Katana

⼑ かたな
A katana ( or ) is a Japanese sword
⼑
Katana ( )
characterized by a curved, single-edged blade
with a circular or squared guard and long grip
to accommodate two hands. Developed later
than the tachi, it was used by samurai in feudal
Japan and worn with the blade facing upward.
Since the Muromachi period, many old tachi
were cut from the root and shortened, and the
blade at the root was crushed and converted
into katana.[4] The official term for katana in
Japan is uchigatana ( 打⼑ ) and the term
⼑
katana ( ) often refers to single-edged swords
from around the world.[5]
A katana modified from a tachi forged by Motoshige.
Bizen Osafune school influenced by the Sōshū school.
Contents 14th century, Nanboku-chō period. Important Cultural
Property. Tokyo National Museum.
Etymology and loanwords
Type Sword
Description
Place of origin Japan
History
Kotō (Old swords) Service history
Shintō (New swords) Used by Samurai, Onna-musha, Ninja,
Shinshintō (New new swords) Kendo, Iaido practitioners
Gendaitō (Modern or contemporary Production history
swords)
Meiji – World War II
Produced Nanboku-chō period (1336 −
1392) which corresponds to the
Post-World War II
early Muromachi period (1336–
Types 1573)[1] to present
Forging and construction Specifications
Appreciation Mass 1.1–1.5 kg
Rating of Japanese swords and Blade length Approx. 60–80 cm (23.62–31.5
swordsmiths in)
Usage in martial arts
Storage and maintenance Blade type Curved, single-edged
World records Hilt type Two-handed swept, with circular
Ownership and trade restrictions or squared guard
Republic of Ireland Scabbard/sheath Lacquered wood, some are
United Kingdom covered with fish skin, decorated
Gallery with brass and copper.[2][3]

See also
References
Further reading

Etymology and loanwords

The word katana first appears in Japanese in the Nihon Shoki of
720. The term is a compound of kata ("one side, one-sided") + na
("blade"),[6][7][8] in contrast to the double-sided tsurugi. See more
at the Wiktionary entry.

The katana belongs to the nihontō family of swords, and is

distinguished by a blade length (nagasa) of more than 2 shaku,
approximately 60 cm (24 in).[9]

Katana can also be known as dai or daitō among Western sword

enthusiasts, although daitō is a generic name for any Japanese long
sword, literally meaning "big sword".[10]
Japanese Edo period wood block
As Japanese does not have separate plural and singular forms, both print (ca 1735) of a samurai with a
katanas and katana are considered acceptable forms in English.[11] tachi and a wakizashi (or kodachi).

Pronounced [katana], the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji

⼑ , originally meaning dao or knife/saber in Chinese, the word has been adopted as a loanword by the
Portuguese.[12] In Portuguese the designation (spelled catana) means "large knife" or machete.[12]

Description
The katana is generally defined as the standard sized,
moderately curved (as opposed to the older tachi
featuring more curvature) Japanese sword with a
blade length greater than 60.6 cm (23.86 inches)
(Japanese 2 Shaku).[13] It is characterized by its
distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged
blade with a circular or squared guard (tsuba) and
long grip to accommodate two hands.[13] Mei (signature) and Nakago (tang) of an Edo period
katana
With a few exceptions, katana and tachi can be
distinguished from each other, if signed, by the
location of the signature (mei) on the tang (nakago). In general, the mei should be carved into the side of
the nakago which would face outward when the sword was worn. Since a tachi was worn with the cutting
edge down, and the katana was worn with the cutting edge up, the mei would be in opposite locations on
the tang.[14]

Western historians have said that katana were among the finest cutting weapons in world military
history.[15][16][17] However, the main weapons on the battlefield in the Sengoku period in the 15th century
were yumi (bow), yari (spear) and tanegashima (gun), and katana and tachi were used only for close
combat. During this period, the tactics changed to a group battle by ashigaru (foot soldiers) mobilized in
large numbers, so naginata (pole weapon) and tachi became obsolete as weapons on the battlefield and
were replaced by yari and katana. In the relatively peaceful Edo period, katana increased in importance as
a weapon, and at the end of the Edo period, shishi (political activists) fought many battles using katana as
their main weapon. Throughout history, katana and tachi were regarded as gifts between daimyo (feudal
lord) and samurai, offerings to the kami enshrined in Shinto shrines, and symbols of authority and
spirituality of samurai.[18][19][20][21]

