The
Japanese Swords, later known as the Katana, was the primary weapon used throughout Japanese history. A Samurai or Japanese warlord was spiritually connected to the sword.
Every country has had its tales of amazing swords made by famous sword makers. It is not known exactly when the custom of wearing swords in Japan began. It is known that they were an important part of Japanese history and many swords are preserved at shrines throughout Japan.
From the early 1600s to the late 1800s the Japanese slowly ended the old sword traditions. During this time period many samurai gave up their swords or were forbidden to carry them. By 1867 wearing swords in public was banned and the military used guns in battle.
Japanese Sword Time line
Heian period (794-1185AD)
Kamakura period (1185-1392)
Yoshino period (1333-1393)
Muromachi period and the Age of Wars (1392-1477)
Edo period (1603-1867)
Types of Japanese Swords
Aikuchi
Bokken
Chokuto
Dotanuki
Katana
Ken
Kodachi
Nagamaki
Nodachi
Odachi
Shikomizue
Shinai
Tachi
Tanto
Wakizashi
Japanese Sword Makers
Ama-kuni of Yamato who lived about 700 A.D. was a celebrated sword maker
Shin-soku who lived at Usa no Mia of Buzen
Chara Taru dalyu Yasutsuna of Hoki
Ohara
Sane-mori is another celebrated sword smith
Mura-masa of Sejiu mura in Ise who lived about 1322 A.D.
