The school () originated in the vicinity of the Gate (), the western main entrance to Tōdai-ji in Nara, and represents one of the five principal lineages of the Yamato tradition. The school's founder, Kanenaga (包永), is traditionally placed around the Shōō era (1288–1293) in sword reference works, though extant works suggest the lineage may trace even earlier, to the mid- period. The relationship between smiths and Tōdai-ji was particularly close; the school is thought to have been a body of swordsmiths subordinate to the temple. From its origins through the and into the period, became the largest and most prolific of the Yamato schools, with multiple generations of smiths bearing the name Kanenaga.
workmanship displays a robust construction with wide , broad , high , and substantial . The forging typically shows flowing with a tendency toward , tightly consolidated with abundant and frequent fine ; faint often appears, and the steel exhibits a slightly darkish tone yet remains bright and clear. The temper is characteristically a narrow -based pattern, sometimes with a shallow or admixture of ; the frequently becomes and takes on a -like aspect, interwoven with such Yamato activities as uchi-noke, , , , and . The is notably bright and even, with adhering well without patchiness. The typically runs into or nearly , often showing vigorous .
blades strongly manifest the distinctive character of Yamato swordmaking, both in the forging and in the tempered elements. Works attributed to the school exhibit a consistent set of technical features that distinguish them from the other Yamato lineages, and many examples demonstrate robust preservation. The school's close association with Tōdai-ji and its sustained production over several centuries solidified its place as the most significant lineage within the Yamato tradition, and its works remain representative of the classical Yamato aesthetic.