Wakizashi

The Wakizashi: Japan’s Shorter Sword

The Wakizashi is a shorter Japanese sword, typically measuring between 12 and 24 inches in length. Worn at the side within the obi (belt), it formed the daishō (“big-little”) pairing when accompanied by the Katana, symbolizing the dual-wielding set of the samurai. The Wakizashi became particularly popular among the working classes, who were prohibited from owning a Katana and instead chose the Wakizashi as a practical alternative.

Favoured for its manoeuvrability, the Wakizashi allowed for agile, close-quarter combat and was well-suited for one-handed use. Samurai often trained with a bokken (wooden sword) to master the handling of the Wakizashi and practiced tameshigiri cutting techniques to refine their precision and control.