Japan: Wakizashi, Tachi, and Katana, the Samurai Heritage
Updated: Oct 31
The wakizashi, tachi, and katana each have distinct purposes in Japanese warfare and culture. They all played important roles in the samurai’s armament, with differences in length, use, and historical context. While the tachi was originally the primary weapon for mounted samurai, it was replaced by the katana as combat shifted to infantry-based fighting.
© O. Robert
As for the wakizashi, it served as a shorter, secondary weapon. It was essential for self-defense, symbolizing the samurai’s honor and readiness in all situations. Together, the katana and wakizashi formed the "Daishō" (meaning "big-little"), representing the samurai’s authority and their way of life.
In a previous article dedicated to the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum, Seki Kaji Denshokan (関鍛冶伝承館), I discussed the culture of swords, their functions, and their role in Japanese society. You can find that article here.
To go a bit further, I would like to talk about the evolution of sword models throughout Japan's historical periods and revisit what motivated these style changes. You can, of course, start reading any of these two articles as they complement each other.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
The Seki museum chose to showcase the evolution of traditional swords from the Tachi to the Katana. Therefore, I will focus on these two symbols and the transition from one to the other. However, to be as thorough as possible, I will also take a moment to discuss the Wakizashi, which is rarely mentioned in literature and often overlooked in the somewhat 'clichéd' images we sometimes have of samurai.
Yet the wakizashi was an inseparable companion to the Katana for reasons I will address below. These two swords were worn together at the samurai's belt, as all paintings and historical depictions show. And personally, I find the wakizashi to be the most elegant of the three due to its proportions.
Contents:
© O. Robert
The Wakizashi
The wakizashi is a versatile and essential sword in the samurai's armory, designed for close-quarters combat and self-defense, often used indoors or when the katana was impractical. Its role, its symbolic importance and its use in ritual contexts underscore the wakizashi’s integral place in culture and history. Samurai often had their wakizashi custom-made to complement their katana, with matching tsuba (guard), koshirae (fittings), and blade styles to signify the harmony of the daishō.
Like the katana, the wakizashi was often crafted by skilled swordsmiths using the same meticulous techniques. The aesthetic details of the blade, hamon (temper line), tsuba, and tsuka-ito (handle wrapping) were as important as the sword’s functionality.
The wakizashi is balanced closer to the hilt, allowing for greater control during use, particularly in close combat or self-defense situations. In combat, the wakizashi served as a secondary weapon, a backup in case the katana was lost or unusable. It was also useful in confined spaces where the katana was too long to be used effectively.
Design and Features of the Wakizashi
While shorter than the katana and tachi, the wakizashi had its own unique role in samurai culture. Below are the key features of this very elegant sword.
1. Blade Length: The wakizashi typically has a blade length between 30 and 60 centimeters. This makes it significantly shorter than the tachi and katana but longer than a tanto (dagger). It is designed for close-quarters combat and indoor use.
2. Sori (Blade Curvature): Like the katana, the wakizashi often has a slight curve, though this is less pronounced than that of a tachi. The curve aids in slicing cuts. The wakizashi, like most Japanese swords, has a single sharpened edge called "Ha", which allows for effective cutting techniques. The unsharpened back of the blade called "Mune" ensures a strong spine for durability.
Blade's hamon (see below). © O. Robert
3. Clay Tempering Process: The wakizashi is forged using the same clay-tempering process as the katana. This involves coating the blade with different layers of clay to control the hardening during the quenching process. Like the katana, the wakizashi often features a hamon which is the visible wavy or straight pattern along the edge, created by the differential hardening process. The hamon serves both as a functional boundary between the hardened edge and softer body and as a decorative element (photo above).
4. Wear Style: The wakizashi, like the katana, is worn "Buke-zukuri" (edge-up) in the "Obi" (belt). It is often used in situations where space is limited or where drawing a longer sword would be impractical. The sword’s shorter length allowed it to be drawn and used effectively in confined quarters, such as within a building or during indoor duels. The samurai typically wore the katana on the left side and the wakizashi alongside it, making it accessible for quick draws, especially in indoor settings or confined spaces.
