Sukefusa is recorded in sword-signature reference works () as a two-character-signature smith of the Bizen Fukuoka Ichimonji group, with entries placing him in the Genryaku era1 and, separately, as a second generation active in the Kenpo era2. Three smiths -- Yoshifusa, Norifusa, and Sukezane -- are transmitted as his sons, situating him at a pivotal generational node within the Fukuoka Ichimonji lineage during the early to mid-Kamakura period. Almost no signed works survive today, and the great majority of blades bearing his name do so through traditional attribution (den) or later gold-inlaid inscription (kinzogan-mei).
Blades attributed to Sukefusa display a finely forged ko-itame-hada that is extremely well packed, with ji-nie forming clearly and midare-utsuri standing out in the ji. The hamon characteristically features ko-choji mixed with layered juka-choji and kawazuko-like gunome, worked in deep nioi with ko-nie and well-entering ashi. A diagnostic trait considered central to his attribution is a slightly reverse-slanting hamon near the base on the sashi-omote3, often accompanied by kinsuji appearing on the ura near the moto. The boshi tends toward midare-komi turning back in ko-maru with a slightly pointed feeling. While the hamon is comparatively small in scale relative to the flamboyant choji-midare of some Ichimonji contemporaries, it is exceedingly rich in variation, and both ji and ha are strongly enlivened by nie.
While the question of whether a specific personal attribution to Sukefusa can be sustained in individual cases remains a matter requiring further study, there is no dissent from the view that works so attributed should be regarded as products of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school, the workmanship placing them somewhat earlier in date than his documented sons. Blades carrying his attribution are further distinguished by exceptionally good nikuoki and outstanding kenzen preservation4, confirming their standing as meito of the highest order within the Ichimonji tradition.
Historical importance
Where Sukefusa stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.