The Imjin War of 1592 and 1597 The Japanese Invasions of Korea or the Imjin war is separated into two linked operations: the first one that happened in 1592, and the second invasion in 1597. This conflict ended in 1598 when the Japanese forces withdrew from Korea. This was after a military stalemate with the […]
The Rich History of the Samurai’s Primary Sword, the Katana
History of Katana The Katana is a classic Japanese sword. The Samurai were the ones who utilized this in battle. The sword had a strikingly unique exterior. Its blade had an arch and was singe-edged. Compared to other swords of that time, the Katana Tsuba either had a circular or squared shape. It was the […]
The Significance of Naginata in Battles, Women, Status, Discipline and Martial Arts
The Japanese Naginata Japanese Naginata were essential pieces for achieving victory in battles. These are works of art by the prominent warriors of Japan’s feudal period. Onna Bugeisha – a female warrior coming from the Japanese aristocracy is famous for using the iconic Naginata. What is the Naginata? The Naginata is another variant of the […]
Overview of the Japanese Samurai Throughout History: Principles, Weapons, Battles and Aftermath
Overview of the Japanese Samurai The Japanese Samurai, members of the country’s most powerful and prominent military caste, were originally provincial warriors. This was before they rose to power during the 12th century. It was also the beginning of the country’s first military dictatorship, the Shogunate. As servants under the Daimyo, these warriors backed up […]
The Main Weapons of the Samurai – More than Just Swordsmen
The Main Weapons of the Samurai The known main Samurai weapons of Fuedal Japan includes the Katana and the Wakizashi – two swords that represented their class in the society. The Samurai were the warriors of feudal Japan. They completed the ruling military class that turned into the highest-ranking caste in the Edo period. Aside […]
Wakizashi Sword and Its History
Wakizashi Sword The Wakizashi sword is one of the most important weapons of the samurai warrior. It was the backup sword that was paired with the Katana. By law, only members of the Samurai caste were allowed to carry both swords as a daisho. Similar to the Katana, the Wakizashi is a classic nihonto with […]
The Japanese Shirasaya Sword Mounting
The Japanese Shirasaya The Japanese Shirasaya is a special sword mounting that was used by the Samurai to store a blade that is not in use, its elegancy and simplicity made it one of the most sought after Japanese swords collectors are after. What is a Shirasaya? In order to explain what is a Shirasaya, […]
The Nagamaki Sword – The God of War and His Nagamaki Elite Guard
The Nagamaki Sword One of the least known Nihonto used by the Samurai in the Warring period of Japan is the Nagamaki, The Nagamaki is distinguished by its considerably longer handle that sometimes can match the blade length. The Nagamaki translates to a long wrapping. It is a kind of nihonto or classically-made sword and […]
Nodachi Sword – The Great Battlefield Sword History
The Great Battlefield Sword – The Japanese Nodachi In history, the samurai warriors fought on the battlefield wielding different types of deadly swords. The most famous one was the katana, yet there were other notable blades that were used. One of these was the nodachi which was known as a field sword. The Nodachi was […]