5. Nakago (Tang): The tang of a wakizashi extends into the handle and is secured with one or two wooden pegs called "Mekugi" for stability. Full tang construction ensures a strong connection between blade and handle, essential for durability in combat.
6. Tsuba (Guard): The guard of a wakizashi is typically smaller than that of a katana but serves the same purpose: to protect the hand from sliding onto the blade during combat. Wakizashi tsuba can be simple or highly decorative, reflecting the sword’s status as both a functional tool and an object of art. Materials for tsuba vary from iron to precious metals, often with intricate designs.
Example of tsuba (mentioned above) and tsuka-ito (mentioned below). © O. Robert
7. Tsuka (Handle): Unlike the katana, the wakizashi’s handle is usually shorter, as it was meant for one-handed use. The length of the handle is generally proportional to the blade, typically around 12 to 15 centimeters. The tsuka is wrapped in silk or cotton cord called "Tsuka-ito" over a layer of ray skin called "Samegawa" to provide a firm grip (photos above).
This wrapping style not only improves handling but also absorbs moisture, ensuring that the sword does not slip in the hand. Wooden pegs, called "Mekugi" are inserted through the handle and tang to hold the blade securely in place, allowing for easy disassembly for maintenance.
8. Saya (Scabbard): The scabbard of a wakizashi is usually made from lightweight wood and can be lacquered for durability and beauty. The saya protects the blade when not in use and allows for quick access. Similar to the katana’s scabbard, the wakizashi’s saya often has a small knob called "Kurikata" to which a cord called "Sageo" is attached. The sageo is used to secure the sword to the samurai's belt (obi) or for decorative purposes.
9. Seppuku: The wakizashi played a significant role in the ritual suicide known as seppuku (or hara-kiri), where a samurai would use the sword to end their life in an act of honor. This solemn ritual was an important part of samurai culture, and the wakizashi’s shorter blade made it suitable for this purpose.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
The Tachi
The tachi is a type of traditional Japanese sword that predates the more well-known katana. It holds a significant place in Japanese history, especially during the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods.
The tachi was developed during the Heian period, when Japan was gradually transitioning from a period of relative peace to an era marked by military conflict and the rise of the samurai class. The tachi became the weapon of choice for mounted samurai warriors, who required a sword that could be effectively used while on horseback.
The tachi is characterized by its distinct curvature, longer blade, and the way it is worn, setting it apart from other Japanese swords. Its design reflects its intended use. The sword's blade is long, typically between 70 to 80 centimeters, and features a pronounced curve.
Design and Features of the Tachi
The tachi is distinguished by several key features. It also introduced an important aspect of Japanese swords related to their mountings, known as "koshirae".
Koshirae refers to the complete set of fittings and mountings that encase a Japanese sword when it is not in use. The term specifically describes the external elements that protect and decorate the sword, distinct from the blade itself.
Traditionally, koshirae were both functional and highly decorative, often reflecting the owner’s rank, wealth, and personal taste. The koshirae allows a sword to be worn and displayed properly and helps protect the blade from damage. It was not just a practical necessity but also a reflection of the values, honor, and tradition of the samurai warrior.
Example of mei (signature). Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
Here are the main features of the tachi:
1. Sori (Blade curvature): The tachi's blade has a pronounced curve which is more exaggerated than that of the katana. This curvature enhances the sword's cutting ability and is particularly useful in mounted combat.
2. Nakago (Tang) and Mei (Signature): The tang of a tachi is traditionally signed on the side facing outward when the sword is worn. This is in contrast to the katana, where the signature (mei) is typically on the inward-facing side. The positioning of the signature is one of the ways to distinguish between a tachi and a katana.
