There are other Japanese organisations offering Kanteisho but as I have little or no knowledge of these, I have not offered them here.

Shinteisho: 60-69 points. A low level paper. This is awarded to swords in poor condition or poor polish but that are genuine.

Kanteisho: 70-79 points. A Mid level paper. This is awarded to swords and fittings that are worthy of preservation and are of good quality. This level is basically covers both the NBTHK Hozon and Tokubetsu Hozon kanteisho.

Yashu-saku: 80 points and up. If a sword or fitting is awarded 80 points or more, it is required to return to shinsa in December for Yashu-saku shinsa. If the item makes 85 points or more it is awarded Yashu-saku. Failing Yashu-saku sees the item remains at Kanteisho. Yashu-saku is the NTHK equivalent of Juyo.

Hozon: The entry level paper. This deems the item worthy of preservation.

Tokubetsu Hozon: Awarded to swords and fittings with extrodinary worth in preservation.

Juyo: Award to items regarded as Very Important Work. This is the level equivalent to the NTHK's Yashu-saku

Bunka Shiryo: The entry level paper. This deems the item is a Cultural Item.

Tokubetsu Bunka Shiryo: The entry level paper. This deems the item is a Worth Cultural Item.

Yashu Bunka Shiryo: The entry level paper. This deems the item is a Special Cultural Item.

With regards to reading kanteisho, the columns are read from top to bottom, and right to left, in the true Japanese fasion. The small images are linked to larger images. Simply click to view.

Front:

1: The paper. Also the level of worthyness: Kanteisho

2: The item: Tsuba

3. Attribution: Echizen Tanko saku (越前鐔工作) - Made by a Tuba craftsman in Echizen

4. This item is: Shoshin (正真) - Genuine

5. The date: Heisei Ku Nen Ju Gatsu Ju Ni Nichi (平成九年十月十二日) - 12th of October, 1997

6. Signed and sealed: Nihon Token Hozon Kai (日本刀剣保存会)

Back:

7: The licence number: Dai 4728 Go ( number 4728 )

8: Signature: Meibun Mumei (銘文 無銘) Without Signature

9. Work Style: TsukuriKomi (造込み) - Make, ShinMarugata (真丸形) - round shape, Kata hitsuana (片櫃孔) - a Hitsu ana on one side, Kakumimi Koniku (角耳小肉) - a squared rim that is slightly rounded

Shitaji (下地) - ground material

Tetsuji (鉄地) - iron base

10. Zugara (図柄) - motif

Raimon Karigane Sukashi (雷文雁金透し) - openwork with Zigzag (lightning) and wild geese motif

Hori (彫瘢雹り) - carving style - Nikubori Jisukashi (肉彫瘢雹り 地透し) - relief with openwork

11. Dimensions: Sunpo (寸法) - measurements

Tate shichi ten hachi senchi (縦 七.八 センチ) 7.8 cm long

Yoko shichi ten hachi senchi (横 七.八 センチ) 7.8 cm wide

12. Sword mounts: Koshirae (拵え) - exterior for swords : null

13. Other remarks: Biko (備考) - remarks : Edo jidai chuki (孔苳燦融?綯羇) - middle of Edo period

2: The paper: Kanteisho

3: The theme: Chikirimon Sukashi Tsuba ( Spool design Sukashi tsuba )

4: If signed or not: Mumei, Shoami (unsigned, Shoami school)

5: Work Style: Ju Kaku Mokko Gata, Testsu Tsuchime ji Sukashi.( Large Square Mokko Gata, Hammered surface, Iron Sukashi Tsuba )

6: Kaku Mimi Ko Niku, Ryohitsu Shitate ( Slightly rounded Square rimm, Finished with two Hitsu ana )

7: Statement of worthyness and level of paper. In this case HOZON: Migi wa to-kyokai ni oite shinsa no kekka hozon tosogu to kanteishi kore wo shosuru ( Examination by the our association has resulted in the decision that the item to the right is a sword fitting that is worthy of preservation )

8: The date: Heisei Juichinen Nigatsu Junichi (February 10, 1999)

9: Signed and sealed: Zaidan Hojin Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai ( Incorporated foundation Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai)

2: The paper: Kanteisho

3: The theme: Kawari Hanagata Sukashi Tsuba ( strange flower shape Sukashi. In this case I believe it referes to
the Double Nestled Mokko shapes or, ' a variation of Mokko' )

4: Signature and Attribution: Mumei, Akao (unsigned, Akao school)

5: Work Style: Mokko Gata, Testsu ji Sukashi Bori.( Mokko shape, Carved Iron Ji Sukashi )

6: The era: Edo Jidai (Edo period)

7: Statement of worthyness and level of paper. In this case Shiryo:Migi o Bunka Shiryo Tosogu to Nintei Suru (the object has to the right is declared culturally important)

8: The date: Heisei Junen Nigatsu Nijuhachinichi (February 28, 1998)

9: Signed and sealed: Nihon Tosogu Bijutsukan (Japanese sword fittings museum) Kancho (museum director) Ikeda Suematsu