Chapter 5: The Mystery of Kensei

NARRATOR: For centuries, many believed that Takezo Kensei was not real, but rather simply a folk tale. While records do show that a Takezo Kensei existed during the alleged time of the Trials of Kensei, few, if any records could be found before or after. Curator Atsumi Tatsuya offers this explanation.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI (Museum of Cultural History, Tokyo Japan): During this era, it was not uncommon for individuals to adopt new names, changing their identities. For example, in 1536, Toyoto Mishideyoshi was born to peasant parents, but he would rise to the rank of a General and then ruler. During this ascension, he created at least two sets of new names for himself. Some believe he did this to help cover his humble beginnings. It is doubtful that Takezo Kensei was our hero’s birth name. Kensei translates to "Sword Saint," a term given to only the most skillful and revered warriors. No parents would actually name their child this. More likely it was a name given to him.

NARRATOR: But so little is known about Kensei before his trials, it is very possible that he had a past that he wanted to keep secret. Some tales do refer to a time when Kensei was far more savage. Long before he saved Japan, Kensei was said to be feared throughout the land for his short temper and great rage. Tho possessing great skill, this Kensei was undisciplined and reckless. Legend has it that his sacred blade, the famed Kensei sword, gave him focus and calmed his wild temper.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): Like its owner, little is actually known about the weapon’s origin. Did he forge it himself? Or was it a gift from the gods? Well, there are so many versions of this story. But the most common is he drew it from a field of solid ice.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Just like King Arthur and his Excalibur, Kensei was destined to draw the sacred sword to unify his country. But like its owner, it was widely believed that the sword was more legend than real.

NARRATOR: With little evidence, doubt is cast upon either actually existing. Then in 1977, an exciting discovery. Daniel Linderman, CEO and founder of the Linderman Corporation, made the announcement that he had indisputable evidence of Kensei’s existence. He had uncovered the actual Kensei sword. After exhaustive testing, it was confirmed: the sword was genuine. Takezo Kensei was indeed real. He had taken life. He had defended honor. This very blade.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI: Linderman was said to have had the largest collection of Kensei artifacts in the world. But the Linderman connection has really only added to the mystery. Recently, the sword was stolen from his private collection. Shortly after, Linderman was found murdered in his own office.

NARRATOR: Linderman’s killers were never found. Coincidence? Or are these events somehow connected? Linderman had refused the Japanese government’s request to return what were considered cultural treasures. Even when he loaned out his collection to museum tours, he never allowed the Kensei sword to travel safeguarding it always in his private collection. Could someone have stolen back the sword and killed Linderman to prevent retaliation? Or was Linderman’s death even more sinister?

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: Many believed that the Kensei sword was cursed, that it was not meant to be found. It had disappeared for hundreds of years. And it has vanished again -- as it was meant to.

NARRATOR: The world may never get all the answers on Takezo Kensei. It appears that he -- his trials, his love, even his sword -- are destined to remain shrouded in mystery. But perhaps mystery is what grants any legend its enduring appeal.