, also known as , is widely recognized as Japan's greatest swordsmith. He created swords and daggers, known in Japanese as tachi and tanto respectively, in the Soshu tradition. No exact dates are known for Masamune's life and he has reached an almost legendary status. It is generally agreed that he made most of his swords in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, 1288–1328. Some stories list his family name as Okazaki, but some experts believe this is a fabrication to enhance the standing of the Tokugawa family.