Tōchika (遠近) is traditionally transmitted as the son of Tsunetō (恒遠) of the Masatsune line, with old sword books placing his active period around the Bun'ei era (1264–1275). One theory further holds that he was an ancestor of Moriie, though this remains a matter requiring further research. Several signed by Tōchika survive, all displaying workmanship characteristic of the mid- period, and while the precise nature of his relationship to the line is not established, it is also difficult to regard the two as entirely unrelated. His extant works bear a consistent two-character signature, typically cut in large characters near the on the .
Among Tōchika's surviving works, two distinct modes of workmanship are observed. One is a -based temper with a tight , recalling in some instances the manner of the Bitchū Aoe group. The other is a brilliant, flamboyant mixed with -, , and , with abundant and , deep , plentiful , and activity including , , and . The forging typically shows mixed with , at times tending toward standing grain, with fine and standing out prominently. Works in a distinctly manner, however, are not encountered. The generally enters with slight and turns back in , occasionally with a pointed tendency.
Tōchika's flamboyant works call to mind Moriie and Saburō Kunimune in their strongly decorative character. The has described his finest pieces as displaying "excellent workmanship" and as being precious documentary material for understanding the full range of his output. Both his and modes are well represented among designated works, with the former compared to the example preserved at Nikkō Futarasan Shrine. His oeuvre thus occupies a distinctive position within the mid- tradition, bridging the heritage of his lineage and the vigorous decorative impulse that characterizes the school.