Tucked away in the quiet village of Yagyū (柳生) in Nara lies a massive granite boulder, cleanly split down in the middle. Known as Ittōseki (一刀石)- literally means ‘One-Sword Stone’- this impressive landmark is steeped in legend.
It’s said that Yagyū Muneyoshi (柳生宗厳: also known as Sekishūsai; 石舟斎), the founder of the Yagyū Shinkage-ryū School of Swordsmanship (柳生新陰流), once mistook a tengu for an opponent during his training. With a single, decisive cut, he struck- only to find he had cleaved this very stone in two.
Recognise this scene from somewhere else? That’s right- it’s from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃), one of the most popular and commercially successful manga/ anime series of all time!
Though Muneyoshi doesn’t appear directly in Demon Slayer, fans may find this tale oddly familiar. The Ittōseki is widely believed to have inspired the iconic scene where Tanjiro slices through a massive rock during his training. For many, this connection has transformed the Yagyū village into a kind of pilgrimage site- a sacred ground where history, legend, and pop culture converge.
Whether you’re drawn by history or anime homage, the Ittōseki stands as a powerful symbol of discipline, myth, and the fine line between reality and imagination.
Photo Credit: Dad
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