3. Koshirae (Mountings): The mountings of a tachi are also distinct. The tachi is worn edge-down, suspended from the belt with the help of hangers called "Ashi." This method of wearing the sword is different from the katana, which is worn edge-up (see below).
4. Tsuba (Handguard): The tsuba of a tachi is often larger and more ornate than that of a katana. The design of the tsuba, along with other fittings such as the "Fuchi" (collar) and "Kashira" (pommel), often featured intricate decorations, reflecting the status of the sword's owner.
Cultural and Military Significance of the Tachi
The tachi was not just a weapon but also a symbol of status and power. During the Heian and Kamakura periods, owning a well-crafted tachi was a mark of a samurai's rank and prestige. Many tachi were elaborately decorated, with intricate metalwork and lacquered scabbards, showcasing the craftsmanship of Japanese swordsmiths and artisans.
In battle, the tachi was used primarily by mounted warriors. Its length and curvature made it ideal for striking opponents from a horseback, where the samurai could utilize the momentum of both the horse and the rider to deliver powerful slashing blows. The sword's design was particularly effective against lightly armored opponents, which were common in early Japanese warfare.
© O. Robert
The Katana
The katana is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, combining beauty, balance, and lethality in one weapon. Its design is the result of centuries of refinement, with each feature serving a practical or aesthetic purpose. Whether viewed as a functional weapon, an artistic object, or a cultural symbol, the katana represents the pinnacle of Japanese sword-making tradition.
As the katana became more prevalent, it also grew in symbolic significance. The sword came to represent the samurai's honor and soul, with the katana being more closely associated with the samurai's personal identity than the tachi had been. This cultural shift further cemented the katana's status as the weapon of choice for the samurai class.
As the katana were often revered for their beauty, craftsmanship, functionality and elegance, they were traditionally handed down through generations, becoming heirlooms with deep personal and cultural significance.
Transition from Tachi to Katana
The transition from the tachi to the katana was a significant development in Japanese sword history, reflecting changes in military tactics, social structures, and cultural values. This transition occurred primarily during the late Kamakura period (1185-1333) and into the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
1. Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
The tachi was the primary sword used by samurai and was designed for use on horseback, worn edge-down, and optimized for slashing attacks, particularly in mounted combat. The Kamakura period was marked by significant military activity, including the Mongol invasions of Japan (1274 and 1281), which influenced the development of weapons and armor.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
2. Muromachi Period (1336-1573)
The Muromachi period saw a shift in warfare tactics, with an increase in infantry combat and the use of "Ashigaru" (foot soldiers) who fought in close quarters. This change in battlefield dynamics required a sword that could be quickly drawn and used effectively in swift, close-range combat. The katana, designed for rapid drawing and cutting, began to replace the tachi during this period.
By the end of the Muromachi period, the katana had largely supplanted the tachi as the primary weapon of the samurai. Although the tachi continued to be used in certain ceremonial contexts, the katana became the definitive symbol of the samurai's martial skill and cultural identity. This transition reflects broader changes in Japanese society, from the structure of military power to the evolving values and ideals of the samurai class.
Advances in swordsmithing techniques during the Muromachi period also contributed to the shift. Swordsmiths began to refine their methods for creating differential hardness in the blade, leading to the production of katanas that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The development of the katana's characteristic curvature (sori) and the unique hamon pattern along the edge were results of these technological innovations.
3. Sengoku Period (1467-1603)
The Sengoku period, known as the "Warring States" period, was characterized by almost constant military conflict and civil war. The need for practical, efficient weapons that could be used in a variety of combat scenarios became even more pronounced. The katana's design, allowing for a quicker draw and more versatile use in both indoor and outdoor settings, made it the preferred sword of the samurai.
© O. Robert
The katana's influence persisted well into the Edo period (1603-1868) and beyond, as it became not just a weapon but a cultural artifact, embodying the spirit of bushido (the way of the warrior). Today, the katana remains one of the most iconic symbols of Japanese culture, admired both for its beauty and its historical significance.