History
The production of swords in Japan is divided into specific time periods:[22]

Jōkotō (ancient swords, until around 900)

Kotō (old swords from around 900–1596)
Shintō (new swords 1596–1780)
Shinshintō (newer swords 1781–1876)
Gendaitō (modern or contemporary swords 1876–present)

Kotō (Old swords)

Katana originates from sasuga ( 刺⼑ ), a kind of tantō (short

sword or knife) used by lower-ranking samurai who fought
on foot in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Their main
weapon was a long naginata and sasuga was a spare
−
weapon. In the Nanboku-chō period (1336 1392) which
−
corresponds to the early Muromachi period (1336 1573),
long weapons such as ōdachi were popular, and along with
this, sasuga lengthened and finally became katana.[23][24]
Also, there is a theory that koshigatana ( 腰⼑ ), a kind of
tantō which was equipped by high ranking samurai together
with tachi, developed to katana through the same historical Masamune forges a katana with an
background as sasuga, and it is possible that both developed assistant (ukiyo-e)
to katana.[25] The oldest katana in existence today is called
Hishizukuri uchigatana, which was forged in the
Nanbokuchō period, and was dedicated to Kasuga
Shrine later.[1]

The first use of katana as a word to describe a long

sword that was different from a tachi, occurs as early
as the Kamakura Period.[13] These references to
"uchigatana" and "tsubagatana" seem to indicate a
different style of sword, possibly a less costly sword
for lower-ranking warriors. Starting around the year
1400, long swords signed with the katana-style mei
were made. This was in response to samurai wearing
their tachi in what is now called "katana style" A Sōshū school katana modified from a tachi
(cutting edge up). Japanese swords are traditionally forged by Masamune. As it was owned by Ishida
worn with the mei facing away from the wearer. Mitsunari, it was commonly called Ishida
When a tachi was worn in the style of a katana, with Masamune. Important Cultural Property. Tokyo
the cutting edge up, the tachi's signature would be National Museum
facing the wrong way. The fact that swordsmiths
started signing swords with a katana signature shows
that some samurai of that time period had started wearing their swords in a different manner.[26][27]
Traditionally, yumi (bows) were the main weapon of
war in Japan, and tachi and naginata were used only
for close combat. The Ōnin War in the late 15th
century in the Muromachi period expanded into a
large-scale domestic war, in which employed farmers
called ashigaru were mobilized in large numbers.
They fought on foot using katana shorter than tachi.
In the Sengoku period (period of warring states) in the
late Muromachi period, the war became bigger and
ashigaru fought in a close formation using yari
(spears) lent to them. Furthermore, in the late 16th
century, tanegashima (muskets) were introduced from A Sōshū school katana modified from a tachi,
Kiriha Sadamune, forged by Sadamune, son of
Portugal, and Japanese swordsmiths mass-produced
Masamune. 14th century, Kamakura period.
improved products, with ashigaru fighting with leased
Important Cultural Property. Tokyo National
guns. On the battlefield in Japan, guns and spears
Museum
became main weapons in addition to bows. Due to the
changes in fighting styles in these wars, the tachi and
naginata became obsolete among
samurai, and the katana, which was
easy to carry, became the mainstream.
The dazzling looking tachi gradually
became a symbol of the authority of Muramasa (勢州桑名住村正) from the Tokyo National Museum
high-ranking samurai.[23][19][20]

On the other hand, kenjutsu (swordsmanship) that makes use of the characteristics of katana was invented.
The quicker draw of the sword was well suited to combat where victory depended heavily on short
response times. (The practice and martial art for drawing the sword quickly and responding to a sudden
attack was called Battōjutsu, which is still kept alive through the teaching of Iaido.) The katana further
facilitated this by being worn thrust through a belt-like sash (obi) with the sharpened edge facing up.
Ideally, samurai could draw the sword and strike the enemy in a single motion. Previously, the curved tachi
had been worn with the edge of the blade facing down and suspended from a belt.[13][28]

