Types of Japanese Swords

The term "Japanese sword" refers to steel swords manufactured in Japan. These swords have undergone various evolutions in shape due to changing forms of warfare throughout history. Some of the types of Japanese swords include the "straight sword," "tachi," "uchigatana," "wakizashi," and "tanto." Here is an overview of the 10 types of Japanese swords:

Straight Sword

The "straight sword" refers to the kiriha-zukuri style swords used before the middle of the Heian period. These swords did not have a chain and were developed when iron making technology began to advance in Japan during the late Kofun period. While the exact production dates of these swords are uncertain due to rust and degradation, the surviving koshirae (sword armor) can provide clues about their original state and purpose. Swords with elaborate designs were often used for ceremonial and decorative purposes rather than in actual combat. Over time, the design of the straight swords evolved, leading to the creation of more ornate swords like the "kantou no tachi" adorned with gold and silver decorations.

Tachi

The "tachi" is a curved sword in the shinogi style that emerged towards the end of the Heian period (794-1185).The bow-shaped sword with a "koshi-wari" design features a strongly deformed blade near the shaft, known as the nakago. This sword, measuring over 60 cm, would be worn at the waist with the blade pointing downwards, a practice referred to as "haku" or "haiyou." The "wanto," believed to be the precursor to the tachi sword, began production during the early Heian period (794-1185). Evolving into the tachi used until the Nanbokucho period of mounted warfare, this sword was favored for its superior cutting capabilities compared to straight swords. Tachi swords are categorized by size into "large tachi," "tachi," and "small tachi."

Nodachi

Nodachi, or greatswords, are sizeable blades exceeding 90 cm in length. Originally intended for shrine dedications, these swords found occasional use in battle. Reserved for esteemed warriors due to their unwieldiness, large swords were carried by attendants in combat. Notachi swords like Shida Otachi of Yahiko Shrine and Nenekirimaru of Nikko Futaarayama Shrine are esteemed cultural properties designated at a national level.### Kodachi

The Kodachi is a sword with a blade length of less than 2 shaku (about 60 cm), originating from the middle of the Kamakura period. It was primarily utilized for ceremonial and celebratory purposes, as opposed to actual combat. Often mistaken for the "Wakizashi" due to their similar sizes at the end of the Warring States period, the Kodachi is formally classified as a distinct type of sword based on its shape and construction.

Uchigatana

An "Uchigatana" is commonly recognized as a traditional Japanese sword. Its blade length exceeds 2 shaku (about 60 cm) and is characterized by a subtle curvature. Typically worn on the waist with the blade facing downward, the Uchigatana was favored during the transition from mounted horseback combat during the Heian period to infantry warfare prevalent in the Warring States era. By shaping swords to suit melee combat scenarios (Kachiikusa: ground battle), swordsmiths adapted to the evolving demands of warfare. Through a process known as "polishing," swords were transformed into shorter pieces for practical battlefield use, albeit losing key information such as inscriptions (indicating the sword's name and age). Despite this loss, discerning features like the sword's composition and ground iron (jigane) allow for informed speculation regarding the sword’s origins and age.### Wakizashi Sword

The Wakizashi is a type of Japanese sword characterized by a blade length equal to or greater than 1 shaku (approximately 30 cm) but less than 2 shaku (approximately 60 cm). Originating after the Muromachi period, the Wakizashi was commonly used alongside swords and uchigatana. Various theories suggest that its name derives from the concept of being worn on the waist side.

Traditionally, the Wakizashi is inserted into the obi with its blade pointing upwards. Due to its shorter length compared to a standard sword, it was favored for close combat and engagements in confined spaces, serving as a secondary weapon when the primary sword was compromised. The Wakizashi can be categorized into three types based on length: "Owakizashi," "Nakawakizashi," and "Kowakizashi."

• Owakizashi: Ranges from 1 shaku 8 inches (approximately 21 inches) to less than 2 shaku (approximately 24 inches).

• Nakawakizashi: Ranges from 1 shaku 3 inches (approximately 16 inches) to less than 1 shaku 8 inches (approximately 22 inches).

• Wakizashi: Length is less than 1 shaku 3 inches (approximately 16 inches).

Historical depictions of the Edo period often showcase the use of both a larger sword and a Wakizashi, a style believed to have emerged towards the conclusion of the Muromachi period. In this context, the Wakizashi serves as the smaller companion blade to the primary sword. Notably, during this period, Wakizashi ownership was often restricted to non-samurai townspeople, leading to the production of numerous Wakizashi.### Tanto

A "tanto" is a Japanese sword with a blade length equal to or less than 1 shaku (about 30 cm). It was historically referred to as "Koshigatana" as samurais carried it at their waist, with the blade turned upwards. Initially used for decapitation in battles from the Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, its combat use declined by the Momoyama period.

During the Edo period, samurai daughters carried a dagger known as a "Kaiken" for self-defense, often placed at the chest. Despite its size similarity to a wakizashi, a dagger with an edge is considered a wakizashi, while one without an edge is categorized as an "Aikuchi / Aikuchi," distinguishing it from a traditional dagger.

Naginata

The naginata is a type of sword weapon characterized by its long handle and specialized in slashing attacks against opponents. Originating in the Heian period, it played a significant role in numerous battles during the Northern and Southern dynasties. Initially referred to as a "long sword," the term "naginata" was later adopted to differentiate it from the uchigatana, which was called the long sword in reference to the dagger.

The design of the naginata varied across different periods. In the Kamakura period, the handle length was around 4 shaku (approximately 120 cm) with a blade length of about 3 shaku (around 90 cm). Conversely, the "Osanagi sword" naginata that emerged during the Nanbokucho period featured an evolved design with an elongated blade and handle.In historical records, it is documented that there existed a naginata characterized by a handle measuring approximately 5 shaku (about 150 cm) in length and a blade length of 6 shaku 3 inches (about 190 cm). The popularity of the naginata as the primary weapon during the Northern and Southern Dynasties era waned during the Warring States period. With the transition to group combat settings, incidents arose where allies were mistakenly injured. Consequently, the spear replaced the naginata due to its use of a similar long-handled weapon in battle, leading to the gradual decline of the naginata. Subsequently, the naginata was transformed into a Wakizashi known as the "Naginata Repair," featuring a larger blade, thereby ceasing its role as a long-handled weapon.

Nagamaki

The Nagamaki closely resembles the naginata, yet a precise definition remains elusive. Originally conceived as a weapon designed to enhance the maneuverability of the Ōdachi, key distinctions revolve around factors such as size discrepancies, deformations, the presence of Yokote, and sword fittings.