Design and Features of the Katana
Obviously, the katana’s design is optimized for cutting, particularly against unarmored or lightly armored opponents. The curved blade, sharp edge, and balance between hardness and flexibility allow for devastating cuts, slicing through targets with precision and ease.
Here are the main features of the katana:
1. Length: The blade typically measures between 60 to 80 centimeters, though it can vary slightly depending on the era or the swordsmith’s design.
2. Sori (Blade curvature): As for the tachi, the katana also has a slight curve, optimized for smooth and efficient cutting motions. The curvature allows the sword to perform fluid, slicing cuts, which are effective in combat. The cutting edge (ha) is razor-sharp, designed for powerful slicing strikes, while the back of the blade (mune) is left unsharpened.
3. Balance and Weight: Despite being a formidable weapon, the katana is relatively lightweight, typically weighing between 1.1 to 1.5 kilograms. Its balance between the blade and handle gives the wielder agility and precision. Indeed, the katana’s center of balance is slightly forward, toward the blade, allowing for swift, powerful strikes while maintaining control.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
4. Clay-Tempering Process: Swordsmiths use a traditional technique where the blade is coated with clay, applying a thinner layer on the cutting edge and a thicker layer on the spine before quenching it. This results in a harder edge for sharpness and a softer spine for flexibility.
5. Hamon: Such as for the wakizashi and tachi, the process of differential hardening creates the visible hamon, a wavy or straight pattern along the blade’s edge. The hamon marks the boundary between the harder edge and the softer body of the blade and is often considered an aesthetic hallmark of the katana.
6. Nakago (Tang) and Mei (signature): As for the tachi, the nakago is the portion of the blade that extends into the handle. It is often full-length, giving the sword better balance and strength. The tang is traditionally signed by the swordsmith (mei), usually engraved on the side that faces inward when the katana is worn. This signature is often a sign of authenticity and value.
Examples of tsuba (see below). Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
7. Tsuba (Handguard): The tsuba is usually circular or occasionally squared, providing protection to the hand from an opponent’s blade while not obstructing movement. Tsuba vary from simple, functional designs to elaborately decorated pieces that reflect the owner’s status or aesthetic preferences. Materials include iron, bronze, or precious metals, often adorned with engravings or inlays.
8. Tsuka (Handle): The tsuka is generally long enough for a two-handed grip, typically measuring 20 to 30 centimeters. This allows the wielder to exert greater control and power when wielding the sword.
The handle is traditionally wrapped with a silk or cotton cord called "Tsuka-ito" over a base of ray skin called "Samegawa". This wrapping ensures a firm, secure grip during use. The tsuka is attached to the blade's tang with one or two wooden pegs (mekugi), which pass through holes in the tang and the handle. These pegs can be removed to disassemble the sword for maintenance.
9. Saya (Scabbard): The saya is typically made from lightweight wood, often lacquered for durability and aesthetic appeal. It houses and protects the blade when not in use. The scabbard often has a small knob called "kurikata" to which a cord called "Sageo" is attached. The sageo is used to secure the sword to the samurai’s obi (belt) or for decorative purposes.
How Katana Was Worn
The katana also introduced a new way of wearing the sword, edge-up in the belt (obi), which allowed for quicker drawing and striking in one fluid motion called “Iaijutsu“ or “Battojutsu“. This method of wearing and using the sword (buke-zukuri), was better suited to the combat conditions of the time, leading to the katana gradually supplanting the tachi as the preferred weapon of the samurai.
However, many tachi were simply remounted to be worn like katana, a process known as "Uchigatana." This was often done by altering the mountings rather than the blade itself, allowing the sword to be used in a manner more fitting with contemporary combat styles.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
Key Differences Between Wakizashi, Tachi and katana
To conclude this article, here are 10 key differences to remember between these three traditional swords, cultural and historical symbols of a warrior era that lasted over 1,000 years.
