Samurai Weapons

Introduction

Japanese swords, what kind of history and value do they have? Following will be explanation of the types and prices!
Because of its beauty and heritage, the Japanese sword has captivated many Japanese people over the years. Even though the Japanese sword is referred to as “the soul of the samurai,” few people are familiar with its varieties and history.

We will go into great detail about the varieties, history, cost, and where to buy Japanese swords in this article. Please see this article if you’re interested in learning more about Japanese swords.

History of the Samurai Sword

Japanese swords are frequently linked with the Edo period or the Sengoku era. However, the Kofun period, nearly 1,600 years ago, is when Japanese swords first appeared in history.

The Japanese developed an art form of producing iron during this time, which made it feasible to forge iron into razor-sharp blades. Swords were created as a result during this period. However, during this time, swords were not Japanese swords; they were called “tachi”.

The tachi sword also evolved during the Kofun, Asuka, and Nara periods, becoming an active weapon. The tachi was not a prominent item, however; as spears, shields, and bows and arrows were the common weaponry at the time.

Mid-Heian period was the start of the Japanese sword (about 1,000 years ago). Large, crooked swords that could be used for both offense and defense were created at this time; when mounted combat became the standard in warfare. The Japanese sword was this. Later, as the market for Japanese swords grew, workshops made its way all over the nation, resulting in regional variations in design.

With the introduction of the samurai government, Japanese sword production advanced steadily from the Kamakura period (about 800 years ago) through the Nanbokucho period (around 700 years ago), establishing a golden age. As a result of the government’s promotion of the Japanese sword, tons of great schools of swordsmiths were established throughout the country.

The demand for Japanese swords surged during the Sengoku era (approximately 500 years ago), when warlords began to use them as status symbols in addition to being used as weapons. Warlords started to give them as gifts to show off their power.

Japanese swords began to be recognized as works of art during the Momoyama period (400 years ago), when a distinct culture called Momoyama Culture grew into great heights. Hideyoshi Toyotomi authorized a “sword hunt” during this time, and common people’s possession of Japanese swords and spears was taken away. This was successful in establishing the samurai as a privileged class, and from this time forward, the idea that the Japanese sword represented the samurai’s soul came to be associated with it.

The demand for Japanese swords as weapons decreased throughout the Edo period (between 100 and 400 years ago), as warfare decreased significantly and the world became more peaceful. As Japan entered the modern era at the end of the Edo period and the Meiji period, with the development of firearms such as cannons and guns, and the enactment of the Sword Abolition Law, Japanese swords lost their presence despite a brief spike in demand due to the deterioration of security brought on by foreign intervention.

Despite their value as works of art, Japanese swords created in modern Japan are referred to as “modern swords” and their possession is strictly governed by law.

Types of Samurai Swords

Although some individuals might believe that there aren’t many different varieties of Japanese swords, this is untrue. In fact, there are nine main categories of Japanese swords.

You will be able to enjoy Japanese swords better if you are aware of the type you are looking at. Here is a description of each kind of sword a samurai would employ.

Straight Sword

Before the Heian era, the straight sword was produced. These were s words that are straight are made of bronze and are not yet twisted. This time period’s swords are known as “Kirihadazukuri” (cut blade made).

Since this is the oldest type of Japanese sword, it is unclear when exactly it was made. Straight swords are claimed to have been employed for ceremonial as well as functional purposes. Some straight swords even had beautiful embellishments called ‘Gijo’ that were placed on them for ceremonial use.

Tachi Sword

At the conclusion of the Heian era, the tachi sword first appeared (794-1185). It is believed that around this time the warp of the blade, a feature of Japanese swords, was established. It superseded the straight sword as the common sword and was used until the Nanbokucho period because it was simpler to employ in combat than the straight sword (1392-1644).

One of the three different sword types is the tachi. The “ootachi” and “kodachi” are the other two varieties. The kodachi has a different shape and warp but is the same size as the “wakizashi” that appeared in subsequent periods.

