Over the years history has mingled with myth, legend and folk stores, creating an aura around the Japanese Sword that few artifacts share. The sword is and is perceived as an essential part of Japanese history, and its presence and even more so absence voices a great deal.

The Japanese sword still finds a place in modern pop-culture and its influence can easily be seen even in western societies. From Japanese Anime, to movies such as Kill Bill, the Japanese sword has become some sort of an icon. It is not very clear what this icon represents, or even if it has a universal definition. But, there is certainly an aura of elegance that is invoked, a feeling of the civilization of violence.

The most famous of Japanese swords, is the Katana. This sword often nearly three-feet in length, was the workhorse weapon for all Samurai warriors. It is often confused as the only type of sword that was used.

The Samurai had a choice of four basic swords, each meant for a different occasion. In armor or in formal court dress the Samurai wore a long sword called the Tachi, along with a shorter sword (less than 12 inches) called the Tanto. Both were worn with the edge facing downwards.

In ordinary dress the Katana was worn, and was the sword used for fighting. The companion sword was the Wakizashi, which was between 12 and 14 inches in blade length.

Significance

Parts of the Sword

Classification

Making

Learning Sword Use

Sword Glossary