1. Blade Length
Wakizashi: Blade length ranges from 30 to 60 cm.
Tachi: Blade length is generally 70 to 80 cm.
Katana: Blade length typically measures 60 to 80 cm.
2. Curvature (Sori)
Wakizashi: Slight curvature, some wakizashi are almost straight.
Tachi: Pronounced curvature, designed for slashing from horseback.
Katana: Moderate curvature, optimized for drawing and cutting in one fluid motion.
To know more about the fascinating world of Japanese swords and their historical context, I highly recommend reading this reference book:
My library: The Art of Japanese Swords - The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation - With 256 full-color pages, this sword book illustrates in meticulous detail how modern craftsmen use traditional methods to prepare their steel, forge the sword and create the unique hardened edge. By gaining a good understanding of how a sword is made, the reader will be able to appreciate the samurai sword more fully.
3. Wear Style
Wakizashi: Worn edge-up in the obi (belt) alongside the katana.
Tachi: Worn edge-down, suspended by cords from the belt.
Katana: Worn edge-up in the obi (belt).
4. Primary Use
Wakizashi: Used as a backup weapon, for self-defense, and in confined spaces (e.g., indoors). Also used in seppuku (ritual suicide).
Tachi: Designed for mounted combat, especially for slashing downward from horseback.
Katana: Primary weapon for foot soldiers and samurai combat, favored for quick-draw techniques and close-quarters fighting.
5. Period of Prominence
Wakizashi: Popular during the Muromachi to Edo periods (1336-1868).
Tachi: Most common in the Heian to Muromachi periods (794-1573).
Katana: Became dominant from the Muromachi period onward, particularly in the Edo period.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. © O. Robert
6. Symbolism and Status
Wakizashi: Worn by samurai as part of the daishō (paired with the katana), symbolizing samurai status and used for personal defense.
Tachi: Associated with mounted samurai and higher-ranked warriors, often a sign of prestige and rank.
Katana: The soul of the samurai, a primary symbol of a samurai’s honor, and the main sword in the daishō.
7. Combat Environment
Wakizashi: Best suited for indoor use, close-quarters combat, and confined spaces.
Tachi: Designed for mounted combat, especially for use on horseback.
Katana: Effective in both open and confined spaces, used by samurai on foot for close-quarters combat.
Finally, if you wish to delve deeper into the era of the samurai, their code of honor, their status, education, or way of life, I recommend reading this essential work of Japanese culture:
My library: The Religion of the Samurai | This book is a classic religious text by Kaiten Nukariya published in 1913.Zen was uniquely suited to the Samurai of Japan. The high moral principles of Buddhism, when adopted and adapted by the Japanese warriors who became the Samurai, created an austere philosophy of singular beauty and depth. Its characteristic requirements of strict control over body and mind was exemplified by ancient warrior monks whose serene countenance, even in the face of certain death, made them much admired even by their foes.
8. Balance and Handling
Wakizashi: Lightweight and quick, balanced for one-handed use.
Tachi: Heavier with the balance further forward due to its length and curvature, designed for two-handed use but handled differently on horseback.
Katana: Balanced for two-handed use, but lighter and more agile than the tachi, enabling quick-draw techniques.
9. Position in Daishō ("big-little")
Wakizashi: The shorter sword in the daishō (the “little” sword).
Tachi: Not part of the daishō, it predates the practice of wearing paired swords.
Katana: The longer sword in the daishō (the “big” sword).
10. Craftsmanship and Aesthetic
Wakizashi: Like the katana, crafted with meticulous care, often with a visible hamon (temper line) and matching fittings to the katana.
Tachi: Typically more ornate than the katana, with elaborate fittings, often reflecting the warrior's high rank.
Katana: Like the wakizashi, crafted with great care, with attention to both functionality and aesthetics. The katana’s fittings are often simpler than those of the tachi.