Uchi Sword

The uchi sword resembles the stereotypical Japanese sword in shape. The bow is shallow in comparison to the tachi sword, and the monotsuki (middle section of the blade) is bent into a shape known as saki-bari.

From the conclusion of the Muromachi period through the Sengoku period (1336–1568), group fighting with the dismounting of horses became the dominant style of Japanese swordplay. As a result, the tachi, which had previously been the predominant sword, was changed to become the uchigatana, which was simpler to use in team conflicts.

Many troops employed the “makiage” variation of the tachi, which involves shortening the sword by cutting off the stem.

Wakizashi Sword

A wakizashi is a Japanese sword with a blade length of one shaku or longer but less than two shaku (about 30 cm or longer to around 60 cm). The fact that it is worn to the side of the waist is thought to be where the word “wakizashi” originated.

According to their length, wakizashi are further divided into three types. The names of the types and their corresponding lengths are as follows.

• Large wakizashi: 1 shaku 8 sun to less than 2 shaku (approx. 54.5 cm to approx. 60.6 cm)
• Naka-wakizashi: 1 shaku 3 sun to less than 1 shaku 8 sun (about 40 to less than about 54.5 cm)
• Small Wakizashi: less than 1 shaku 3 sun (less than about 40 cm)

Tantō Sword

A short Japanese sword is one that is shorter than 1 shaku (about 30 cm). It was commonly utilized in teamfighting during the Kamakura to Muromachi periods, but less frequently during later periods of battle.

It was also known as “Kaiken (, futokoro ga tana),” and women from samurai families frequently carried it in their pockets during the Edo era (1603–1867) for self-defense.

Although it resembles a wakizashi, a dagger is what it is if the koshirae does not have a tsuba (brim), in which case it is a wakizashi.

Naginata Sword

The long sword known as a naginata was created with the intention of “cleaving” the adversary. Originally known as naginata, the name “long sword” was altered to “naginato” when the batteri sword—as opposed to the dagger—came to be known as the “long sword.”

The naginata’s blade length changed over time, and at its most active phase, the Nanbokucho period, the blade occasionally extended past the hilt.

Due of the frequent incidents of unintentionally slashing teammates in battle, the use of the naginata decreased after the introduction of the more useful spear.

Yari Spear

The spear is a weapon with a blade connected to the end of a long handle, as opposed to the naginata.

According to the length of the ho (spearhead) and the handle, a spear’s blade is referred to as its ho (spearhead), and there are several different sorts of spears.

• Nagae-yari (spear with a long handle, approx. 20 cm)
• Oomi-yari (spear with a long spearhead, approx. 60 cm)

The overall length of the spear varied depending on the period and the creator, with the longest spear being 8 meters long.

Guntō Sword

Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan popularized the military sword, which promoted a powerful military and a prosperous country. Originally, the French army used the lightweight, one-handed saber-type military sword, but the Japanese, who handle swords with both hands, did not find it appropriate.

For the Japanese, who could handle the sword in both hands, it was inappropriate. As a result, just the blade of a traditional Japanese sword was used to build a distinctly Japanese military sword. Only officers, senior commissioned officers, and a small number of other military members had access to military swords.

According to legend, there were many different types of military swords since owners were permitted to create their own weapons at their own expense as long as they complied with the rules.

Daisho

The dai-sho was recognised as a style of Japanese sword rather than a specific type. When the Uchi-Wakizashi and the Uchi-Wakizashi were the mainstays, samurai wore two Japanese swords at their waists, known as the Dai-Sho. Two swords, one Uchinata and the other Wakizashi, had to be worn as a pair as part of a samurai’s official clothing starting in the Edo era (1603–1867).

Both large and tiny types were worn by townspeople and peasants as formal clothes for weddings, funerals, and travel, and many of them did so.

Existing famous samurai swords

According to the trends of each age, Japanese swords have been produced in a range of sizes and styles. What five Japanese swords stand out among the many different types that are available? They are the “Tenka Goken,” a group of five swords (five swords under heaven).

The five Tenka Goken are among the numerous ancient Japanese swords the five most prestigious swords. Each of the five swords is described in the section that follows.

