろんなのあって表札おもしろい pic.twitter.com/OjxZ3cS5kc
— くそみそ☀⛄🍑春コミ東7V11a (@ksmsboon) February 22, 2019
One commenter asked @syatyou_eddie “aren’t you worried someone might take it out of the ground?” and he had this mighty response:
“Only a true hero can pull this sword out.”
For those of you wondering what all the fuss is about swords, and Japanese swords in particular, treat yourself to this primer. Sadly no matter how much of a sword supporter you are, you’ll have to move to Japan to enjoy the delight of a sword nameplate of your own: but at least you can always play the mobile game where they turn into sexy men across the globe.
Related: Mino Craft
Source: Twitter/@syatyou_eddie via Hachima Kikou
Featured image: Twitter/@syatyou_eddie

Giant engraved sword is also a Japanese nameplate (plus most awesome home fixture ever)
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
7-Eleven Japan releases new “mix-and-drink” matcha latte… that comes with a risk of choking
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Starbucks Japan releases special limited-edition summer drinks… at only 30 stores
Lawson transforms convenience store food with massive katsu burger and an insane curry bread
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events