Japanese Weaponry Glossary

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of Japanese weaponry, where the artistry and craftsmanship extend far beyond the renowned katana. 

The rich cultural history of Japan is reflected in a diverse array of weapons, each with its unique purpose, design, and story. From the elegant curves of the naginata to the formidable yari, these weapons offer a glimpse into the valour and traditions of the samurai era.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this glossary will introduce you to both common and lesser-known Japanese bladed weapons, enhancing your appreciation and guiding your collecting pursuits. It is by no means exhaustive.

Nihontō (日本刀) - traditionally made swords from Japan and can be classified by lengths, periods, applications and schools.

Kaiken (懐剣) - a smaller tanto that is typically bare of any ornamental fittings. Once carried by the samurai class, it was used for self-defense in tight indoor spaces. Kaiken is now worn as a traditional accessory for referees in sumo matches, albeit without blade.

Tantō (短刀) - blade length of between 15 - 30cm and worn by the samurai in feudal Japan, it was used as a weapon and sometimes worn as the shōtō (小刀) in place of a wakizashi in a daishō. It has evolved to become more ornate in recent times.

Aikuchi (合口) - similar to the tanto but is without a guard so that the handle flushes seamlessly with the sheath. Seen as a symbol of purity and simplicity due to its straightforward design, it represents the samurai ethos of efficiency and functionality.

O-Tantō (大短刀) - bigger version of the traditional tantō, also known as sunobi-tantō, with blade length measuring over 30cm.

Wakizashi (脇差) - worn by the samurai in feudal Japan and has a blade length of between 30 - 60cm. It is often paired with a katana as a backup. During the Edo period, the samurai class wore katana and a short sword (usually wakizashi, known as daishō) in pairs as a sign of authority.

Ko-katana (小刀) - largely similar to the standard katana but generally shorter in length. Considered the predecessor to the katana, it was used for close-quarter combat primarily and eventually evolved into the iconic sword that we know today.

Katana (刀) - a compound of kata (öne-sided) + na ("blade"). Used by the samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge faced upwards. The exact term for it in Japan is uchigatana (打刀). It is defined as the standard sized Japanese sword with blade length of more than 60cm.

Ō-Katana (大刀) - having a longer blade compared to the standard katana.

Shirasaya (白鞘) - a type of Japanese sword mount designed primarily for storage and protection of the blade rather than for combat use. It has a distinct and minimalist appearance that underscores the Japanese values of craftsmanship, simplicity, and respect for the natural form.

Tachi (太刀) - a precursor to the katana, worn edge-down (via two hangers) with a more pronounced curve. Worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan, it was believed to have developed due to the changing form of warfare in Japan, where the straight chokutō (直刀) were no longer suitable for fighting from horseback. It was often worn by high-ranking samurai even when katana became the mainstream.

Kodachi (小太刀) - a shorter version of the tachi (less than 60cm), used by the samurai class of feudal Japan.

Ōdachi (大太刀) - used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, also known as nodachi (野太刀), it is the longer version of the tachi with a blade length of typically at least 90cm. The Chinese equivalent in terms of weight and length is the miaodao. Due to its magnificence, it was often used as an offering to kami.

Nagamaki (長巻) - exceptionally long handle that is usually as long as the blade and was used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The blade resembles a naginata blade and the handle is more like a katana handle. It is most commonly wielded with two hands in a fixed position.

Naginata (薙刀) - polearm with a curved single-edged blade and a round handguard (tsuba) similar to the katana. Measuring 2 - 2.5m, with a blade length of between 30 - 60cm. Used primarily by samurai and sōhei (warrior monks). It is also the iconic weapon of the onna-musha (女武者), female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility.

Yari (槍) - spear-like polearm used by samurai and ashigaru (foot soldiers), varies from 1 - 6m. More commonly seen is the su yari (素槍), a straight double-edged blade.

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