Mitsuyo Odenta

Miike Denta Mitsuyo, a swordsmith from the Heian era, created the Odonta Kouta Mitsuyo. This Japanese sword is well-known for its mystical strength. According to legend, Princess Gohime, the daughter of Toshiie Maeda, had the sword put at her bedside in order to pray for her recovery, and her condition was totally cured.

The sword is currently preserved by the Maeda Ikutoku-kai, a public organization founded and run by the Maeda Toshiie family’s ancestors, and is displayed at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art several times a year.

• Historical figures who are said to have had this

Ashikaga family, Tokugawa family, Maeda family

Kunituna Onimaru

Awataguchi Kunitsuna, a swordsmith active in the Kamakura period, created Onimaru Kunitsuna (1185-1333).

The Imperial Family owns this Japanese sword, which is the only one of the Five Swords of Japan to be considered as a Gomotsu (Imperial Property). Because of this, it is infrequently displayed to the general public, and many fans of Japanese swords are eagerly expecting the next one.

Hojo Tokiyori, who was plagued by demons that appeared in his dreams, got the name “Onimaru” after he mistakenly slashed a demon painted on a little bowl with his sword. As a result, demons ceased appearing in his nightmares.

• Historical figures who are said to have had this

Hojo Tokiyori, Nitta Yoshisada, Shiba Takanori, Ashikaga family, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu

Yasutsuna Dojigiri

In the Heian era, the swordsman Ohara Yasutsuna produced the Dojikiri-Yasutsuna. This Japanese sword has a strong cutting capacity that is unique to it and cannot be found in any other Japanese sword. It is believed that when a test cut was conducted using a criminal’s corpse, the sword’s pedestal was also reportedly cut.

The sword is currently kept at the Tokyo National Art Museum, and whenever it is displayed there, a lot of people who are interested in Japanese swords go to the museum. Its widespread use is attributed to the legend that it was once employed to destroy demons.

• Historical figures who are said to have had this

Minamoto Yorimitsu, Ashikaga family, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu

Tsunetsugu Jyuzumaru

Heian-era Suzumaru Tsunetsugu was a skilled swordsmith who earned the respect of Emperor Go-Toba. Many well-known swords made by Suzumaru Tsuneji are Important Cultural Properties.

There are no stories about Suzumaru Tsuneji’s military prowess in battle because his swords have a strong connection to Buddhism.

Given its close ties to Buddhism, Hongo-ji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture is where this Japanese sword is kept. Unlike other Japanese swords, it is not housed in a museum.

• Historical figures who are said to have had this

Monks of Nichiren

Munechika Mikaduki

Sanjo Munechika, a swordmaker from the Heian era, created the Mikazuki Munechika. The Uchiyazuke resembles a crescent moon, thus the name “Mikazuki Munechika.” The five swords under heaven are said to come in this shape, which is considered to be the most beautiful.

The Tokyo National Museum is currently the charge of Mikazuki Munechika. It is regularly shown, and young people and Japanese sword lovers are drawn to it by its ageless beauty.

• Historical figures who are said to have had this

Ashikaga Family, Tokugawa Hidetada

Samurai sword parts

A Japanese sword’s exterior, known as the sword armor, is made up of 11 sections. Let’s describe these components.

Tsuba

The Tsuba is the sword armour between the hilt (the point where you grip the sword) and the blade. The tsuba protects the hand and adjusts the sword’s center of gravity.

Menuki

The Menuki are the little metal components that are fastened to the handle’s front, back, and center.

Kougai

Kougai is usually kept in a sheath and used for hair maintenance, ear cleaning, etc.

Kozuka

The Kozuka is a small knife used for crafting and as an emergency weapon that is kept under the scabbard.

Mitokoromono

If the three pieces (menuki, kougai and kogara) are made by the same artist and have the same design and pattern, they are called Mitokoromono.

Fuchigashira

The head attached to the end of the handle, which serves as reinforcement, and the rim attached to the mouth are collectively called the rim-head.

