Wakizashi
| Wakizashi | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | sword |
| Designations: | Shōtō |
| Use: | Weapon, traditional weapon |
| Creation time: | approx. 16th century |
| Working time: | until now |
| Region of origin / author: |
Japan , samurai |
| Distribution: | Japan , today worldwide |
| Overall length: | approx. 50 cm - 80 cm |
| Blade length: | approx. 30 cm - 60 cm |
| Handle: | Wood, metal, ivory , fish skin, silk |
| Particularities: | Together with the long sword Katana as Daisho worn |
| Lists on the subject | |
The wakizashi ( Japanese 脇 差 , dt. " Carried on the side") is also known as Shōtō ( 小刀 , dt. "Small sword") and is a Japanese sword similar to the katana , but with a shorter blade of one to a maximum of two Shaku , i.e. between 30 and 60 cm.
The wakizashi was a class-related weapon in the Japanese feudal system. Feudal men of honor, samurai , socially respected farmers and traders were allowed to run it. The long sword (the katana or the longer tachi ) was only allowed to carry the samurai class. Outside the house, both swords were carried together. This pair of swords is known as Daishō (大小, large and small ).
According to the samurai's code of honor ( Bushidō ), the wakizashi was used for ritual suicide ( Seppuku ) or to cut off the head of a killed enemy. It could also be used as a replacement sword in case the main weapon broke in combat. The long sword was usually put down inside buildings and only the wakizashi was kept in the belt ( obi ). When fighting in confined spaces, for example in smaller rooms or narrow hallways, the wakizashi was the weapon of choice, as the long sword would have required too much space. It is said that it was sometimes used at the same time as the katana in battle, i.e. a sword in each hand. This technique was made famous by Miyamoto Musashi . The niten Ichiryu is attributed to him.
A variant of the wakizashi is the so-called kodachi , which was usually more ornately decorated and was carried in a defensive hanger instead of an obi - a kind of wakizashi for official occasions.
See also
literature
- Werner Lind : The dictionary of martial arts . Sportverlag, Berlin 1999, ISBN 3-328-00838-1