From the 15th century, low-quality swords were mass-produced under the influence of the large-scale war.
These swords, along with spears, were lent to recruited farmers called ashigaru and swords were exported.
Such mass-produced swords are called kazuuchimono, and swordsmiths of the Bisen school and Mino
school produced them by division of labor.[23][29] The export of katana and tachi reached its peak during
this period, from the late 15th century to early 16th century when at least 200,000 swords were shipped to
Ming Dynasty China in official trade in an attempt to soak up the production of Japanese weapons and
make it harder for pirates in the area to arm. In the Ming Dynasty of China, Japanese swords and their
tactics were studied to repel pirates, and wodao and miaodao were developed based on Japanese
swords.[2][30][31]

From this period, the tang (nakago) of many old tachi were cut and shortened into katana. This kind of
remake is called suriage ( 磨上げ ).[4] For example, many of the tachi that Masamune forged during the
Kamakura period were converted into katana, so his only existing works are katana and tantō.[32]

From the late Muromachi period (Sengoku period) to the early Edo period, samurai were sometimes
equipped with a katana blade pointing downwards like a tachi. This style of sword is called handachi,
"half tachi". In handachi, both styles were often mixed, for example, fastening to the obi was katana style,
but metalworking of the scabbard was tachi style.[33]
 In the Muromachi period, especially the Sengoku
period, people such as farmers, townspeople, and
monks could have a sword. However, in 1588
Toyotomi Hideyoshi banned farmers from owning
weapons and conducted a sword hunt to forcibly
remove swords from anyone identifying as a
farmer.[25]
−
Daishō style handachi sword mounting. 16th 17th
The length of the katana blade varied considerably
century, Azuchi–Momoyama or Edo period.
during the course of its history. In the late 14th and
early 15th centuries, katana blades tended to have
lengths between 70 and 73 centimetres (28 and 29 in). During the early 16th century, the average length
dropped about 10 centimetres (3.9 in), approaching closer to 60 centimetres (24 in). By the late 16th
century, the average length had increased again by about 13 centimetres (5.1 in), returning to approximately
73 centimetres (29 in).[28]

Shintō (New swords)

Swords forged after 1596 in the Keichō period of the

Azuchi–Momoyama period are classified as shintō
(New swords). Japanese swords after shintō are
different from kotō in forging method and steel
(tamahagane). This is thought to be because Bizen
school, which was the largest swordsmith group of
Japanese swords, was destroyed by a great flood in
Antique Japanese daishō, the traditional pairing of 1590 and the mainstream shifted to Mino school, and
two Japanese swords which were the symbol of because Toyotomi Hideyoshi virtually unified Japan,
the samurai, showing the traditional Japanese uniform steel began to be distributed throughout
sword cases (koshirae) and the difference in size Japan. The kotō swords, especially the Bizen school
between the katana (bottom) and the smaller swords made in the Kamakura period, had a midare-
wakizashi (top). utsuri like a white mist between hamon and shinogi,
but in the swords after shintō it has almost
disappeared. In addition, the whole body of the blade
became whitish and hard. Almost no one was able to reproduce midare-utsurii until Kunihira Kawachi
reproduced it in 2014.[34][35]

As the Sengoku period (period of warring states) ended and the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo
period started, katana-forging also developed into a highly intricate and well-respected art form. Lacquered
saya (scabbards), ornate engraved fittings, silk handles and elegant tsuba (handguards) were popular
among samurai in the Edo Period, and eventually (especially when Japan was in peace time), katana
became more cosmetic and ceremonial items than practical weapons.[36] The Umetada school led by
Umetada Myoju who was considered to be the founder of shinto led the improvement of the artistry of
Japanese swords in this period. They were both swordsmiths and metalsmiths, and were famous for carving
the blade, making metal accouterments such as tsuba (handguard), remodeling from tachi to katana
(suriage), and inscriptions inlaid with gold.[37]

During this period, the Tokugawa shogunate required samurai to wear Katana and shorter swords in pairs.
These short swords were wakizashi and tantō, and wakizashi were mainly selected. This set of two is called
a daishō. Only samurai could wear the daishō: it represented their social power and personal
honour.[13][28][38] Samurai could wear decorative sword mountings in their daily lives, but the Tokugawa
shogunate regulated the formal sword that samurai
wore when visiting a castle by regulating it as a
daisho made of a black scabbard, a hilt wrapped with
white ray skin and black string.[39] Japanese swords
made in this period are classified as shintō.[40]

Sword fittings. Tsuba (top left) and fuchigashira

(top right) made by Ishiguro Masayoshi in the 18th
or 19th century. Kogai (middle) and kozuka
(bottom) made by Yanagawa Naomasa in the 18th
century, Edo period. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.

