Wakizashi

The Wakizashi: A Shorter Japanese Sword

The Wakizashi is a shorter Japanese sword, typically measuring between 12 and 24 inches in length. Worn at the side in 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 gained particular popularity among the working classes, who were prohibited from owning a katana and instead opted for the Wakizashi as an alternative.

Favored for its maneuverability, the Wakizashi allowed for agile, close-quarter combat and was ideal 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.