When people think of a Japanese sword, the katana is usually the first that comes to mind. Although the word originally referred to a specific type of sword, it has become the go-to term for any Japanese blade. However, there’s another term known among enthusiasts — nihontō, which refers specifically to swords made through traditional Japanese forging methods. Even though the katana is the most famous, it wasn’t the first Japanese sword ever created. So, what was? And what are the main types of Japanese swords today? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these legendary weapons.
The Main Types of Japanese Swords
Despite popular belief, the katana isn’t Japan’s oldest sword. One of the earliest blades was the chokutō (直刀), a straight sword influenced by Chinese and Korean weapons. It predates the 10th century and is no longer produced today. This early design paved the way for the tachi.
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Tachi (太刀)
The tachi evolved from the chokutō and is considered the first forged Japanese sword. Originally worn edge-down by mounted warriors, it was later adapted for foot soldiers who wielded it with two hands. Its blade is longer and thinner than the katana, with a deeper curve near the base — a design that made it easier to draw quickly. However, the katana eventually replaced the tachi, offering more lethal strikes in combat.
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Katana (刀)
The most iconic samurai sword, the katana features a single-edged, curved blade measuring roughly 23.6 in (60 cm). It’s known for its sharpness and was traditionally created using a clay tempering process by a master swordsmith. This was followed by meticulous hand polishing by a togishi (polishing artisan). The curve of the blade peaks at its centre.
The katana was worn edge-up through the warrior’s belt, or obi, allowing for fast, safe drawing. During Japan’s peaceful eras, it became more of a ceremonial symbol. Today, it remains the most admired Japanese sword.
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Wakizashi (脇差)
The wakizashi is a shorter companion blade to the katana, typically measuring 11.8–23.6 in (30–60 cm). It was preferred for close-quarters combat and often paired with a katana in a set called daishō (大小). Unlike the katana, the wakizashi could be worn by wealthy merchants as well. It was also the primary blade used for seppuku, the ritual suicide meant to preserve honour.
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Tantō (短刀)
The tantō is a dagger-like sword with a blade under 11.8 in (30 cm), and a slight curve. Some versions had no guard — a mount style known as aiguchi — while others included a tsuba (guard), referred to as buke-zukuri. The sheath was secured with a sageo cord. A smaller variant, the kaiken, was typically carried by samurai women for self-defence or seppuku.
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Ninjatō (忍者刀)
The existence of the ninjatō remains debatable. It’s thought to have been a short, straight-bladed sword under 19.7 in (50 cm), with a square tsuba used for climbing. It may have been used by ninja, though its origins remain unclear. For more information about the ninjatō, visit our dedicated page.
Lesser-Known Japanese Swords
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Uchigatana (打刀)
Popularized by the game Elden Ring, the uchigatana is a historical sword. A forerunner to the katana, it was a low-grade blade typically used by foot soldiers and was not considered a weapon of honour among elite samurai. It could be used with one or two hands.
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Ōdachi (大太刀) & Nōdachi (野太刀)
These massive swords are very similar, differing mainly in terminology. The ōdachi is a traditionally forged long sword with a blade around 35.4 in (90 cm). The nōdachi, meaning “field sword,” was used in open battlefields. Both were so large that drawing and wielding them required great effort — and sometimes assistance. Their cost and impracticality led to limited use.
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Nagamaki (長巻)
The nagamaki is a polearm-like weapon with a long handle and moderately curved blade. Used between the 12th and 14th centuries, its blade measured 27.5–39.4 in (70–100 cm), with a grip nearly as long. It was commonly wielded by foot soldiers and later evolved into the naginata.
Training Swords
To train effectively and safely — whether in historical battle or modern martial arts — Japanese warriors developed swords specifically for practice. These blades were not sharp, reducing the risk of injury and preserving the integrity of combat swords.
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Bokken (木剣)
The bokken, or bokutō, is a wooden katana replica used for sparring and forms practice. It was the preferred training weapon of the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi and remains the most recognized wooden sword today.
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Iaitō (居合刀)
The iaitō is a metal training sword with no sharpened edge, used by practitioners of iaidō — an art focused on smooth, controlled sword draws. Although not sharp, its pointed tip demands caution during use.
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Shinai (竹刀)
Made from slats of bamboo bound by leather, the shinai is designed for safe sparring. It’s the standard weapon in kendo training and allows for striking without injury — even when used without body armour.
While these are some of the most well-known examples, the variety of Japanese swords is vast. The art of Japanese swordsmithing is deeply rooted in tradition, with each sword crafted as both a weapon and a work of art — a lasting symbol of Japan’s timeless heritage.