Shinshintō (New new swords)

A tantō forged by Minamoto Kiyomaro. Late Edo Daishō for formal attire with black scabbard, hilt
period. (left) Tantō mounting, Late Edo period. winding thread and white ray skin hilt, which were
(right) regulated by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Daishō
owned by Uesugi clan. Late Edo period.

In the late 18th century, swordsmith Suishinshi

Masahide criticized that the present katana blades only emphasized decoration and had a problem with their
toughness. He insisted that the bold and strong kotō blade from the Kamakura period to the Nanboku-chō
period was the ideal Japanese sword, and started a movement to restore the production method and apply it
to Katana. Katana made after this is classified as a shinshintō.[40] One of the most popular swordsmiths in
Japan today is Minamoto Kiyomaro who was active in this shinshintō period. His popularity is due to his
timeless exceptional skill, as he was nicknamed "Masamune in Yotsuya" after his disastrous life. His works
were traded at high prices and exhibitions were held at museums all over Japan from 2013 to
2014.[41][42][43]

The idea that the blade of a sword in the Kamakura period is the best has been continued until now, and as
of the 21st century, 80% of Japanese swords designated as National treasure in Japan were made in the
Kamakura period, and 70% of them were tachi.[44][45]
The arrival of Matthew Perry in 1853 and the subsequent Convention of Kanagawa caused chaos in
尊王攘夷派
Japanese society. Conflicts began to occur frequently between the forces of sonnō jōi ( ), who
佐幕
wanted to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and rule by the Emperor, and the forces of sabaku (
派 志⼠
), who wanted the Tokugawa Shogunate to continue. These political activists, called the shishi ( ),
fought using a practical katana, called the kinnōtō (勤皇⼑ ) or the bakumatsutō ( 幕末⼑ ). Their katana
were often longer than 90 cm (35.43 in) in blade length, less curved, and had a big and sharp point, which
was advantageous for stabbing in indoor battles.[40]

Gendaitō (Modern or contemporary swords)

Meiji – World War II

During the Meiji period, the samurai class was

gradually disbanded, and the special privileges
granted to them were taken away, including the right
to carry swords in public. The Haitōrei Edict in 1876
forbade the carrying of swords in public except for
certain individuals, such as former samurai lords
(daimyō), the military, and the police.[46] Skilled
swordsmiths had trouble making a living during this
period as Japan modernized its military, and many
swordsmiths started making other items, such as farm
equipment, tools, and cutlery. The craft of making Although the number of forged swords decreased
swords was kept alive through the efforts of some
宮本包則
individuals, notably Miyamoto Kanenori ( ,
in the Meiji period, many artistically excellent

1830–1926) and Gassan Sadakazu ( ⽉⼭貞⼀ , 1836–

mountings were made. A wakizashi forged by
Soshu Akihiro. Nanboku-chō period. (top)
1918), who were appointed Imperial Household
光村利
Wakizashi mounting, Early Meiji period. (bottom)
Artist. The businessman Mitsumura Toshimo (
藻 − ）
, 1877 1955 tried to preserve their skills by
ordering swords and sword mountings from the swordsmiths and craftsmen. He was especially enthusiastic
about collecting sword mountings, and he collected about 3,000 precious sword mountings from the end of
the Edo period to the Meiji period. About 1200 items from a part of his collection are now in the Nezu
Museum.[47][48][49]

Military action by Japan in China and Russia during the Meiji period helped revive interest in swords, but it
was not until the Shōwa period that swords were produced on a large scale again.[50] Japanese military
swords produced between 1875 and 1945 are referred to as guntō (military swords).[51]

