Expedition Unknown Season 2 Episode 102 Extra Finds - Samurai Sword Of Power

In Expedition Unknown season 2 episode 102, titled "Extra Finds - Samurai Sword Of Power," host Josh Gates takes viewers on a journey to uncover the story behind a rare and powerful samurai sword. The sword, known as the Honjo Masamune, belong to the famous Japanese warrior Date Masamune, who lived in the 17th century.

The episode begins with Gates meeting with Japanese scholar and sword expert Dr. Andreas Reinecke, who provides him with some background information on the Honjo Masamune. According to Dr. Reinecke, the sword is considered one of the greatest treasures of Japanese history and was one of only two swords to be designated a national treasure in Japan. It is said that anyone who holds the sword has the power to conquer the world.

Gates then travels to Japan to meet with Masamune's descendants and see if they have any information on the whereabouts of the sword. He also attends a sword auction in Tokyo, where he hopes to find any information on the sword.

Next, Gates heads to the town of Seki in central Japan, which is known for its sword-making tradition. There, he meets with a master swordsmith and observes the intricate process of sword-making, which has been passed down from generation to generation for over 800 years. The master swordsmith explains the different techniques used to craft swords and the importance of the materials used.

Gates also visits a museum in Seki dedicated to the art of sword-making, where he learns about the history and evolution of swords in Japan. He sees a variety of swords on display, including some that date back to the 12th century.

The episode then transitions to Gates traveling to the city of Kanazawa, where he meets with an expert in katana appraisal, the Japanese sword for warfare. The expert, who has over 30 years of experience, examines several different swords, including a replica of the Honjo Masamune. He explains the different techniques used to appraise the authenticity and quality of a sword, and conducts tests on several different swords to determine their value.

Finally, the episode concludes with Gates meeting with a samurai sword collector in California who claims to have a rare and valuable sword that belonged to Date Masamune. Gates examines the sword and compares it to the replica seen earlier in the episode, hoping to determine if it is the genuine Honjo Masamune.

Throughout the episode, Gates provides insight into the cultural significance of samurai swords in Japan and their importance in Japanese history. He also discusses the mysticism and legend surrounding the Honjo Masamune and why it is considered such a valuable and powerful object.

Overall, Expedition Unknown season 2 episode 102 is an exciting and informative journey that explores the history, tradition, and legends surrounding samurai swords in Japan. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.