The Japanese Katana is a symbol of the country’s long and rich history stretching all the way back to the Kamakura period in the 12th century. It was a weapon that could only be mastered by the most disciplined samurai and for this reason, it remains still a cultural artifact of Japanese history.
Now, when it comes to Japanese media, especially in Anime, the Katana is infused with mystical properties granting it exceptional power. Two anime in specific, Demon Slayer and One Piece, both are known to be very imaginative when it comes to the swords department.
What is surprising is that, even in series that are as different as Demon Slayer and One Piece, where one is about a world infested by blood-sucking demons and the other is about a world where piracy dominates the world, the Katana is the one common presence that unites them and allows them to celebrate this brilliant cultural artifact of their country of origin.
But of course, we gotta compare em to see who’s better. Not the anime, but the swords. This article is all about comparing the abilities and characteristics of the Katana used in both series and trying to come to a conclusion on which Katana is superior!
Katana In Demon Slayer
Origins
In Demon Slayer, the Katana are known as Nichirin Blades, katanas forged with a type of Crimson Sand only found on Sunlight Mountain, making their exposure to sunlight so permanent that it allows them to absorb light.
They are incredibly light-weight due to the “hi” groove and every Hashira’s Blade is inscribed with a mei that says “Destroyer of Demons”.
In essence, the Nichirin takes on the distinctive color of the Breathing Style technique of its user. For instance, Giyu has a Blue blade because of his Water Breathing style!
Abilities and Techniques
The strength of a Katana is tied to the experience of its user, their self-discipline, and their relationship with the blade itself. These are the principles of the sacred art of Kenjutsu and are transcribed into Demon Slayer’s Nichirin Blades as well.
Firstly, a Nichirin is capable of disintegrating a demon due to its ability to absorb sunlight.
Secondly, their light-weight is complimented by a tsuba, or a handguard, which allows the blade to stick to its user and not cause self-harm.
Most importantly, however, the blade takes on the ability of its user and allows them to make full use of their breathing techniques. For instance, Giyu’s sword allows him to engage in fluid and quick attacks while Inosuke’s rugged and blunt dual-katanas allow him to engage in chaotic attacks resembling his Beast Breathing style. Therefore, the synergy between the user and his breathing style enhances the blade's strength by making it more versatile and adaptable.
Katana in One Piece
Origins
The katana in One Piece borrows much more from classical Japanese tradition. They are known for their distinctive styles and their swordsmith; for instance, the swords of Shimotsuki Kozaburo are very well appreciated and part of the Great Blades (Saijo O Wazamono).
These great blades are the highest Katana in One Piece and are wielded by the strongest swordsmen of the series; for instance, Mihawk uses the Yoru, Zoro uses Enma and Shusui, and Roger used Ace.
Abilities and Techniques
Just like in Demon Slayer, swords in One Piece are also associated with their users strength; most particularly, their haki and devil fruit abilities. For example, many sword users like Mihawk and Zoro managed to infuse armament Haki onto their weapons which enables them to cut across metal and even entire islands.
In One Piece, the value of a swordsman is extremely high and therefore only those who have proved their worth are allowed to wield one of the Great 21 Blades!
However, some have other unique properties too. For example, Cursed Swords such as the Sandai Kitetsu have a history of tragedy associated with users and this can follow on to existing users as well.
Secondly, there are Named Swords such as Enma which store the spirits and ambitions of previous users, making them hard to wield but also grant its user with immense power once they have made peace with their sword.
These supernatural elements are also a homage to the importance that the lineage of a katana had in Samurai Culture, where the swords of feudal lords and great warriors were only passed down to those considered able to carry on their historical lineage.
So Who Wins?
In Demon Slayer, the blade is very much connected to the soul of its user, granting it versatility by allowing it’s user to shape the Katana to it’s will. In this sense, the Demon Slayer Nichirin Blades are more powerful in that they have limitless potential depending on the will of its user.
In One Piece, a Katana is central to the identity of one’s character but it also has a soul of its own which a user must grasp and internalize before it can be shaped. For example, it took Zoro quite a lot of time to tame Enma and Shisui to his will.
However, swords in One Piece are also categorized according to ability. The 21 Great Blades accord their user not just the power of the sword but also of those who have wielded it historically. This means that in terms of durability and strength, a One Piece katana definitely takes the win!
