Types of Japanese Swords

The Samurai’s Signature Blade

• Overview & Time Period: The katana is perhaps the most iconic Japanese sword, popular from the late 14th century to the Edo period. Known for its distinctive curve and razor-sharp edge, it’s widely regarded as the “soul of the samurai.”
• Design & Dimensions: Typically 27–30 inches (68–76 cm) long, the katana features a single-edged, slightly curved blade.
• Primary Use: Wielded by samurai in war and peace the katana was prized for its quick draw and cutting ability. Always at his side, the Samurai symbolized his class status with his finely crafted sword whether on the field or in town. In times of war, lesser quality katana known as “loan swords” would be used by a lord to equip the peasant class Ashigaru clan soldiers as a sidearm so that they could properly support the elite Samurai in battle.
• Cultural Significance: The katana symbolizes honor, discipline, and martial skill, embodying the samurai’s way of life.

The Giant Blades

• Overview: The Ō Katana is a longer version of the katana, and the Ōdachi (or Nodachi) is an even larger field sword.
• Design & Dimensions: Blades exceed 3 shaku (~90 cm). The Nodachi can be up to 35–50 inches or more.
• Primary Use: These massive swords were used by infantry to counter cavalry or for wide sweeping strikes in battle.
• Cultural Significance: Used both in combat and as ceremonial weapons, the sheer size of these swords required exceptional strength and skill to wield effectively.

The Compact Katana

• Overview: Smaller than the standard katana, the Ko Katana is a “short katana” that offers greater maneuverability and is more likely to be effective indoors or in confined spaces.
• Design & Dimensions: Typically 22–26 inches (56–66 cm) long, offering a bridge between a full-sized katana and a wakizashi.
• Primary Use: The Ko Katana was ideal for close-quarters combat and is often preferred for iaijutsu (sword drawing techniques).
• Cultural Significance: Though less common than the traditional katana, it’s valued for its versatility and is sometimes used in sword arts for quick, precise movements.

The Military Sword of the 20th Century

• Overview: The Guntō is a military sword introduced for the Imperial Japanese Army in the late 19th century, particularly during WWII.
• Design & Dimensions: Although influenced by Western sword designs, it retained traditional Japanese features.
• Primary Use: Issued to officers as a symbol of rank, the Guntō was also used in combat.
• Cultural Significance: The Guntō reflects Japan’s modernization and the merging of Western and Eastern influences in weaponry.

• Overview: The Iaitō is a training sword used for practicing the art of iaido, the Japanese martial art of sword drawing.
• Design & Dimensions: It resembles a katana but often features an alloy blade and is not sharpened.
• Primary Use: The Iaitō is used for practicing kata (forms) and drawing techniques safely.
• Cultural Significance: Essential for learning the subtleties of iaido, the Iaitō allows practitioners to master sword movements without the risk of injury from a sharp blade.

Concealed Blades

• Overview: The Shirasaya is a plain wooden storage scabbard, while the Shikomizue is a sword concealed within a walking stick.
• Design & Dimensions: The Shirasaya has no ornamentation, while the Shikomizue’s blade is hidden within a cane or stick structure.
• Primary Use: Shirasaya is used to preserve blades, keeping them in a moisture-controlled environment. The Shikomizue was historically used for discreet self-defense or by travelers.
• Cultural Significance: The Shirasaya protects swords from rust and damage, while the Shikomizue holds connotations of espionage or stealth.

The Samurai’s Companion Sword

• Overview: The Wakizashi is the shorter companion to the katana, worn as part of the daishō—paired swords.
• Design & Dimensions: Typically 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long.
• Primary Use: Used for close-quarters combat and as a backup weapon. It is particularly useful indoors where space is limited to longer blades.
• Cultural Significance: The Wakizashi is often seen as a symbol of the samurai’s readiness, worn indoors when the katana was left outside.

The Samurai’s Dagger

• Overview: The Tantō is a short, dagger-like sword, typically carried by samurai or even women of the samurai class.
• Design & Dimensions: Typically under 12 inches (30 cm) long.
• Primary Use: Used for close-range stabbing, often carried for personal protection.
• Cultural Significance: Though small, the Tantō held great symbolic value and was often worn as part of a samurai’s attire.

The Wooden Training Sword

• Design & Purpose: The Bokken is a wooden training sword shaped like a katana.
• Primary Use: Used in martial arts like Kendo and Aikido for safe practice.
• Cultural Significance: The Bokken allows practitioners to learn technique and form without the danger of cutting.

The Bamboo Sparring Sword

• Design & Purpose: The Shinai is a bamboo sword used in Kendo practice.
• Primary Use: Designed for safe sparring, it’s light and flexible, offering a way to practice full-contact without risking injury.
• Cultural Significance: In Kendo, the Shinai is the standard tool for developing speed, technique, and discipline in practitioners.

The Predecessor of the Katana

• Overview: The Tachi is a precursor to the katana, worn with the cutting edge down, and typically longer than the early katana and with greater curvature.
• Cultural Significance: It represents a key phase in the evolution of Japanese swords and was historically used by samurai for mounted combat.

• Overview: Though technically a polearm, the Naginata has often been included in discussions about Japanese swords due to its curved blade.
• Primary Use: It was used by both foot soldiers and female warriors (onna-bugeisha) in battle.