Wakizashi: The Samurai's Second Sword and True Personal Defense Blade

Wakizashi — Definition and Basic Specifications

Wakizashi refers to a Japanese sword with a blade length of 30 cm or more and less than 60 cm in the classification of firearms and sword registration. It is positioned as shorter than the uchigataana (blade length 60 cm or more) and longer than the tanto (blade length less than 30 cm).

The name "wakizashi" means "a sword worn at the side," and it functioned as a secondary sword or reserve sword (sub-sword) to the primary sword, the uchigataana.

To possess a Japanese sword, including a wakizashi, within the country, a registration certificate issued by the Board of Education is required. This means possession is recognized as a work of art and cultural property, not as a weapon, and wakizashi are also subject to this registration system.

The three classifications of uchigataana, wakizashi, and tanto are classifications based solely on blade length, not absolute boundaries determined by construction or use. Even works by the same swordsmith may be made to wakizashi dimensions depending on the order or historical context.

"Daishō" — Samurai Formal Dress and the Legal Status of Wakizashi

During the Edo period, when samurai appeared in public, it was stipulated that they wear "daishō" — two swords: the uchigataana (large sword) and wakizashi (small sword) at the waist. This was not merely armament, but a "proof" and "formal dress" of samurai status.

• Large sword (daitō): uchigataana. Blade length 60 cm or more. Primary combat sword
• Small sword (shotō): wakizashi. Blade length 30–60 cm. Secondary sword for self-defense, indoor use, and ceremonies

This "obligation to carry daishō" was permitted only to samurai (of samurai rank), and farmers, merchants, and craftspeople were generally prohibited from carrying swords (after the "Sword Hunt Edict"). Conversely, samurai were socially required to always carry daishō.

Often the daishō were matched with the same swordsmith and the same koshirae design, and this was called "daishōzoroi" (matched daishō). Unifying the koshirae design—such as tsuba, fuchi-kashira, menuki, and tsuka-ito—between the large and small swords was an important element in displaying samurai status.

The Practical Role of Wakizashi

Because the wakizashi was shorter than the uchigataana, it had the following practical advantages.

Indoor Self-Defense Sword

The uchigataana could get caught on pillars, sliding doors, and walls indoors, making it difficult to draw. The wakizashi, due to its shorter length, was suited for self-defense indoors and was also called "zashikigatana" (chamber sword).

Backup Weapon in Case of Losing the Main Sword

When the primary sword broke, was seized, or fell from its sheath during combat, the wakizashi served as an immediately usable backup weapon.

Tool for Seppuku

In seppuku, the self-immolation ritual of samurai, the wakizashi was often used rather than the tanto (though this varied by school and era). Especially from the mid-Edo period onward, the wakizashi became the official tool for seppuku.

Tool for Kaishakunin (Assisting in Seppuku)

For kaishakunin—the act of cutting the neck from behind to hasten death—the nimble wakizashi was used (because it was shorter than the uchigataana, it could be swung indoors).

Types and Specifications of Wakizashi

Subdivision of wakizashi by blade length:

• Ōwakizashi (large wakizashi): Blade length 55–60 cm. Similar in size to the uchigataana and usable as an independent weapon
• Chūwakizashi (medium wakizashi): Blade length 45–55 cm. The most standard wakizashi
• Kowakizashi (small wakizashi): Blade length 30–45 cm. Small, similar to the tanto, for self-defense and formal wear

Even within the category of "wakizashi," the ōwakizashi tends to emphasize combat effectiveness, while the kowakizashi emphasizes portability and ceremonial use, and the appropriate length varies depending on which use is prioritized when choosing.

Craftsmanship and Points of Appreciation in Wakizashi

For swordsmiths, the wakizashi was also an opportunity to attempt freer forms than the uchigataana.

Construction (cross-sectional form): Both hirazukuri and shinogizukuri are seen in wakizashi, but hirazukuri wakizashi have high thrusting performance and are often practical masterpieces.

Hamon (blade pattern): Because it is shorter than the katana, the entire hamon is easier to appreciate. Many masterpieces by master swordsmiths are wakizashi whose hamon beauty is comparable to that of the katana.

Nakago (tang): The nakago of the wakizashi is shorter than that of the uchigataana, but bears the smith's signature, date, and inscriptions for the owner.

Bōshi (point shape): The conclusion of the hamon at the tip. Because the distance to the tip is short in a wakizashi, the quality of the bōshi greatly influences the overall impression of the work.

How to Choose Wakizashi — Points to Consider When Appreciating and Purchasing

When choosing a wakizashi, first check the condition of the blade and the presence of accompanying certificates and koshirae.

• Presence of certificates: Certificates issued by appraisal organizations such as NBTHK (Japanese Sword and Art Sword Preservation Society) serve as documentation supporting the attribution to a swordsmith and period.
• Koshirae or shirasaya: Koshirae (fittings with tsuba, tsuka, and other exterior mounts) are for appreciation and carrying, while shirasaya (plain wooden storage sheath) prioritizes preservation of the blade.
• Presence or absence of signature: Evaluation differs depending on whether the tang bears a signature (mei) or is unsigned (mumei).
• Balance of blade length: The suitability for appreciation versus practical use (iaido and demonstration) varies depending on whether it falls into the ōwakizashi, chūwakizashi, or kowakizashi category.

Basic Storage and Maintenance of Wakizashi

Japanese swords, including wakizashi, dislike moisture most of all. The basics of storage are as follows.

1. Store in the sheath, in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight
2. Periodically remove from the sheath to inspect the blade, clean old oil with uchiko, and then apply a thin coat of clove oil
3. Do not touch the blade with bare hands; always handle through cloth or paper
4. If both koshirae and shirasaya are available, long-term storage should be done in the shirasaya

These are basic maintenance methods common to the uchigataana as well, but the wakizashi has the advantage of easier daily inspection because it is handled indoors more often.

Wakizashi in the Edo Period — Development as Works of Art

During the peaceful Edo period, practical combat use decreased, and the wakizashi developed in the direction of emphasizing artistic value. The splendor of the "koshirae" — tsuba, fuchi-kashira, menuki, and tsuka-ito — commissioned by daimyo from master craftsmen became one criterion for evaluating wakizashi.

Wealthy merchants in Edo were restricted from wearing swords, but some privileged merchants and village officials were allowed to carry wakizashi alone (a lower status than "myōji-taitō").

Many of the wakizashi that have come down to the present day were carefully made during this Edo period for appreciation and gift-giving purposes, and many are highly regarded for the sophistication of their koshirae design and the perfection of their hamon.

Conclusion — Wakizashi as "Partner," Not "Backup"

The wakizashi is often seen as supporting the primary uchigataana, but in reality, it served unique roles—self-defense, indoor use, and ceremony—that the uchigataana could not fulfill. In the sense that it was only with both daishō that a "complete samurai appearance" was achieved, the wakizashi should be called a "partner," not a "supporting player."