During the pre-World War II military buildup, and throughout the

war, all Japanese officers were required to wear a sword.
Traditionally made swords were produced during this period, but
in order to supply such large numbers of swords, blacksmiths with
little or no knowledge of traditional Japanese sword manufacture
were recruited. In addition, supplies of the Japanese steel
(tamahagane) used for swordmaking were limited, so several other
types of steel were also used. Quicker methods of forging were
also used, such as the use of power hammers, and quenching the
blade in oil, rather than hand forging and water. The non-
Type 95, World War II era guntō traditionally made swords from this period are called shōwatō,
after the regnal name of the Emperor Hirohito, and in 1937, the
Japanese government started requiring the use of special stamps on
the tang (nakago) to distinguish these swords from traditionally made swords. During this period of war,
older antique swords were remounted for use in military mounts. Presently, in Japan, shōwatō are not
considered to be "true" Japanese swords, and they can be confiscated. Outside Japan, however, they are
collected as historical artifacts.[46][50][52]

Post-World War II

Between 1945 and 1953, sword manufacture and sword-related

martial arts were banned in Japan. Many swords were confiscated
and destroyed, and swordsmiths were not able to make a living.
Since 1953, Japanese swordsmiths have been allowed to work, but
with severe restrictions: swordsmiths must be licensed and serve a
five-year apprenticeship, and only licensed swordsmiths are
allowed to produce Japanese swords (nihonto), only two
longswords per month are allowed to be produced by each
swordsmith, and all swords must be registered with the Japanese
Japanese girl practicing iaidō with a
Government.[53]
modern training katana or iaitō. This
sword was custom-made in Japan to
Outside Japan, some of the modern katanas being produced by
suit the weight and size of the
western swordsmiths use modern steel alloys, such as L6 and A2.
student. The blade is made of
These modern swords replicate the size and shape of the Japanese
aluminum alloy and lacks a sharp
katana and are used by martial artists for iaidō and even for cutting edge for safety reasons.
practice (tameshigiri).

Mass-produced swords including iaitō and shinken in the shape of

katana are available from many countries, though China dominates the market.[54] These types of swords
are typically mass-produced and made with a wide variety of steels and methods.

According to the Parliamentary Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Japanese Swords,
organized by Japanese Diet members, many katana distributed around the world as of the 21st century are
fake Japanese swords made in China. The Sankei Shimbun analyzed that this is because the Japanese
government allowed swordsmiths to make only 24 Japanese swords per person per year in order to
maintain the quality of Japanese swords.[55][56]

Many swordsmiths after the Edo period have tried to reproduce the sword of the Kamakura period which is
considered as the best sword in the history of Japanese swords, but they have failed. Then, in 2014,
Kunihira Kawachi succeeded in reproducing it and won the Masamune Prize, the highest honor as a
swordsmith. No one could win the Masamune Prize unless he made an extraordinary achievement, and in
the section of tachi and katana, no one had won for 18 years before Kawauchi.[35]

Types
Katana are distinguished by their type of blade:

Shinogi-Zukuri is the most common blade shape for Japanese katana that provides both
speed and cutting power. It features a distinct yokote: a line or bevel that separates the finish
of the main blade and the finish of the tip. Shinogi-zukuri was originally produced after the
Heian period.
Shobu-Zukuri is a variation of shinogi-zukuri without a yokote, the distinct angle between the
long cutting edge and the point section. Instead, the edge curves smoothly and uninterrupted
into the point.
 Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri is a katana blade shape with a distinctive curved and double-edged
blade. One edge of the blade is shaped in normal katana fashion while the tip is symmetrical
and both edges of the blade are sharp.

Forging and construction

Typical features of
Japanese swords
represented by katana and
tachi are a three-
dimensional cross-
sectional shape of an
elongated pentagonal to
hexagonal blade called
shinogi-zukuri, a style in
which the blade and the
tang (nakago) are
integrated and fixed to the
hilt (tsuka) with a pin
called mekugi, and a
gentle curve. When a
shinogi-zukuri sword is
viewed from the side,
there is a ridge line of the Cross sections of Japanese sword
Named parts of a katana thickest part of the blade blade lamination methods
called shinogi between the
cutting edge side and the
back side. This shinogi contributes to lightening and toughening of the blade and high cutting ability.[57]

Katana are traditionally made from a specialized Japanese steel called tamahagane,[58] which is created
from a traditional smelting process that results in several, layered steels with different carbon
concentrations.[59] This process helps remove impurities and even out the carbon content of the steel. The
age of the steel plays a role in the ability to remove impurities, with older steel having a higher oxygen
concentration, being more easily stretched and rid of impurities during hammering, resulting in a stronger
blade.[60] The smith begins by folding and welding pieces of the steel several times to work out most of the
differences in the steel. The resulting block of steel is then drawn out to form a billet.

