Shigemasa of the group in Province is, according to one tradition, said to have been the younger brother of Motoshige. Dated works attributed to him range from Karyaku 2 (1327) in the late period through Enbun 4 (1359) in the mid- period, and as with Motoshige, there is also a view that within this span one should recognize the existence of a first and second generation. A signed bearing the date Kenmu 1 (1334) provides important documentary evidence, and its imposing, long, dignified form is unmistakably bold. One particularly notable work, the known as "Yoshinogawa," was a favored blade of Matsudaira Ukon-no- Terusada, founding lord of the Takasaki domain, and bears an by Kotsune dated Jokyo 2 (1685).
Shigemasa's forging characteristically shows mixed with and flowing grain, incorporating -like patches, with the texture tending toward ; fine adheres thickly, enter well, and stands out vividly -- features thoroughly in keeping with work, yet the shows a slightly dark cast that is distinctive to this smith. The is fundamentally a wide into which angular elements, , , and -like forms are mixed, with and entering well and conspicuous ; the is bright and tight. The frequently shows a pointed tendency, often with , and may exhibit . These features collectively express what the consistently identify as Shigemasa's characteristic blending of workmanship with an temperament -- a manner close to Motoshige, yet distinctly his own in its intermixture of these two traditions.
Shigemasa's surviving works demonstrate remarkable consistency across a substantial body of designated blades. Whether in the powerful -era with wide , minimal taper, and , or in remakes and , the diagnostic combination of flowing with , angular within a framework, and pointed is reliably present. The finest examples show varied and non-uniform with plentiful activities along the -- long , , and intermittent -- conveying a sense of martial energy. Many are in condition with robust and thick , attesting to careful preservation. Taken together, these works establish Shigemasa as a master whose distinctive synthesis of the and idioms constitutes a recognizable and important voice within the Motoshige lineage of the late to period.