Habaki

The Habaki is a cylindrical metal fitting that is attached to the part of the sword where the sword blade and the tsuba meet.

Nomikomi

Nomikomi is the name of the metal collar’s cutaway. To hold the sword blade in place, the protruding portion of the blade fits into this cutout.

Tsuka

The component holding the handle of a Japanese sword is called a tsuka. The handle is finished by draping sharkskin over the wood base and encircling it with a thin string or piece of skin.

Saya

Swords that are not frequently used are kept in the Saya. There are two different kinds: a basic one for outdoor use and a more subdued one for indoor use.

Sageo

The purpose of the sageo, a cord fastened to the scabbard and purportedly used for tasuki (sashes) or to secure the scabbard, is unclear.

The making of a samurai sword

The substance, called tama-hagane (tamahagane), is heated and pounded until it reaches a thickness of several millimeters before being used to create Japanese swords. It goes through a procedure known as mizu-hagashi and is submerged in water to cool when it is between 3 and 6 mm thick (water reduction). This reduces the steel’s excess carbon content.

The steel is then split into many pieces, which are then pounded together until they form a lump as the following phase. The steel is folded over after being lumped to get rid of impurities. Forging is the process in question.

The following procedure, known as “zokomi,” combines steel with varying degrees of hardness to produce the structure of the sword blade. As a result, a strong and precise framework is produced.

The steel is then heated and stretched to create the blade’s shape. The hizukuri procedure is used to mold the blade into the shape of a Japanese sword once it has been partially created.

The procedure of “quenching,” in which the sword is placed in a device called a “Sen” to give it its ultimate shape, is the last phase. The procedure of creating the sword is finished when the name of the sword is inscribed on it.

The price of a samurai sword

People may be persuaded to really purchase a Japanese sword after learning about its attractiveness, as opposed to just admiring one at an exhibition or other similar event.

So, what does it actually cost to buy a Japanese sword cost? Japanese swords are ranked from lowest to highest in four categories. The cost of each rank of Japanese swords is described in the paragraphs that follow.

Preserved sword

• Price range: about 100,000-1,000,000 yen

Japanese swords that have been preserved were popular up until the Nanbokucho era. If the inscriptions of renowned swordsmiths from the period can be verified and the inscriptions are acknowledged as legitimate, the majority of the remaining intact swords are claimed to be valuable.

If the age, place of manufacture, and swordsmith are established, even Japanese swords without a verified inscription can be valued even if they are broken and their value may decrease.

Specially Preserved Sword

• Price range: about 300,000-3,000,000 yen

Preserved Swords are lower rank than Special Preservation Swords. Swords that are in good shape and exhibit superb original workmanship are given a different value as a specially maintained sword, even though they are categorized as a sort of preserved sword.

Even if the name, age, and place of manufacture can be identified accurately, the price will be lower if there are blemishes, rust, or other obvious signs of wear.

Important swords

• Price range: about 1-5 million yen

Important swords are worth more than swords that have been skillfully preserved. Important swords are those that are in particularly good condition of preservation and have superb and exquisite craftsmanship among the more expensive properly preserved swords.

The lowest price for a sword is estimated to be around 1 million yen, and it is not overstating things to claim that the quality is on par with important works of art that have received official government recognition.

Specially Important Swords

• Price range: 5-10 million yen or more.

The title “Special Important Sword” holds the highest ranking among all currently in use Japanese swords. If a sword satisfies all of the above requirements, including being in “near new condition” and having “great workmanship by the swordsmith,” it is regarded as belonging to this level.

Swords are akin to the higher tiers of Important Art Objects designated by the government, therefore owning one as an individual would be challenging.

Summary

Japanese sword collecting is typically considered to be an older person’s hobby, however in recent years, younger sword enthusiasts have become more and more popular.

By knowing about the historical context of the sword, the aims of its makers, and those of other people who made it, one can experience the spirit of the times simply by admiring a single Japanese sword.

You have a good opportunity to learn more about the world of Japanese swords by reading this article.