At this stage, it is only slightly curved or may have no curve at all. The katana's gentle curvature is attained
by a process of differential hardening or differential quenching: the smith coats the blade with several layers
of a wet clay slurry, which is a special concoction unique to each sword maker, but generally composed of
clay, water and any or none of ash, grinding stone powder, or rust. This process is called tsuchioki. The
edge of the blade is coated with a thinner layer than the sides and spine of the sword, heated, and then
quenched in water (few sword makers use oil to quench the blade). The slurry causes only the blade's edge
to be hardened and also causes the blade to curve due to the difference in densities of the micro-structures
in the steel.[28] When steel with a carbon content of 0.7% is heated beyond 750 °C, it enters the austenite
phase. When austenite is cooled very suddenly by quenching in water, the structure changes into
martensite, which is a very hard form of steel. When austenite is allowed to cool slowly, its structure
changes into a mixture of ferrite and pearlite which is softer than martensite.[61][62] This process also
creates the distinct line down the sides of the blade called the hamon, which is made distinct by polishing.
Each hamon and each smith's style of hamon is distinct.[28]
After the blade is forged, it is then sent to be polished. The
polishing takes between one and three weeks. The polisher uses a
series of successively finer grains of polishing stones in a process
called glazing, until the blade has a mirror finish. However, the
blunt edge of the katana is often given a matte finish to emphasize
the hamon.[28]

Example of a hamon

Appreciation
Historically, katana have been regarded not only as weapons but also as works of art, especially for high-
quality ones. For a long time, Japanese people have developed a unique appreciation method in which the
blade is regarded as the core of their aesthetic evaluation rather than the sword mountings decorated with
luxurious lacquer or metal works.[63][64]

It is said that the following three objects are the most noteworthy objects when appreciating a blade. The
first is the overall shape referred to as sugata. Curvature, length, width, tip, and shape of tang of the sword
are the objects for appreciation. The second is a fine pattern on the surface of the blade, which is referred to
as hada or jigane. By repeatedly folding and forging the blade, fine patterns such as fingerprints, tree rings
and bark are formed on its surface. The third is hamon. Hamon is a white pattern of the cutting edge
produced by quenching and tempering. The object of appreciation is the shape of hammon and the crystal
particles formed at the boundary of hammon. Depending on the size of the particles, they can be divided
into two types, a nie and a nioi, which makes them look like stars or mist. In addition to these three objects,
a swordsmith signature and a file pattern engraved on tang, and a carving inscribed on the blade, which is
referred to as horimono, are also the objects of appreciation.[63][64]

The Hon'ami clan, which was an authority of appraisal of Japanese swords, rated Japanese swords from
these artistic points of view. In addition, experts of modern Japanese swords judge when and by which
swordsmith school the sword was made from these artistic points of view.[63][64]

Generally, the blade and the sword mounting of Japanese swords are displayed separately in museums, and
this tendency is remarkable in Japan. For example, the Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum "Nagoya Touken
World", one of Japan's largest sword museums, posts separate videos of the blade and the sword mounting
on its official website and YouTube.[65][66]

Rating of Japanese swords and swordsmiths

In Japan, Japanese swords are rated by authorities of each period, and some of the authority of the rating is
still valid today.

In 1719, Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, ordered Hon'ami Kōchū, who
was an authority of sword appraisal, to record swords possessed by daimyo all over Japan in books. In the
completed "Kyōhō Meibutsu Chō" ( 享保名物帳 ) 249 precious swords were described, and additional 25
swords were described later. The list also includes 81 swords that had been destroyed in previous fires. The
precious swords described in this book were called "Meibutsu" ( 名物 ) and the criteria for selection were
artistic elements, origins and legends. The list of "Meibutsu" includes 59 swords made by Masamune, 34
by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu and 22 by Go Yoshihiro, and these three swordsmiths were considered special.
Daimyo hid some swords for fear that they would be confiscated by the Tokugawa Shogunate, so even
some precious swords were not listed in the book. For example, Daihannya Nagamitsu and Yamatorige,
which are now designated as National Treasures, were not listed.[44]

