Swords are the most commonly used weapons in any anime. While most of the weapons are ordinary with no special abilities, there are certain swords in anime that are blessed with unique powers. Such swords are prized as they provide their users a significant advantage over their opponents in a fight.
But did you know that there are actually two types of such blades; the Katana and the Tachi. Every Otaku has an opinion on which of these two is the superior weapon so let us put this debate to bed once and for all.
Katana
History:
The Katana emerged in the Kamakura period, a time when close-quarters combat became more prevalent. Its efficient design and lethal precision quickly made it the samurai's primary weapon.
The word katana in Japanese means “sword,” “blade,” or “single-edged cutting tool.” In Japan, it is called “uchigatana” as it is carried with the edge up. The katana was not only used for self-defence. It was also used for kenjutsu, a martial art to maintain the samurai spirit. It also became a symbol of feudal Japan, valued as an art piece and for cultural significance.
Katanas are still made in Japan today, preserving the samurai traditions. They are also used in martial arts like Kendo and Iaido.
Blade:
The Katana is made from a high-carbon steel called tamahagane. The steel comes from iron sand called satetsu, which is turned into a blade with a sharp edge.
Some katana blades are flat, while others have a groove called ‘hi’ which decreases the sword’s weight and produces a distinctive sound when swung. This groove also adds to the sword’s look.
The part of the sword under the handle, has an inscription from their smiths called ‘mei’. The position of this inscription differs between the tachi and katana due to how they were carried. If the mei inscription is visible on the side facing you, it’s a katana.
The blade has a softer curve, great for slashing but also effective for stabbing. Its design allows for precise control to target vital points on the enemy. Its compact design and smooth unsheathing made it a powerful infantry and an everyday self-defence weapon. Even some later tachi designs were shortened to achieve these flexible combat traits of a katana. Because of its length, the Katana is also much lighter than the Tachi sword.
The katana was easy to carry and could be used on foot or in calvary for slashing. The katana’s design allowed it to become a primary weapon easily.
Hilt:
Both swords have handles long enough for two hands and have a round or square handguard, called tsuba, for protection. Katanas have small, hard-to-see pommels called kashira.
Scabbard:
The main difference between a tachi and a katana is how they are carried and shown off. The katana was worn with its sharp edge facing up. Both swords have wooden scabbards called ‘saya’, which could be simple or elaborate. Katana scabbards used a cord called ‘sageo’, and the sword was tucked into the belt or sash worn around the waist.
Anime Significance:
Katanas in anime mean more than just weapons. These weapons represent the characters’ courage, power, and honour. This symbolic representation of katanas has a lot of meaning attached to it, ultimately becoming a part of the character’s journey and personality, so fans connect with it.
From Ichigo in Bleach to Roronoa Zoro in One Piece, lots of anime protagonists wield Katanas as their weapon of choice, reducing entire armies to minced meat with a few strikes.
Tachi
History:
The tachi was a curved longsword first used by Japanese warriors in the late Heian period (794-1185). It was inspired by earlier, straight, single-edged swords called chokuto, similar to the Chinese dao.
After diplomatic ties with China ended, Japanese blacksmiths developed their own methods and styles for making swords. This led to the creation of the tachi, a curved sword initially used in ceremonies by the emperor and later becoming the main weapon of the samurai.
After the violent Sengoku Jidai period (1467-1615), the peaceful Edo Period (1603-1868) began. During this time, larger tachi swords were converted into katana blades, turning the tachi into a sword used mainly in ceremonies.
The name ‘Tachi’ is derived from the Japanese word meaning “to sever” or tachikiri, meaning “to cut in half” It may have also been influenced by China, coming to mean long sword.
Blade:
Tachis are also made from iron steel called tamahagane, similar to Katanas. Many of its features are similar to the other blade except for the fact that the curve of the sword is much more pronounced. The part of the sword under the handle had an inscription from their smiths called mei. If the inscription is not visible on the side facing you, the sword would be considered a Tachi.
The tachi has a significant curve, better suited for slashing rather than thrusting. Its longer curve and handle made it perfect for attacks in cavalry. However, in one on one combat, the wielder is bound to suffer from a significant disadvantage.
Hilt:
The tachi has fittings called ‘koshirae’. Its handle is covered with ray skin wrapped with silk, leather, or cotton which is in various patterns.Tachi fittings vary in combat and ceremonial use, with popular types including the early kenuki gata–tachi, ceremonial kazari–tachi, and the war-ready kawa–tutsumi–tachi.
Scabbard:
Tachi scabbards have straps called ashi, where the sword hangs from the belt.
Anime Significance:
There are not that many instances of Tachi blades being used in the anime universe since they are more effective as ceremonial tools rather than weapons.
That being said, you have to wonder how some swordsmen would fare if their katanas were replaced by Tachis. Food for thought!
Conclusion
The tachi sword is perfect for calvary but has limitations in versatility. The katana was a reliable sidearm in combat. The katana would likely be the victor in an unarmored duel due to its flexibility and design.
