They are similar in size to the "Wakizashi" seen from the end of the Sengoku period, so they are sometimes considered to be the same, but they are classified as Tachi due to their shape and curvature features. They were rarely used in actual combat, but were mainly used in ceremonies and celebrations. "Kodachi" are Tachi with a blade length of less than 60 cm, made from the middle of the Kamakura period. Both of these swords are designated as important cultural properties of the country. When using the Ootachi, the sword was either drawn while the attendant held the scabbard, or the attendant drew the sword from the scabbard and handed it over.Įxisting ōdachi include the "Shida ōdachi" stored at the "Yahiko Shrine" in Niigata Prefecture, and "Nenekirimaru" at the "Nikko Futara-san Shrine" in Tochigi Prefecture. However, due to their size making them inconvenient to carry, often times they were carried by attendants on the battlefield. ōdachi were only allowed to be owned by high-ranking samurai. Originally, these swords were made to be dedicated to shrines, but it's said that they were actually used on battlefields. "ōdachi", also called "Nodachi", are large Tachi with a blade length of over 90 cm. The Wantou later became known as Tachi and, as they were more suitable for slashing opponents than Chokuto, were used until the Nanboku-cho period when horseback combat was the mainstream.ĭepending on the size, Tachi can be divided into three types: "ōdachi" (large Tachi), Tachi, and "Kodachi" (small Tachi). The prototype of the Tachi, called "Wantou"湾刀, began to be made from the early Heian period. These blades are over 60 cm long and were worn at the waist with the edge facing downwards, a method referred to as "haku"佩く or "haiyou suru”佩用する. Like a bow, they curve, and the part of the blade close to the Nakago 茎 (the tang of the sword) has a strong curve, this shape called "Koshizori"腰反. "Tachi"太刀 refers to curved swords that began to be made around the end of the Heian period, tachi looks like the katana we are familiar with today. The name comes from the "Big Dipper" pattern inlaid with gold on the sword body, and it was made in the Asuka period. The "Seven Star Sword" is a Chokuto that is said to have been possessed by "Prince Shotoku" (also known as Prince Umayado). It's a valuable sword that has been enshrined for over 1,000 years as a sacred object. The "kondōsō kantō tachi goshiraei"金銅荘環頭大刀拵 housed in the "Omura Shrine" in Takaoka District, Kochi Prefecture, has a splendid ring-shaped decoration on the hilt. The sword bodies initially made were simple, but gradually the “kantō-tachi”(環頭大刀), swords with decorations of gold and silver on the hilt and scabbard, started to be made. It's said that Chokuto with luxurious scabbards were mainly used as ceremonial swords, for rituals, or as gifts or offerings to people in power, rather than for actual combat.Īlso, there are several types of Chokuto. Therefore, it's possible to analyze what type of sword it was based on the material and decorations. However, while the sword body has become fragile, the accompanying scabbard ( saya) is often found keeping in its good state. Most of the Chokuto made at that time were excavated items, so many of them are rusty or have not retained their original shape, making it impossible to determine the exact year they were made. While there are many different opinions about when the chokuto was invented, the common understanding is that it was around the late Kofun period. After that, ironmaking technology developed in Japan, and forging of iron tools began. Bronze and iron tools were introduced to Japan from the continent in the Yayoi period. “Chokuto" (直刀) refers to a straight swords without a curve, used before the middle of the Heian period. This article will introduce the 10 types of Katana. From "Chokuto" ( straight swords), to " Tachi" ( long swords), " Uchigatana" (strike swords), " Wakizashi" (side inserted swords), and " Tanto" ( short swords), even the sword for Ninja ( Ninjato) there are many types. There are various types of swords, and their appearances and shapes have changed in line with the changes of eras and combat styles. Tōken (刀剣), what we will called a Katana, or more specific in English, Nihonto (日本刀), refers to all kinds of iron weapons that were made in Japan.
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