Yamada Asaemon V, who was the official sword

cutting ability examiner and executioner of the
Tokugawa shogunate, published a book "Kaiho
Kenjaku" ( 懐宝剣尺 ) in 1797 in which he ranked the
cutting ability of swords. The book lists 228
swordsmiths, whose forged swords are called
"Wazamono" ( 業物 ) and the highest "Saijo Ō
Wazamono" ( 最上⼤業物 ) has 12 selected. In the
reprinting in 1805, one swordsmith was added to the
highest grade, and in the major revised edition in 1830
"Kokon Kajibiko" ( 古今鍛冶備考 ), two swordsmiths
were added to the highest grade, and in the end, 15 Nagasone Kotetsu, rated as Saijo Ō Wazamono,
swordsmiths were ranked as the highest grade. The was one of the most popular swordsmiths in the
katana forged by Nagasone Kotetsu, one of the top- Edo period. A tantō, Hōraisan Kotetsu.
rated swordsmith, became very popular at the time
when the book was published, and many counterfeits
were made. In these books, the three swordsmiths treated specially in "Kyōhō Meibutsu Chō" and
Muramasa, who was famous at that time for forging swords with high cutting ability, were not mentioned.
The reasons for this are considered to be that Yamada was afraid of challenging the authority of the shogun,
that he could not use the precious sword possessed by the daimyo in the examination, and that he was
considerate of the legend of Muramasa's curse.[44][67]

At present, by the Law for the Protection of Cultural

Properties, important swords of high historical value
are designated as Important Cultural Properties (Jūyō
Bunkazai, 重要⽂化財 ), and special swords among
them are designated as National Treasures (Kokuhō,
国宝 ). The swords designated as cultural properties
based on the law of 1930, which was already
abolished, have the rank next to Important Cultural
Properties as Important Art Object (Jūyō Bijutsuhin,
重要美術品 ). In addition, The Society for
Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, a public interest
A katana forged by Magoroku Kanemoto. (Saijo Ō incorporated foundation, classifies it into four
Wazamono) Late Muromachi period. (top) Katana categories, the highest grade being equal to Important
mounting, Early Edo period. (bottom) Cultural Properties. Although swords owned by the
Japanese Imperial Family are not designated as
National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties
because they are outside the jurisdiction of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, there are many
swords of the National Treasure class, and they are called "Gyobutsu" ( 御物 ).[44]

Currently, there are several authoritative rating systems for swordsmiths. According to the rating approved
by the Japanese government, from 1890 to 1947, two swordsmiths who were appointed as Imperial
Household Artist and after 1955, six swordsmiths who were designated as Living National Treasure are
regarded as the best swordsmiths. According to the rating approved by The Society for Preservation of
Japanese Art Swords, a public interest incorporated foundation, 39 swordsmiths who were designated as
Mukansa ( 無鑑査 ) since 1958 are considered to be the highest ranking swordsmiths. The best sword
forged by Japanese swordsmiths is awarded the most honorable Masamune prize by The Society for
Preservation of Japanese Art Swords. Since 1961, eight swordsmiths have received the Masamune Prize,
and among them, three swordsmiths, Masamine Sumitani, Akitsugu Amata and Toshihira Osumi, have
received the prize three times each and Sadakazu Gassan II has received the prize two times. These four
people were designated both Living National Treasures and Mukansa.[68]

Usage in martial arts

Katana were used by samurai both in the battlefield and for practicing several martial arts, and modern
martial artists still use a variety of katana. Martial arts in which training with katana is used include iaijutsu,
battōjutsu, iaidō, kenjutsu, kendō, ninjutsu and Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū.[69][70][71] However, for
safety reasons, katana used for martial arts are usually blunt edged, to reduce the risk of injury. Sharp
katana are only really used during tameshigiri (blade testing), where a practitioner practices cutting a
bamboo or tatami straw post.

Storage and maintenance

If mishandled in its storage or maintenance, the katana may become irreparably damaged. The blade should
be stored horizontally in its sheath, curve down and edge facing upward to maintain the edge. It is
extremely important that the blade remain well-oiled, powdered and polished, as the natural moisture
residue from the hands of the user will rapidly cause the blade to rust if not cleaned off. The traditional oil
used is chōji oil (99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil for fragrance). Similarly, when stored for longer periods,
it is important that the katana be inspected frequently and aired out if necessary in order to prevent rust or
mold from forming (mold may feed off the salts in the oil used to polish the blade).[72]

World records
Multiple sword world records were made with a katana and verified by Guinness World Records. Iaido
master Isao Machii set the record for "Most martial arts katana cuts to one mat (suegiri)",[73] "Fastest 1,000
martial arts sword cuts",[74] "Most sword cuts to straw mats in three minutes",[75] and "Fastest tennis ball
(708km/h) cut by sword".[76] There are various records for Tameshigiri. For example the Greek Agisilaos
Vesexidis set the record for most martial arts sword cuts in one minute (73) on 25 June 2016.[77]

Ownership and trade restrictions

Republic of Ireland

Under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2009,
katanas made post-1953 are illegal unless made by hand according to traditional methods.[78]

United Kingdom

As of April 2008, the British government added swords with a curved blade of 50 cm (20 in) or over in
length ("the length of the blade shall be the straight line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the
blade") to the Offensive Weapons Order.[79] This ban was a response to reports that samurai swords were
used in more than 80 attacks and four killings over the preceding four years.[80] Those who violate the ban
would be jailed up to six months and charged a fine of £5,000. Martial arts practitioners, historical re-
enactors and others may still own such swords. The sword can also be legal provided it was made in Japan
before 1954, or was made using traditional sword making methods. It is also legal to buy if it can be classed
as a "martial artist's weapon". This ban applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This ban
was amended in August 2008 to allow sale and ownership without licence of "traditional" hand-forged
katana.[81]

Gallery

A katana forged by Katana style sword Daishō style sword mounting,

Hizen Tadayoshi I. mounting with gold banding on red-lacquered
(Saijo Ō Wazamono) hollyhocks design crests ground. 16th century, Azuchi–
−
Azuchi Momoyama in maki-e lacquer and Momoyama period. Important
period. (top) Katana mother of pearl inlay on Cultural Property. Tokyo
mounting, Late Edo ikakeji lacuer ground. National Museum. These
period. (bottom) Edo period, 19th swords were owned by
century. Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Daishō, black waxed scabbards. This daishō is an

informal style because the thread wound on the hilt is
purple. 19th century, Edo period. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.

Mounting for a katana forged by Antique Japanese katana with koshirae

Motoshige. late 16th or early 17th and shirasaya, attributed to Sukenao,
century, Azuchi–Momoyama or Edo 1600s.
period. Important Cultural Property.
Tokyo National Museum.
 Japanese katana Hilt of katana. Early Edo The inscription (mei) on
showing a horimono period. the tang (nakago) of a
(blade carving), katana forged by Hizen
Metropolitan Museum tadayoshi I, Azuchi −
of Art. Momoyama period. (top)
Hilt of katana. Late Edo
period. (bottom)

Koshirae (mountings) of an Kissaki (point) of an Edo period

Edo period daishō, rayskin katana.
wrapped with silk.

See also
Kenjutsu
Iaidō
Japanese sword mountings
Japanese sword
Daishō
Ōdachi
Tachi
Wakizashi
Tenka-Goken (Five Swords under Heaven) - five individual swords traditionally viewed as
the best Japanese swords
Backsword
Broadsword
Japanese swords in fiction
Korean sword

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Further reading
Perrin, Noel (1980). Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543–1879 (https://
books.google.com/books?id=xuY9AAAAIAAJ). Boston: David R. Godine. p. 140. ISBN 978-
 0-87773-184-9.
Robinson, H. Russell (1969). Japanese Arms and Armor. New York: Crown Publishers Inc.
S. Alexander Takeuchi (aka T). "Dr. T's 'Nihonto Random Thoughts' Page" (https://web.archi
ve.org/web/20100108101004/http://www.una.edu/faculty/takeuchi/DrT_Jpn_Culture_files/Ni
hon_to.htm). Florence, AL: Department of Sociology, University of North Alabama. Archived
from the original (http://www.una.edu/faculty/takeuchi/DrT_Jpn_Culture_files/Nihon_to.htm)
on 8 January 2010.
Yumoto, John M (1958). The Samurai Sword: A Handbook (https://books.google.com/book
s?id=6nSkY_z4hAgC). Boston: Tuttle Publishing. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-8048-0509-4.
Satō, Kanzan (1983). The Japanese Sword. Kodansha International. ISBN 9780870115622.

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